Tuesday, March 16, 2010

The Preggy Traveller

Some if not most people have this notion that marriage and long term travel will never have good chemistry, let alone backpacking with kids in tow. I am determined to prove otherwise (if you are too, throw your hands up at me!). Hubby-slash-backpacking buddy and I do not have our bundle of joy yet, but am 3 months on the way.

Bantayan Island trip at 2 months without hubby. The first pregnancy term is considered crucial, take extra care.

I am no medical expert. The tips I am about to share are based on my Ob-Gyne's advices, also from lessons (learned the hard way) I picked up along the road.

1. The best time to travel is during mid-pregnancy (second term). Morning sickness shall already be over. Make sure you have taken your prenatal tests (blood count, urinalysis, ultrasound, etc.), so your Ob-Gyne can prescribe the supplements/medicines you need. Avoid travelling on your third term, this might lead to premature birth.

2. Pack sufficient amount of prenatal vitamins and medications, especially if you're going overseas. Pharmacies in other countries may not have them in stock, or may not even sell them at all.

3. Bring a copy of your health record if you'll be away from home for a long time.

4. Do not self medicate. Don't take cough and cold medicines, diarrhea tablets, or even motion sickness pills without consulting an Ob-Gyne.

5. When flying, book an aisle seat. It will be easier for you to go to the lavatory, and walk around to stretch your legs.

Definitely no alcohol for me! Gulping my choco materna drink while the rest got intoxicated at Bantayan Island.

6. Eat healthy. You can't just rely on your supplements. Depending on your destination, it can be a real challenge but definitely doable. Basically stay away from fast food, soft drinks, caffeinated drinks, and also cut down on sweets. If it's difficult to find a vegetable (important for folate and eases constipation) dish you like, buy fresh veggies from the market and make your own salad. Snack on fruits.

7. And speaking of food, if you're boarding a long bus ride, carry enough snacks that will last you the whole trip. You'll never know when's the next stopover. Munching on something may also prevent motion sickness.

8. Keep hydrated, whether you're braving a low impact hike or just sitting in an airplane (cabin air is very dry). Don't think that lessening your fluid intake will also lessen your trips to the rest room. When the uterus grows, it presses on the urinary bladder. So either way, you'll still feel like peeing.

9. While constructing an itinerary, make sure your plans are easy to change. Avoid booking tours far ahead. Since I got pregnant, I experienced the most insane mood swings ever! One day I might be up for exploration, but the next, I don't feel like getting out of bed at all.

10. Drop the backpack and switch to strollers. It will give you back pain.

Pregnancy does not have to mean confinement. Just follow your Ob-Gyne's reminders and everything shall be fine. Now life on the road goes on.

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39 comments:

princess_dyanie said...
April 20, 2010 at 9:12 AM

wow galing mo. travelling while preggy. pero di ka naman mukhang preggy ah, sexy pa din hihi :P

bertN said...
April 20, 2010 at 9:30 AM

This is your first baby, take extra care! There's the baby's wellbeing and your health to consider...and your husband's sanity, in case something happen to you and your still unborn.

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
April 20, 2010 at 12:39 PM

Princess Dyanie, thanks... Hehe. That was taken about 2 1/2 months ago. I'm actually starting to balloon already.

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
April 20, 2010 at 12:43 PM

Yup, taking extra care BertN. Thanks so much for the concern. I have slowed down. Most of the time I'm lazy to get up and do stuff anyway, haha. We can hardly wait to have another travel buddy!

byahengbarok said...
April 20, 2010 at 4:49 PM

nice read! i, too, travelled to camiguin while i was 3 months pregnant. and since my son was 4 years old, i've been bringing him to almost all of my trips, except the ones where i have to climb mountains :)

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
April 20, 2010 at 5:36 PM

Oh wow, another mom traveller! I should be asking you for tips too! I dropped by your site. Great articles.

Unknown said...
April 20, 2010 at 7:05 PM

superwoman ka talaga gay. :) preggers on da go.. "still going..going and going.." :) Tc!

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
April 20, 2010 at 8:05 PM

Ida! Nag-level up ka na girl. You are now posting your comments here on my site not just on FB. Really appreciate it.

Pinoy Boy Journals said...
April 20, 2010 at 8:09 PM

wow!!! this is very helpful article gaye!!! its nice that soon to be moms out there will know that its still possible to travel.. Good Job! Will tweet this so pregnant women will know what to do when they're traveling. also,, i am pretty sure it will do your baby good because you have tons of stories to tell him/her when he/she is born! =)

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
April 20, 2010 at 9:10 PM

Thanks Jerik for spreading the word. Yep, heaps of stories to tell him/her (about to know the gender in 2 weeks!). We actually got videos (while on the road) talking to baby, which we'll show when he/she has grown up.

trabeller said...
April 20, 2010 at 9:57 PM

hey, preggy traveller! thanks for vising my blog. naks, napakaformal ko hehe. anyway, i'm trying to revive my blog. sayang naman bayad sa domain, haha. :)

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
April 20, 2010 at 11:34 PM

Exactly Belle! Which reminds me, your site should be on my blogroll. Pleaaase, post more photos (I'm assuming it's gonna be a photoblog now?).

