Avoid Bumpy Roads and Remote Locations
Avoid extremely bumpy roads, and save the off-roading until after the baby is born. Also don't travel to extremely remote areas where medical care may be difficult to find in case of an emergency.
Unless you take a blow to the abdomen or bounce on your belly, your unborn baby is very well protected. The amniotic sac filled with fluid acts as a protective barrier, as does your uterine muscles, and abdominal cavity.
However, it is advisable to avoid water skiing or riding speedboats if you're pregnant. Bumpy rides and big waves can harm you and your child easily when riding these particular boating contraptions. Since the coast guard will not always be at your beck and call, it is better to be on the safe side.
Any ride with sudden drops, jerky turns, or lots of force on the body increases the risk of placental abruption, which can be life-threatening for a baby.
The main symptom of placental abruption is vaginal bleeding. You also may have pain, contractions, discomfort and tenderness or sudden, ongoing belly or back pain. Sometimes, these symptoms may happen without vaginal bleeding because the blood is trapped behind the placenta.
In that case she will be asked to rest for a few days. You should not climb stairs in the first three months of pregnancy - False! Travelling in an autorickshaw or on bumpy roads can lead to a miscarriage - Not true! You should avoid intercourse in the first three months because it may lead to a miscarriage - Not true.
As long as you're having a healthy pregnancy (and your baby is not due too soon), car trips are likely fine. Still, it's always best to check with your doctor to make sure your trip won't conflict with any prenatal visits.
We might as well say it straight away, pregnancy specialists, gynaecologists, midwives, obstetricians and others are categorical: no scientific evidence has shown that a car journey can cause problems during pregnancy or lead to premature delivery.
Placental abruption increases the risk of your baby being born prematurely. It may also affect your baby's growth. Sadly, a very small number of babies do not survive placental abruption and may be stillborn.
Even in your third trimester of pregnancy, bending is still considered safe for your baby. You'll probably find it becomes increasingly difficult for you, though, if not impossible. Apart from your extra body weight, the size of your belly is increasing.
Depending on your stage of pregnancy, your body type, and even the time of day, sometimes your belly will feel soft and other times it will feel tight and hard. The reality is, there's no normal to compare yourself with. Pregnant bellies come in all shapes, sizes, and firmness.
If you are without complications, traveling up to 36 weeks by car or air is acceptable as long as you are aware of the potential risks. Complications such as hypertension, preterm labor, and premature rupture of membranes often come without warning and can occur quickly requiring medical attention.
Whether traveling by plane or car, pregnant women are apt to be sitting for long periods. "For a four- or five-hour drive I would advise pregnant women to get out of the car every hour and a half and walk for one minute," Pupkin says.
It's best to avoid long car journeys if you're pregnant. However, if it can't be avoided, make sure you stop regularly and get out of the car to stretch and move around. You can also do some exercises in the car (when you're not driving), such as flexing and rotating your feet and wiggling your toes.
Consider traveling when it best fits your infant's schedule
If you are traveling for a few hours, consider an early morning trip when your baby may still be sleeping, or during longer nap times. For longer trips, consider driving at night when your baby is normally asleep for the night.
First Trimester (0 to 13 Weeks)
The first trimester is the most crucial to your baby's development. During this period, your baby's body structure and organ systems develop. Most miscarriages and birth defects occur during this period. Your body also undergoes major changes during the first trimester.
Certain uterine conditions or weak cervical tissues (incompetent cervix) might increase the risk of miscarriage. Smoking, alcohol and illicit drugs. Women who smoke during pregnancy have a greater risk of miscarriage than do nonsmokers. Heavy alcohol use and illicit drug use also increase the risk of miscarriage.
Avoid amusement park rides, water slides and roller coasters. Forceful landings and sudden sharp stops can hurt your baby.
Going over a pothole can't cause a miscarriage. If you are having pain, it will be totally unrelated.
Dr Nikhil Datar, gynaecologist at Nanavati Hospital, said bad roads could be a precipitating factor in miscarriages. “We get patients who have been involved in accidents because of potholes and have had miscarriages or have started bleeding when the jolt was very bad.
Pregnancy is very safe inside the womb and is not affected by gravity. Progesterone hormone keeps the pregnancy safe inside the uterus and tightens the mouth of the uterus. Simple jerks, travel, climbing stairs, driving or exercising cannot cause abortion.
Advanced maternal age – older mothers are at increased risk of a range of pregnancy complications, including placental abruption. Prior pregnancy – the risk increases the more pregnancies a woman has had.
You may experience sudden or sharp pain, cramping, or tenderness in your lower pelvic region or back during a placental abruption. You could also feel less movement from the fetus. You should discuss these symptoms with your healthcare provider immediately.