Life Hacks For Traveling While Pregnant

Baby Center, a helpful resource for new moms and expectant mothers, has put together an awesome list of strategies for travel loving pregnant chicks like me.

Some of the tips are obvious like reducing our stress and avoiding risky activities. Others are definitely things I needed to be reminded about.

For instance…

• Conserve your energy

Just because you're pregnant doesn't mean you can't enjoy an active vacation or take a productive business trip. You can still pursue many of your normal activities, whether they include hiking, visiting museums, or dining out.

Just keep in mind that you'll probably tire more quickly than you did before you were pregnant, so don't expect to maintain your usual pace. And remember to make downtime part of your daily schedule whenever possible. Taking a bath, napping, putting your feet up, reading on the beach, and even spending a quiet evening in the hotel and ordering room service can keep you feeling rested and energized throughout your trip.'

I tend to plan lots of activities for our vacations. I want to see and do it all! I'm so afraid I'll miss something amazing. This year, I'm going to do my best to take it slow and truly enjoy a few activities rather than trying to cram everything in. That way, I'll conserve my energy and hopefully not come home feeling like I need another vacation to recuperate.

Baby Center also suggests:

• Prepare for pit stops

As an expectant mom, you're probably running to the bathroom three or four times more often than usual. Airplane facilities are cramped and public restrooms can be dirty, so when you happen upon a clean, comfortable bathroom, use it. Even when the facilities are less than luxurious, it's best to play it safe and go with whatever's available because you never know when or where your next opportunity might be.

Try to plan ahead as much as possible. Take advantage of highway rest stops or time before boarding the plane to make a preemptive pit stop. When planning your car trip, factor in plenty of time for frequent bathroom breaks.

No matter where your trip takes you, it's a good idea to be prepared. Some women find it helpful to pack emergency toilet paper, sanitary wipes, and antibacterial hand cleaner.

When flying or taking trains or buses, take the aisle seat so you can get to the restroom without having to climb over other passengers. Seats near the front or rear of the plane are usually closest to the restrooms.

Make it easy to answer nature's call by wearing clothes that you can quickly shed. Choose separates or dresses. When you're in a rush, the fewer fasteners, the better.

• Pamper your feet and legs

Sitting for long periods of time can make your feet and ankles swell and your legs cramp. When you're driving, take breaks at least every 90 minutes to stretch and walk around. If there's an empty seat next to you on a plane, train, or bus, go ahead and put your feet up.

When flying, take off your shoes and put on a pair of thick socks or slippers that you can walk around in. Elevate your legs by resting your feet on your carry-on luggage under the seat in front of you. Since your feet will probably swell whether or not you take off your shoes, wear comfortable footwear.

Pregnancy puts a strain on your circulation, which can leave you susceptible to thrombosis (the formation of blood clots) and varicose veins. Sitting for hours in transit when pregnant further increases your risk of clots.

Don't stay stationary for extended periods of time – keep your blood circulating by strolling the aisle or getting out of the car every hour, and doing some simple stretches every 30 minutes. Try this: From a sitting or standing position, extend your leg – heel first – and gently point and flex your foot to stretch your calf muscles. Then, while seated, rotate your ankles and wiggle your toes.

If you're prone to varicose veins, wear maternity support panty hose, which relieve swelling and aching in your legs by strategically compressing the veins to keep blood flowing.

For the traveling mom-to-be, nothing is more important than wearing comfortable, supportive footwear. The best shoes or sandals have a contoured footbed to help prevent aches and a thick, skid-resistant sole for good traction and support. Sneakers built for high-impact aerobic sports fit the bill; strappy high heels and mules don't.

Bring an extra pair of shoes to give your feet some variety, and blister pads, too, since even broken-in footwear can rub your feet the wrong way.

I've already highlighted all the nice places to stop along our route to the beach. Our trip might take a little longer, but I'll be more comfortable and that means my husband won't have to listen to me complain along the way, so in the long run everyone will be happier.

I'm also taking the time to be sure I have a few supportive pairs of shoes and comfortable clothing rather than just cute beach clothes that might not be very comfy and matching flip flops that, while cute, won't provide enough support for my swelling feet.

I'm also limiting the number of destinations where we will need to do a lot of walking.  Instead, I'm choosing locations that are close together or have free parking.

Need more travel life hacks for expectant moms? Check out all 8 strategies for smart travel when you're pregnant at Baby Center.