PCSing is stressful enough… let alone being pregnant AND moving.
Here are some tips to help you prepare for your travels and help ease some common pregnancy discomforts or unknowns of your next duty station.
1. Plan ahead
Easier said than done, but it can take A LOT of weight off your shoulders if you know what you can bring and what you should purchase beforehand. This is especially true if you’re moving overseas. What’s available to you as far as furniture for your home, baby furniture, maternity clothing, baby clothing, etc. You’ll want to know this in preparation, trust me.
2. Research local support groups
Uprooting from a good support system with family and friends can leave us feeling alone and even more stressed. Connect with healthy support groups, whether it’s through exercise, prenatal yoga, coffee groups or mommy groups.
Utilize social media to find these types of groups or to find friends already stationed there for information and connections.
3. Keep notes and document prenatal information
If you are unable to carry your medical records, make sure to have any special documentation or medications with you.
If you’re traveling by air, most airlines will allow you to fly until you reach about 36 weeks, but they will require a letter from your doctor (32 weeks with twins or multiples) once you’ve over 28 weeks.
They want to confirm that you’re fit to fly and won’t go into labor during the flight (YIKES).
4. Bring snacks and stay hydrated
Of course, the extra hydration may deter many bathroom breaks, but if you are flying, the cabin air will dry you out… which can lead to nausea, vomiting, etc.
To help avoid nausea or heavy foods that won’t sit well, pack quick accessible foods like granola bars, fruit, muffins, veggies, or sandwiches.
5. Change of clothes
A baby on a full bladder, sneezing and/or coughing. Should I say more?
