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Five tips for pregnant travelers
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Always eat something before traveling, or bring food with you to eat later. (shutterstock.com/-)
T
raveling while pregnant can be a challenge, as such an activity tends to be unpredictable, especially for pregnant women who are prone to physical exhaustion and irregular eating patterns.
Those who expect to travel while expecting should keep in mind these five tips:
1. Stay hydrated
Failing to stay properly hydrated is common among travelers. A pregnant woman should always remember to drink more water than they are used to when going on trips.
Do bring a large water bottle and drink it regularly. Although water will not replace food, it can help you to avoid the feeling of hunger.
2. Eat before you go
Always eat something before traveling, or bring food with you to eat later.
As reported by kompas.com, nutritionist Lauren Schmitt advised pregnant travelers to choose a fiber-rich diet of carbohydrates, proteins and healthy fats to make sure your body gets the macronutrients it needs. "Such a food combination also helps us feel full for a longer period of time, hence, we will not consume low-nutrition foods around us while we're on a trip," said Schmitt.
Not preparing the right foods will cause you to feel hungry, which can cause you to make the decision to eat meals that are not good for you.
Read also: How to travel with your senior parents
3. Bring snacks
Bring light, healthy snacks whenever you travel. Schmitt suggests avoiding processed foods. Snacks such as apples should be chosen over more unhealthy options like potato chips or cookies. Make sure you bring enough snacks to last the trip.
4. Don't shop while hungry
Shopping while hungry can cause one to buy more than necessary or pick unhealthy foods. This is especially the case for pregnant women or those who travel by plane.
Always buy something to eat and don't wait until you're hungry.
5. Avoid salty and processed foods
For pregnant women, traveling may lead to dehydration and swollen feet. When shopping, make sure to read the labels and avoid foods high in salt that can lead to water retention, especially when flying. (kes)
