Roadmap for expectant mothers

Summer has arrived, and many expectant mothers wonder whether they can travel to other places for vacation, swim in the sea, or sunbathe.

These are common questions we hear every summer, which is why we provide advice and guidelines for pregnant women so they can enjoy the season while protecting both their baby’s health and their own.

In most cases, travel during pregnancy is not prohibited. However, pregnant women should know that traveling is not allowed if they have a history of miscarriages or if complications exist. Traveling is also not recommended for women who take medication to reduce uterine contractions, or in cases of restricted fetal growth.

Expectant mothers should avoid long journeys and make frequent stops to prevent immobility. They should stretch their legs and walk to promote good blood circulation. Traveling is best during the first and second trimesters and should be avoided in the third trimester.

Most pregnant women without complications can travel by plane. However, most airlines do not allow boarding after 37 weeks of pregnancy, and a medical certificate from the gynecologist may be required.

When traveling by plane, it is best to choose an aisle seat to move around easily and visit the restroom. To reduce the risk of blood clots, pregnant women should stretch their legs regularly, walk inside the cabin, and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. They should also consult their doctor about wearing special compression stockings to improve circulation.

For car travel, pregnant women should always wear a seatbelt and prefer early morning or late afternoon trips. If traveling by boat, they should keep in mind that the journey might worsen nausea, so it is helpful to have crackers or toast on hand.

During holidays, expectant mothers should not follow packed schedules. They must rest and sleep enough, as relaxation is essential during pregnancy. It is also recommended that they carry their pregnancy medical records and their gynecologist’s contact details. Additionally, they should research local hospitals and emergency contacts before traveling. After 30 weeks, they should choose destinations with easy access to a doctor or hospital and avoid traveling abroad to countries with poor hygiene standards.

Can I sunbathe?

Another common question is whether pregnant women can sunbathe. It is better to avoid tanning during pregnancy, as the skin becomes more sensitive (hormones increase melanin production), making pregnant women more prone to spots, pigmentation, and sunburn. Sunbathing should be avoided during midday hours, and women should prefer shaded, cool places while keeping hydrated, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, and using proper sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before sun exposure for better absorption and reapplied frequently—every two hours and after swimming.

The use of mosquito repellents is not prohibited during pregnancy. Pregnant women are also advised to wear comfortable, light-colored cotton clothes, cotton underwear, and supportive flat shoes. Synthetic fabrics and tight clothing should be avoided, and rings should be removed at the first signs of swelling.

To cope with summer heat, they should shower frequently with lukewarm water and use air conditioning—provided it is well maintained and the filters are clean. During the hottest hours of the day, they should avoid intense activities or unnecessary outings. To prevent dehydration, they should drink plenty of water and always carry a bottle and a wet cloth to cool their face. Juices and milk can also be consumed, but soft drinks, coffee, and alcohol should be avoided.

Can I swim in the sea?

Pregnant women should follow basic rules at the beach to keep themselves and their babies safe. Swimming is an ideal exercise as it relieves tension, reduces leg swelling, and relaxes the body, but the sea can pose risks if they are not careful.

Swimming is allowed throughout pregnancy, except in the ninth month, and always with gentle movements. Expectant mothers should never swim alone but always with company, as they may suddenly feel unwell or experience cramps. If cramps occur, they should stay calm, float on their back until it passes, and then exit the water.

They should avoid swimming between 11:00 and 17:00 and limit time in the water to about 15 minutes. Diving and water sports are strictly prohibited to prevent accidents. Sudden temperature changes are also harmful; women should enter the water gradually, not abruptly, and avoid staying long in cold water.

After swimming, they should rinse well with fresh water and change swimsuits to avoid infections or chills. Beaches with a Blue Flag designation are preferable. Lying directly on the sand should be avoided to prevent infections; instead, they should use a mat or towel and always stay under an umbrella.

The sea is generally a better choice than a swimming pool. If choosing a pool, women must ensure strict hygiene and cleanliness standards are met. Poor water quality may cause infections and pregnancy complications.

What can I eat on vacation?

Expectant mothers should follow a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, calcium-rich foods (milk, yogurt, fish, bananas), iron-rich foods (red meat, spinach, lentils), and vitamin-rich foods (carrots, tomatoes, cereals). If not cooking themselves, they should choose clean restaurants with good hygiene standards, since foodborne illnesses are common in summer due to poor food preservation.

They should avoid raw cured meats and large fish like tuna or swordfish due to high mercury levels. Barbecues can also be risky if the meat is not thoroughly cooked. Only well-cooked meat should be eaten.

Particular care should be taken with dairy products and foods containing eggs left unrefrigerated, as these can harbor harmful bacteria. Soft cheeses, which may contain listeria, should be avoided. Pregnant women should choose hard cheeses and pasteurized milk instead.

Overall, summer meals should be light, refreshing, and low in fat. Spicy foods, fried dishes, sauces, sweets, and ice cream should be limited as they strain the stomach. Carbonated drinks should be eliminated as they increase acidity, and bottled water should be preferred. Salt intake should be reduced but not completely avoided, since iodine is essential for the baby.

If expectant mothers follow these guidelines, they will enjoy summer and their holidays without putting their health—or their baby’s health—at risk!

Sotirios Tromboukis
Obstetrician – Gynecologist
www.sotiristrompoukis.gr

Efimerida ton Syntakton
Supplement: Life & Health
June 30 – July 1, 2018
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