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Should Pregnant Mamas Take a Road Trip During COVID-19?

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Rachitaa Singh

Getting out of the house, even for a few days, is a wish that many pregnant women will relate to. That’s natural, considering the many months you’ve spent indoors. Also, had the pandemic not turned our lives upside down, you would have been advised to get out with your partner before your baby arrives. Remember the concept of babymoons?

To keep themselves safe during the pandemic, many people choose road trips over taking flights, buses or trains. However, is that safe for pregnant women? The good news is that it can be. Being pregnant means that you need to take precautions anyway. During the pandemic, this list increases manifold to protect you and your baby. Here’s what you need to do:


  1.  Find the perfect time: The second trimester is usually the preferred time to take any trip. By this time, your morning sickness would have calmed down, and the third-trimester discomforts haven't crept in yet. It's best to avoid a road trip (or any kind of travel) during the last trimester, especially if you're at risk of preterm labour or other pregnancy complications.
  2. Stay away from the hotspots: Check the areas around your city to see if they are COVID hotspots with a high number of infections. Of course, you also need to make sure that you’re not staying within a containment zone so that the virus isn’t spread at your destination.
  3. Add to your packing list: Here’s what you need to add: antibacterial wipes, hand sanitizer, masks, sunscreen, insect repellent, and any OTC medication for allergies or pain relief. You should also carry your insurance details and a copy of your prenatal records.
  4. Stay safe in the car: Sitting in one position for a long time can increase the risk of blood clots, so make sure that you make frequent stops to get out of the car and stretch. When you do, make sure you stay away from any crowded areas. Contrary to popular belief, seat belts won’t harm you or your baby, so strap them on! The lap belt needs to be below your belly, and the shoulder strap should go from the side of your belly and in between your breasts.
  5. Take care during breaks: Make sure you mask up anytime that you step out of the vehicle. It’s also best to avoid any high-contact areas like handles and railings. Wash your hands frequently, or use a hand sanitizer. Instead of stopping at a crowded restaurant for a snack, pack some snacks and ready-to-eat meals and stop at a less crowded spot.
  6. Hotel safety: There are several things you can do to take care of yourself when you arrive at your destination – stay clear of the lobby and opt for a mobile check-in if possible, avoid the elevator if there are other people in it. While hotels are taking precautions to disinfect your rooms, you can also do this for peace of mind. So, wipe down door handles, remotes, phones, TV remotes, taps and other flat surfaces. It’s also recommended that you skip a buffet-style breakfast to avoid exposure.


While some of these steps may seem extreme, it’s better to be safe than sorry. You can also consult your doctor about your road trip plans before making any bookings. 


Author Bio: Rachitaa Singh is a freelance content writer by her profession and has over 6 years of experience into blogging and article writing. Over the years, she has gained popularity as a content creator who specialises on topics such as parenting, pregnancy and new-born childcare. However, her forte is on writing articles on umbilical cord blood stem cell preservation, stem cell therapy and research.

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