Anonymous said...
April 24, 2010 at 4:33 PM

Maureen Wheeler spend a whole load of time accompanying her husband researching around in Southeast Asia for Lonely Planet in the early 80's - just like you she was pregnant... :)

☮Pinay Travel Junkie☮ said...
April 25, 2010 at 2:49 PM

I got a copy of 'The Lonely Planet Story'. I have been a fan of Maureen ever since I read the whole book. She rocks! :)

FLIP'N TRAVELS said...
April 25, 2010 at 11:12 PM

if you need a private (traveling) nurses, I'm just a call away. hehehe

seriously if you need info on neonatal, OB and maternal care, I'm here for u guys.

cheers!

Ron

Rachel Denning said...
April 27, 2010 at 10:07 AM

I love to see other moms (and moms to be who still travel). I found out I was pregnant (with our fifth) when we arrived in India. The first tri was horrible- sick, sick, sick, with SMELLS and food I didn't like.

No I'm in the second tri (we're still in India), feeling much better, but heading back to the States soon.

We love to travel with our kids and we've been doing it since they were 4, 3, 2 and 2 months. Keep it up!

http://www.discovershareinspire.com

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
April 27, 2010 at 12:16 PM

Thanks Ron! If ever we are on the road again and I'd need consultation, will definitely contact you. Hehe.

☮Pinay Travel Junkie☮ said...
April 27, 2010 at 3:38 PM

Hi Rachel. Lucky I did not have morning sickness. It must have been very difficult for you, especially you're away from home. We can't wait to travel with our baby!

Chyng said...
May 12, 2010 at 12:54 AM

Yey! Being preggy wont stop you. Saludo! ♥

☮Pinay Travel Junkie☮ said...
May 12, 2010 at 4:31 AM

Thanks Chyng! It is sooo difficult to have travelling as one our vices. But yeah, I guess even pregnancy (and a low lying placenta) cannot stop me from wandering!

Anonymous said...
May 22, 2010 at 7:56 AM

Certified Traveller!!!!!

Shervin Emami said...
June 24, 2010 at 6:29 PM

Where are the tips for the husband of the pregnant traveller? ;-)

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
June 24, 2010 at 10:11 PM

Haha! Mr. Emami, about time for a guest blog don't you think?

redmike said...
July 16, 2010 at 2:36 PM

i love this post! Lalo na yung #10 tip hahaha!

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
July 17, 2010 at 8:09 AM

Thanks redmike! I hate lugging a stroller, but it sure is better than a backpack for me now.

aimac said...
July 17, 2010 at 2:03 PM

now this is what i call living life to the fullest! :)

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
July 17, 2010 at 6:54 PM

We all should Ai :) Thanks again for featuring my article on Lakwatcha.com!

journeyingjames said...
July 30, 2010 at 3:58 PM

lufet nito! wala akong masabi

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
July 31, 2010 at 9:07 PM

Thanks James for dropping by!

Conquer Outdoor Equipment said...
December 14, 2010 at 2:46 AM

Thanks po sa trust sa Conquer, join p[o kayo photo contest. http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=176009195756358

Ed said...
July 6, 2011 at 11:36 AM

awesome post gay! Bilib talaga ako sayo,
Kahit buntis walang mintis!
Ngayong may anak na, walang humpay pa rin ang gala!
Saan man ang punta, kasama pa rin sa baby Luna!
-- wow, clap naman dyan, nagrhyme eh. wahahaha
Keep up the good work and travel safe! :D

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
July 6, 2011 at 12:22 PM

Ikaw na ang rapper, Ed! Galing sa rhymes. Palakpakan!!!

Seair said...
July 12, 2011 at 9:33 AM

I totally agree! pregnancy and marriage does not mean you can't travel the world. In fact, it makes traveling and seeing the world a lot more meaningful when you travel with loved ones!

Kura said...
July 16, 2011 at 1:20 PM

Ikaw na ang blooming na preggy. :D Against all odds talaga ang passion sa travel. hahah! Super bilib ako sayo.

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
July 16, 2011 at 3:15 PM

Haha! Yeah I guess you could call it that, "against all odds"... and haters. Lol.

Ian | GoingRoamingWandering said...
July 26, 2011 at 11:38 PM

Traveling as in traveling in a literal sense while preggy is an achievement... few women does that as most of the time they just want to stay at home and lazying around. But there you are, wanting to experience and learn more. This is definitely one posts that you should really be proud of.

Pinay Travel Junkie said...
July 27, 2011 at 9:34 AM

I can understand how an expectant mom can get so worried about her situation. Though it may be kickass to backpack while pregnant, I made sure I get enough rest and eat right.

BIG BOY paLABOY said...
January 29, 2012 at 1:40 PM

great mom....=)......nice one.....well be there in bantayan this coming feb...hoping to have a great time...

estranghero said...
March 9, 2012 at 1:23 AM

nice to find this post, a big help for me and my wife. :)

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