Traveling for Thanksgiving? Pregnant? Worried about the discomfort sitting in the car or on an airplane? Concerned about the stress of being around “loving” family for too long? Fear not! Homegrown Babies has got your back. Here are a few tried and true tricks to keep you comfortable until you get to granny’s house! (Or wherever you may be headed.)
Hydrate – Yeah, we know…telling a pregnant woman to drink lots of water does sound like a cruel joke not to mention airplane bathrooms felt ridiculously small BEFORE you got pregnant but trust us. Altitude and humidity play a factor in feeling dry and being dehydrated when flying. Staying hydrated while flying or driving will help put many common pregnancy ailments at bay such as headaches, nausea, swelling, and dizziness. Bring your empty water bottle through security and fill it up once you are on the other side. You can also pack hydrating foods such as celery, bell peppers or cucumbers for the ride.- Hand hygiene – Just like mom always says! Wash your hands! Washing with soap and water or using an alcohol based hand cleanser like Purell, can greatly reduce transmission of germs and viruses.
- Increase your vitamin C – Taking a chewable tablet such as Airborne
or consuming more vitamin C such as Emergen-C
can help keep traveling germs away. These supplements have several essential vitamins and minerals in them to support your immune system. This way you stay healthy and can assure you will get your fill at the feast table!
- Several herbal medicines and supplements are safe for use in pregnancy and can also boost your immune system. Our two favorites for cold and flu prevention are elderberry syrup and zinc. Elderberry syrup can be taken daily; 2 tablespoons is a recommended dose. Zinc tablets can be taken in doses of 20-40 mg daily. Echinacea is also an herbalist’s favorite for preventing upper respiratory infections and has demonstrated safety during pregnancy. A typical dose for prevention is 5 ml of the liquid extract twice daily. Before taking any of these however, always consult with your doctor or midwife.
- Compression Socks – Let’s face it, sometimes pregnancy isn’t glamorous (just wait until you see the “panties” they give you at the hospital after you’ve delivered!). Compression socks can help reduce swelling in your legs and ankles and helps your blood to circulate. This is especially helpful when you know you will be sitting for an extended period of time in a car or airplane. You can buy compression socks at most pharmacies or Discount Shoes at 1282 Brevard Rd, Asheville, NC 28806.
- Apply small amount of coconut oil or salve to the inside of your nose to prevent dryness. The dry air in Western North Carolina has been pretty unbearable lately due to the drought and forest fires. Don’t add insult to injury! Rub a little coconut oil
or other salve like Rosebud salve (available at Mast General Store), to the inside of your nose. When our sinuses dry out they produce excess reactive mucous to compensate which breeds infections and creates congestion. Applying coconut or salve will help keep it moist and soft preventing further dryness from travel.
- Eat healthy snacks – Plan ahead and skip the drive-thru. Eating healthy along the way will keep you from feeling sluggish, keep your immune system on the up-and-up, and keep you hydrated! Pack nutrient dense snacks such as unsalted nuts, cheese cubes, protein bars and hydrating snacks such as vegetable sticks and fruit. You’ll save money, eat better, and feel better!
- Making sure you are getting adequate sleep. This can be hard if you are sleeping away from home. If you are driving, take your body pillow with you (this can be so helpful in the car!) and you might want to bring ear buds and a sleep mask
to make it easier to take an afternoon nap.
- BONUS! Self-care! Traveling to see friends and loved ones over the holidays can be stressful in and of itself. Add in pregnancy hormones and emotions that are out of sync, a tumultuous election, and general malaise in the world, conversations and feelings may get out of hand. You owe it to yourself and your baby to take care of YOU! Give yourself permission to step out of the room, get some fresh air and sunshine by going for a walk, lie down to rest as often as you can, or put in earbuds and listen to a guided meditation (you can find many on You Tube!), an audiobook, or some music.
or consuming more vitamin C such as 
can help keep traveling germs away. These supplements have several essential vitamins and minerals in them to support your immune system. This way you stay healthy and can assure you will get your fill at the feast table!
or other salve like Rosebud salve (available at Mast General Store), to the inside of your nose. When our sinuses dry out they produce excess reactive mucous to compensate which breeds infections and creates congestion. Applying coconut or salve will help keep it moist and soft preventing further dryness from travel.
to make it easier to take an afternoon nap.All of us at Homegrown Babies wish you safe and comfortable travels and a very nourishing Thanksgiving with your family and friends!
Tips for Traveling while Pregnant Download these tips and carry them with you!
