Participating in the ‘Durga Puja’ or ‘Navaratri’ celebration, pandal-hopping in the crowd may not be a safe treatment for the baby in you, during your pregnancy. However, you can make the celebrations soulful by planning to travel with your spouse as well as your family. (Remember, you cannot travel alone).
You can visit a relative or friend’s place – anywhere in or out of town. Alternatively, just for the sake of enjoyment, you can plan to travel out of town. Perhaps among the rolling seas or the cloudy mountains, you, the baby inside you and your partner will feel cheerful.
Only, remember, wherever you go – the unparalleled splendor and magnificence of Indian celebrations will always remain unchanged.
But, how do you make your pregnancy trips safe during the festivals?
Here’s everything you need to know when planning a trip with your partner and family this holiday season:
Traveling by Road during Festivals
If you are visiting a friend or relative’s place not far from yours, a car ride may be convenient. Driving a car will allow you to take breaks whenever you need them.
Not only that:
- While traveling by car, you can sit comfortably. But sitting for long hours with your bulging baby, weight gain and shifted center of gravity can strain and ache your back and legs. You can push your car seat back while traveling and have enough room to stretch your legs and keep back pain lower. Don’t forget to bring a pillow or pillow suitable for pregnancy.
- Don’t you love colorful pandals, decoration of lights and music, from your childhood? You can still feel the same innocent feeling and smile on your face every time you get out of the car to rest and enjoy the decoration around you. (Be careful about the music that reaches your ears. While listening to music has its benefits during pregnancy, loud music from loudspeakers may not be good for you or your baby).
- Bring juices, smoothies or some cool drinks or some drinks that are safe for your pregnancy. In between drinks, if you want to have some coffee, keep it to a minimum. Try not to have more than 2 cups. Also have a bag of herbal tea with you. You can replace the second cup of coffee with herbal tea. Also, grab some homemade snacks for your pregnancy cravings.
- Wearing comfortable cotton maternity clothes is the norm while you’re expecting. While traveling, you must follow the rule. You can manage to look good at the same time by making empire waist dresses your best friend. Funky jewelry and bags with it. You can also wear a nice pair of pregnancy-friendly shoes (but no heels). You can get down in style in front of the best themed pandals and have a photo shoot with your partner and if you have a family member coming with you.
- Keep the seat belt under your abdomen at all times. Your seat belt shouldn’t hurt your tummy.
- Research your route well in advance, before you start the journey. Keep the route you share with your friend or relative. Keep your site active. If your relatives know, they will always advise you to avoid bumpy roads. Jerking is not good for your pregnancy health.
- Try to visit the bathroom if you feel the urge to urinate (check for cleanliness), every time you get out of the car to rest.
- Keep your prenatal medical history with you.
- Keep your mobile phones always charged. Who knows when an emergency will pop up while you’re traveling?
Traveling by train or plane during Festivals
However, if you plan to meet a distant relative – perhaps out of town, you may need to take the train or fly. Traveling by train or plane can take longer than expected. Take these precautions before starting your trip:
- Get a thorough round of checks from your doctor.
- Carry a travel kit in which you will have your test reports, medicines, IDs and cord blood bank kit with you. However, you must ensure that all documents are valid by the time you finish your trip.
- You may not be able to sit for long hours, but getting up and walking briskly around the apartment or airplane aisle can be beneficial for your leg muscles. Alternatively, just try some stretching exercises while sitting for so many hours.
- Try to avoid lifting heavy bags as there may be a risk of premature labor or miscarriage.
Indian festivals are an exchange of love, gifts, fun and laughter. This is the happiest time of the year that no one wants to miss. You may have started your pregnancy journey, it’s been several months now. It can be a tiring journey and full of challenges, but you can also participate. All you need to do is follow the above mentioned precautions for the hassle free trip you are planning. However, you don’t need to forget to consult your health professional before starting the trip. Have a nice trip!
