Travelling pregnant-top tips??

[Flowersandrainbows2017]

Hi everyone!
So I’m going on holiday to Portugal on Thursday when I’ll be 12+2. Feeling fine, no bleeding, been ok’d to go etc, really looking forward to the break, but I’m a little bit nervous and looking for advice for anyone who has done it, in case there’s any top tips I should be aware of!
Things that are making me nervous:
-something going wrong with the pregnancy while I’m out of the country (obviously number 1 concern!): I have travel insurance and my EIHC card and I guess I could call the midwife if I need advice?
-getting ill-ie diarrhoea or something: I usually would carry Imodium or something just in case (even tho I rarely get ill!) but obviously can’t now, anything else I should take with me instead? Will obviously take extra care what I eat and drink plenty of bottled water
-does flying seem to cause any cramps or spotting or anything that might freak me out, but is generally ok?
-anything else I should know/do?

Oh and what about insect repellent?! Can I use any?

Thanks everyone, I’m such a worry wart!!! People travel all the time I know! Hell, if Meghan Markle was allowed to fly to Oz at a similar stage of pregnancy it must be ok, right!

I came across this blog the other day... might be useful. She g

annaeverywhere.com/traveling-while-pregnant/

I went to Berlin when I was 16 weeks and Tenerife when I was 27 weeks and no advice or top tips as it was no different to travelling when not pregnant other than I didn't drink alcohol. Enjoy your hols.

Oops..
she details her own experience throughout pregnancy.

Make sure you have decent travel insurance that covers pregnant

Wear flight socks and get plenty of fluid

Make sure you don't lever don't in the heat.

Take your maternity notes!

We flew to Nice / went to Monaco at 15 weeks no problem. Midwife just advised flight socks, fluids and maternity notes.

Check the T&Cs of which ever airline you're flying with as some will need a fit to fly letter but this is t usually until after 28 weeks.
I was 30+6 there and 31+6 coming back with easyjet. They didn't need a letter and I felt absolutely fine on the flights. I just felt baby wriggling a bit more. We only went to Spain and I didn't do anything different. I think if I had ended up with diarrhoea over there I would have just let it run it's course. Even not pregnant I would only take Imodium as a last resort because I always felt that it was best to let your body flush the toxins out.

Where are you travelling to? You shouldn't need to worry unless it's a malaria endemic country or one with the Zika virus. You could ask a pharmacist what, if anything, they could recommend you take with you.

I'm now 29 weeks and I have taken 15 flights this pregnancy - 8 long haul and 7 short haul.
Wear your compression socks, get an aisle seat so you can go to the toilet (not so much of a problem at 12 weeks but a much bigger problem at 29 weeks!!!), drink lots of fluid (adds to the toilet breaks too), take snacks.
Once you get to your destination, just be careful - no salads, no ice and stay cool but you should be fine!
Everyone is different and for some people flying is the last thing they want to do but for me it was no problem. I needed my letter from 26 weeks onwards but not before
Have a good time!

Very similar to what PP have said. Flight socks, good insurance, plenty of water and take your notes. I found the travelling wiped me out more when I was pregnant but I went long haul. Be mindful that your skin will be more sensitive to sun and don't get too hot/overheat. The shade is your friend, perhaps with a mocktail. Enjoy.

Just make sure you stay comfortable, know who to call if you need to, drink plenty, avoid being out in the sun for too long and don't eat something if it seems dodgy or you aren't sure what it is.
I went to Beijing at 8 weeks and it was fine. I felt quite sick so ended up eating room service and missed out on the food markets as had no idea what anything was which was a shame. But other than that I was fine and had a lovely time.
I'm off to Normandy this time at 34 weeks so have proper special pregnancy insurance as most standard insurances will cover you to 29 weeks but double check the small print on yours.

Thank you everyone for taking the time to reply, you have put my mind at ease!
It’s only a short haul flight and I have an aisle seat booked so fingers crossed shouldn’t be too uncomfortable (not that Ryanair are ever comfortable ).
I’m seeing the midwife tomorrow for my booking in appointment (finally!!) so hopefully I’ll have some notes to take!!!

We went to Spain during the second trimester. We may have been more worried than you are about what foods to eat - but I found it difficult when eating out as most places just seemed to serve cured meats and shell fish (which I was avoiding). You may find there is more choice in Portugal but it wouldn't hurt to take some emergency snacks.

I second everything everyone else has said.

I flew 9 hours and just found the bloating was a bit worse than usual. I kept wiggling my feet and rotating my ankles in my seat and keeping hydrated.

Might not happen to you but be prepared for possible super dry skin when you come back too! I was flaking everywhere and I've never had that before so had to urgently apply moisturiser!

Best of all, just try and enjoy yourself without worrying too much but easier said than done I know! Listen to your body and if you feel something is too much, get into shade and rest.

I got cyclizine for the flights after a conversation with my local pharmacist. Life saver.

Thanks again ladies, I have made a note of all the tips I have my notes now as well after seeing the midwife yesterday.
Luckily the weather is pleasant but not excessively hot in the region we’re going to, but I have a nice wide brimmed hat to keep the sun off me as well.
Can’t wait now!