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Following proper planning and advice, travel during pregnancy is not a problem. Consider the stage of your pregnancy, any issues or problems your doctor has indicated and your own physical and emotional condition so that you ensure your baby and you remain healthy.

Also, talk to your doctor about visits or tests you need to schedule, so that you are not away during the time these are to take place. Prenatal visits, scheduled ultrasound tests, glucose screening tests or Rh immunoglobulin injections (for those whose blood type is Rh negative).

So, you've performed the above, your doctor says you can go, you need to compile a list of phone numbers and contacts to bring with you. Using this list other travelers or health care professionals can be guided should you encounter any pregnancy related health problems.

This information should include: %u2022 Your name, age and blood type, and any medications you are taking, as well as your health care insurance information. Also include your due date, the date of your most recent doctor appointment, any allergies you may have to medication or foods, and any immunizations you may have had before travel %u2022 Your doctor's name and contact information %u2022 Any doctor's name and phone number you may be using while you are away from home %u2022 Emergency contact information for your family (include more than one contact)

Take adequate pregnancy vitamins, medications (prescription or otherwise) so you are covered for the duration of your trip. Obtain health insurance that will cover all eventualities during travel including complications, your entire pregnancy and birth plus make sure there aren't any small print clauses regarding travel in certain countries.

Your pregnancy could involve unforeseen health issues that may necessitate altering travel plans or could add extra expenses so make sure your travel insurance will cover these. Included in this cover should be any pregnancy and emergency transportation. Ensure you bring a cell phone and make any alterations required so it will work in all countries on your itinerary.

You can plan normal activities while you are traveling, but understand that you are likely to get tired more quickly when you are pregnant, so plan for extra rest during each travel day. Take advantage of the facilities and relax on the beach, get room service or watch a pay per view movie in your room. Eating healthy is important, and your schedule is likely to be different on the road, so take nuts, dry fruit, and cheese and crackers with you. Drink plenty of water and avoid dehydration, especially if you are flying to your destination.

Take your bathroom schedule into consideration. As an expectant mother, you are likely to need to use the bathroom often. Don't plan vacation or travel activities that require you to be out in the middle of nowhere, away from facilities. And plan extra time for 'pit stops' if you are traveling by car. Remember that your feet and legs are likely to swell during pregnancy if you are sitting for long periods of time. Wear comfortable, expandable shoes and socks and elevate your feet whenever possible. Get up and walk around whenever you can on a plane, train or bus and if you are traveling by car, be sure to walk around a bit when you stop to use the bathroom.

If you are traveling to a foreign country, you and your doctor will have to consider any vaccines you will require to determine whether they are safe to administer during pregnancy. Avoid live vaccines like varicella for chicken pox, measles, mumps, and rubella. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report no fetal damage from live vaccines, but they admit that their information is limited, so these vaccines should still be considered risky. Vaccines for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A, and tetanus, are safe and recommended for pregnant women at risk of getting these diseases.

In many developing countries local healthcare and the quality of available food and water are questionable. When pregnant you should try to avoid traveling to such regions. If you are traveling to a hot, humid destination, avoid yeast infections by wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothes, and cotton underwear. Wet swimming suits should be removed as soon as possible and it might be an idea to suggest bringing some anti-fungal cream to your doctor.

Avoid risky activities, especially late in pregnancy: snow skiing, water skiing, surfing, horseback riding, parasailing, scuba diving, water slides and some more extreme amusement park rides. You may also wish to avoid very hot saunas and hot tubs, as they elevate your temperature beyond what is normal in a regular bath. You can walk and hike at low altitudes, swim in calm waters (not in heavy surf or rapids), ride a stationary or regular bike, exercise in the hotel gym (if you have been used to exercising before and during your pregnancy) and jog if you jogged before pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about your planned activities before you leave for travel or vacation.

Box clever. Don't be afraid to take a rest if you feel you are overdoing it and feel dizzy, tired or overheated. Indigestion and bloating can be a huge problem when traveling due to changes in diet and eating patterns. Eat little and often. Never eat just before turning in allowing at least 2 hours for digestion. Prop yourself up on pillows in bed. Foods to avoid include spicy, chocolate, acidic foods, fruits and liquids, alcohol, caffeine and fizzy drinks such as pop. Keeping active will help keep things moving in your digestive region and fill up on high fiber foods to alleviate constipation etc.

Avoid motion sickness by sitting in the front seat of the car and keeping the window open to get plenty of fresh air. In an airplane, sit over the wing, and on a boat, try to stay on the deck and focus on the horizon. You can try wearing a specially designed wristband to deliver mild electrical current to a nerve at an acupuncture point on the underside of your wrist. Studies show that this device helps some pregnant women with morning sickness and motion sickness.

If you follow these suggestions, you should have a pleasant and healthy trip. Listen to your doctor and if they recommend that you don't travel..don't. It is best to put off the trip for another time after the baby is born, rather than to risk your health and the health of your unborn child!

Get the support and information you need for a safe and healthy pregnancy at HealthyPregnancys.com. Check it out at: Pregnancy.