Health and Safety
Travelling
What about car travel?
Always wear seat belts in the car. Wear the seat belt as shown to protect yourself and your abdomen if you are in a crash.
- Wear the lap belt snug and low over your pelvic bones, below your abdomen.
- Wear the shoulder belt tightly against your chest.
- Do not put the shoulder belt under your arm or behind your back.
- Do not recline your seat while travelling because your seat belt will be too loose to protect you.
- Do not drive if you don’t have to.
- If you do drive, adjust the vehicle’s front seat as far back as you can. This will give the air bag as much room as possible in which to inflate if you are in a crash.
Source: Reproduced and adapted with permission from the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia
What about air travel?
Before you buy a ticket, check with the airline about their policy on pregnant travellers. Some will not allow you to fly after 36 weeks gestation. They may also require a letter from your health care provider that includes your due date.
If you are flying while pregnant:
- ask for an aisle seat so you can get up and walk frequently
- drink plenty of water
- bring your own healthy snacks
- keep any medications with you on the plane
If you are travelling a long distance:
- take a copy of your prenatal record
- find out about health care in the area you are travelling to
- find out the location of the nearest hospital
- take out medical insurance that includes pregnancy and birth
Also talk with your public health office about immunizations. Discuss any precautions you should take to prevent illness while travelling. These include drinking bottled water and staying away from ice cubes and uncooked fruits and vegetables.
