Travelling during Twin Pregnancy

Being pregnant with twins is a very exciting phase of any woman’s life. However, it means that now you will have to take twice the amount of care to ensure the well-being of your 2 little angels! Travelling during twin pregnancy is generally considered safe during the first and second trimester but travelling during the third trimester requires a rethink.

Consult your Doctor

If you are expecting twins then, it is always wise to consult your gynaecologist/obstetrician and take their advice. Pregnant women expecting twins are generally advised against long durations of travel. Discuss all your travel plans at length. This will help your doctor in evaluating the consequences of your travel. You can also ask him to refer you to a hospital in the city that you are visiting so that you have easy access to medical attention in case of an emergency.

Prepare for the Travel

Be well prepared even if you are travelling a short distance. Carry all your medications, enough wet wipes, an extra set of clothes and your doctor’s contact number. Do not hesitate to seek help from strangers if you are in trouble. Also make sure that in case of air travel during twin pregnancy, the airline staffs are aware of your condition so that they can take appropriate care and exercise caution. 

Your safety comes first

Whether you are travelling by road or by air when pregnant with twins, the safety of your unborn children and you comes first. Avoid driving when pregnant with twins. This is because the belly of woman pregnant with twins grows bigger when compared to a regular pregnancy. The increasing belly will leave little room in the driver’s seat and can lead to complications in case of an accident. Also, wear your seatbelt and try and recline on the body of the seat. This is will offer decreased resistance to the seatbelt and will be more effective in case of an eventuality. Similarly while travelling in an airplane try and get an aisle seat so that you can use the facilities at any point of time. Remember to carry your doctor’s note, allowing you to travel as some airlines have strict rules about travelling during twin pregnancy.

Stay hydrated

A twin pregnancy simply means that your body is working twice as hard towards baby development. This means that the body requires more nutrition. Therefore, when travelling during twin pregnancy stay hydrated. Twin pregnancies can be exhausting and may lead to more perspiration. Therefore, keep water and other fluids such as fresh fruit juices handy.

Snacking is important

Never go hungry. Hunger may trigger uncomfortable symptoms of pregnancy such as nausea, dehydration and heartburn. Stay snack ready. Nuts, crackers, cheese, fruits and yoghurt are excellent options for snacking when travelling during twin pregnancy. It is very important that you keep having small meals while travelling during twin pregnancy, because a big meal might just trigger nausea.

Undertake travelling during twin pregnancy only if it is absolutely necessary. Although travel during pregnancy in the initial months can be relatively hassle free but the third trimester is critical. Travel is not advised during this time especially if you are carrying twin babies.

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