Whether you are visiting family, planning a babymoon, or need to travel for work, here are a few tips that will keep expecting Kigali Moms comfortable, safe, and happy on any plane ride!
As always, please consult your doctor before flying and remember that each airline has different rules around flying while pregnant. Be sure to check with your airline before booking or heading to the airport.
1. Bring a Large Water Bottle
If you’re allowed to carry it on to the plane (for international flights to the US, you won’t be allowed to bring a full water bottle onto the plane, even if you purchased it after security) fill it up before getting on to the plane and keep refilling it during the flight.
It’s so important to stay hydrated while flying, especially when you’re pregnant. If you’re normally the type to avoid drinking too much water to avoid the airplane bathroom, now’s the time to stop!
2. Keep Your Blood Circulating
Flying increases your risk of blood clots. And unfortunately, so does pregnancy. Keep your blood circulating and try to stand up, stretch, and walk a bit at least once an hour when you’re not sleeping.
You should also pick up a pair of compression stockings. While they may not be the most stylish thing in your maternity wardrobe, they’ll help you prevent blood clots and deep vein thrombosis (both of which pregnant women are more prone to).
3. Pack Snacks
Especially if you have food aversions or have cravings, you’ll want to pack your own food and snacks. The last thing you want is to end up hungry and grumpy on a flight, so pack a few extra snacks than you think you’ll need. This will also come in handy when after the flight, you end up hungry and still have another train or car ride from the airport.
4. Travel with a Friend
When I traveled alone, I kept thinking about how much I wish my husband could have been with me. Flights (especially in economy) can be uncomfortable and it’s so much nicer to fly when you have someone to help you carry your bags, let you sleep on their shoulder, and who won’t be too upset if you constantly wake them up for a bathroom break.
A partner, spouse or friend also makes travel less stressful and can keep you from feeling overwhelmed if you’re running late to the airport or in between flights.
5. Pack a Pillow
This has really just become my life motto during pregnancy. Give me all the pillows. When sleeping, when camping, when flying. I used the free little airplane pillow, brought my own travel sized pillow, and stole my husband’s travel pillow too when I could.