Jakarta, IO – Many people look forwards to the end of the year. It’s a great chance to go on holiday together, as working parents get their year-end leave and children gets school holiday after they pick up their report cards.
Today’s generation is on the move. Today travel for business and leisure has increased. Overseas travel has become a fashion and status symbol. But what about the case of pregnant mothers? Should they just stay home and lose precious time together with the rest of the family for the sake of the baby? Should the family cancel their travel plans? How safe is it to travel during pregnancy?
“The best time for pregnant mothers to travel is during the middle trimester of pregnancy, on the 14th to 28th week of the pregnancy. During this period, the pregnant mother usually has her energy back: she has stopped suffering from morning sickness, she can eat, she can sleep better. However, after 28 weeks, it will be harder for pregnant mothers to either move or sit still for prolonged periods,” declared dr. Cherysa Rifiranda, Sp.OG, Bamed Clinic’s obstetrics/gynecology specialist, in her presentation, “Traveling During Pregnancy, Important Tips for Pregnant Travelers to Remember”, part of a webinar held early this month.
All healthy pregnant mothers with no complications may travel freely. “On the contrary, pregnant mothers who suffer from complications should refrain from traveling, because it might worsen their own condition and that of their babies. Such complications include any medical abnormality, especially obstetric ones. On the other hand, even if she is healthy, a pregnant mother should avoid traveling through or to dangerous regions, such as an area designated as endemic for malaria,” dr. Cherysa said.