Commuting while you’re pregnant is tough enough without making the experience harder on yourself than necessary. Your body is likely growing less comfortable by the day; being trapped in a car is unlikely to make you feel better. With a little advance planning, however, you can minimize your discomfort on the road while making sure you stay healthy.
In this article, we’ll describe five things pregnant women do that make their commutes all but unbearable. Our goal is to familiarize you with common “bad habits” so you can avoid doing them yourself. Whether you’re traveling back and forth to the office, visiting a friend, or going shopping, the following tips will help make the ride more comfortable.
1 – Failing To Eat Breakfast
Believe it or not, skipping a morning meal can play a significant role in making you less comfortable in the car (or train, bus, etc.). Remember, you’re eating for two. If you skip breakfast, you and your baby will be deprived of valuable nutrients.
Take the time to eat something before hitting the road. At the very least, if you’re in a rush, grab an apple to eat on the way.
2 – Staying In A Single Position
When you’re pregnant, blood has a tendency to pool when you sit or stand in one position. Not only does this increase the likelihood of blood clots in the lower portion of your body, but it can also make you feel faint. If you’re standing (for example, on the train), you may lose consciousness.
Wiggle your toes, stretch your legs, and flex the muscles within them. This helps to push blood from your lower extremities to your heart. You’ll not only enjoy better circulation, but you’ll be much less likely to faint.
3 – Wearing Tight-Fitting Clothes
During your pregnancy, it’s important to invest in maternity wear that provides sufficient space for your growing body. Tight-fitting clothes and shoes will feel uncomfortable. A lot of pregnant women make the mistake of wearing items that are too constricting during their commute. As a result, they feel restrained.
Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothes to give your body plenty of room. Avoid heels; instead, choose walking shoes. If you’re commuting to the office, you can always bring a nicer pair of shoes into which you can change when you arrive at your desk.
4 – Drinking Too Much Water
It’s important to stay hydrated while you’re pregnant. But it’s equally important to avoid drinking too much fluid before getting on the road. Your bladder will already be under constant pressure from the presence of your baby. This is the reason bathroom trips become more frequent as you advance through your second and third trimesters. If you drink too much water, you’ll end up needing to visit the restroom during the trip.
If you plan to be on the road for a relatively long time, avoid drinking a large amount of fluid beforehand. Instead, drink a small cup of water, and take a water bottle with you. When you reach your destination, you’ll be able to use the restroom at your leisure.
5 – Driving While Tired
At the end of a long day, you might be anxious to return home. You’re tired and can think of few things more appealing than relaxing on your couch or in a warm bath. The worst thing you can do, however, is climb behind the wheel while you’re exhausted. That’s a recipe for disaster.
Instead, take a few minutes to close your eyes and rest your head. A few minutes can do wonders, even if you’re eager to get home. It may be all you need to feel sufficiently energized to make the trip safely.
Commuting while you’re pregnant will likely be uncomfortable as your body continues to expand. Avoid the “bad habits” described above to help guarantee your trip is more relaxing and safe for you and your baby.
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