Pregnancy doesn’t need to prevent women from pursuing their passion!
Pregnancy comes with many joys as well as some complications: you may have to rethink your eating habits, adjust your travel plans, or give up a glass of wine or two. Notice how I said “may have to”.
For most matters, your doctor is the only one that can give you the thumbs up, as pregnancies vary from woman to woman.
Nonetheless, there are numerous myths about pregnancy that are commonly believed. Many of these mislead passionate travelers, convincing them that travelling during pregnancy is off-limits.
Pregnancy doesn’t need to prevent women from pursuing their passion!
With a little extra care, you can avoid the seemingly harmless actions that put your baby at risk and enjoy the rest of your journey.
Myth: Flying while pregnant during first trimester is the safest time to travel
Fact: Travelling in your first trimester can actually turn in a rather uncomfortable experience.
Not only do road trips and plane rides increase feelings of nausea, but they can also cause motion sickness.
Also, the first 14 weeks of pregnancy are a crucial period, in which the incidence of miscarriage is rather high.
It is preferable to stay close to your trusted Ob-gyn and delay your travels.
For most matters, your doctor is the only one that can give you the thumbs up, as pregnancies vary from woman to woman.
Myth: pregnant women cannot fly during their third trimester.
Fact: most airlines let ladies fly up to 37 weeks of pregnancy, though they often require from those who are close to their due date to hand in a fit to fly certificate issued by an Ob-gyn before departure.
If you are away from home, you just need to find an English speaking gynecologist who can see you a few days before your flight. In general, it is not advisable to travel during the last month of pregnancy as you may go unexpectedly into labor…
I bet you’d wish to be close to home, to your loved ones and to your trusted obstetrician.
Myth: airports’ metal detectors emit electromagnetic fields that are dangerous for an unborn baby
Fact: the radiation generated by metal detectors is so low that it does not represent a threat for women flying occasionally during pregnancy. Frequent travelers can track their level of exposure to radiations on the Federal Aviation Administration website. The limit considered safe for pregnant women is 1 millisievert, or mSv.
Myth: pregnant women should not wear seat belts as these can harm the unborn baby
Fact: not wearing seat belts is a major risk for yours and your baby’s health.
Wearing seat belts, in fact, only represents a threat if not done correctly.
Keep in mind that lap belts should be placed under the abdomen, as low as possible, while shoulder belts should be placed below your breast and above your belly.
Myth: pregnant women should change their walking habits, as walking for too long may affect the baby’s health
Fact: walking is actually a great way to stay fit during pregnancy, and has many health benefits. For instance, did you know that walking can lower your risk of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia?
There are a few things you may want to do before embarking on your vacation in Italy:
How safe your trip will be depends partially on the country you are visiting.
Travelling to Italy will not be as risky as traveling to an exotic location in the jungle.
Why? Non-drinkable water and infectious diseases, common in many countries, to name a few. Vaccinations may be required to visit some countries and not all of them are safe for pregnant women.
Check your visiting country immunization requirements at: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/.
In general, the rule of thumb for all pregnant women should be to disregard all non-medical advice and always ask a doctor: no one knows what’s best for you and your baby better than your ob-gyn!
If you have any questions of wish to have a check up with an English speaking obgyn in Italy, you can find one with DoctorsinItaly!
This article was written, curated, and updated by the DoctorsinItaly team, as part of our efforts to share relevant and current information on health and wellness related topics, as well as on life as an expat or traveler in Italy.
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