Many couples plan one last vacation without a child during pregnancy.
When should pregnant women travel?
In general, the best time to go on vacation is between the fifth and seventh months of pregnancy. The problems of the first trimester with nausea and increased tiredness are then over. But on the other hand, mobility is not as severely restricted as in the last months of pregnancy due to the growing belly. In addition, the risk of a miscarriage or premature birth is lowest during this period.
Train transport: What are suitable travel destinations?
It is important that the vacation should be gentle on the mother-to-be. An extreme change in climate is therefore just as unsuitable as an exhausting adventure holiday or a round trip.
Above all, speak against tropical vacation destinations
- The long flight time
- The high temperatures
- The risk of infection with various germs with mostly poor medical care
Even banal diarrhoea poses an unnecessary risk for mother and child during pregnancy. In addition, some of the vaccinations and preventive measures recommended for long-distance travel, such as malaria prophylaxis and yellow fever vaccination, are not allowed during pregnancy.
Travel destinations in Central Europe are well suited. Expectant mothers should check bahn auskunft before going on a trip. On a beach holiday, it is particularly important that the expectant mother does not expose her stomach to the blazing sun, as the skin is more sensitive than usual. Overall, she should not spend too much time in the direct sun without protection, as the heat puts additional stress on the circulation. However, swimming is possible until the end of pregnancy.
Extreme climbing tours in the mountains are unsuitable. Apart from the risk of accidents, many pregnant women cannot stand the thinner air at an altitude of over 2,000 meters and react with considerable circulatory problems. However, there is nothing to be said against leisurely hiking on paved paths without steep inclines.
Travelling by train: The better alternative during pregnancy
The train is ideal for longer distances. Here, pregnant women have enough space to occasionally change their sitting position or maybe even put their feet up. Plus, you can walk around anytime. However, pregnant mothers should definitely reserve a seat in advance and avoid peak times if possible.