For most pregnant women, particularly those with uncomplicated pregnancies, the second trimester is usually the best time to take off and travel as morning sickness and fatigue has usually lessened by this point. Keeping that advice from the doctor in mind, my husband and I waited for my first trimester to pass before planning a holiday to Hawaii. At first, I was a little concerned about the long travel hours in the plane, but following these tips helped make my journey much more comfortable than I expected it to be:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, especially water. This will probably result in more trips to the restroom but as a pregnant woman, chances are you are getting used to that already!
• Pack your own snacks rather than depending on the airline, especially for long flights. Keep in mind that many airlines do not serve complimentary food but instead have meals and snacks for purchase. Either way, by packing nutritious food that you like, you can avoid settling for food that make might you nauseous. Pack healthy, filling snacks that you know you will enjoy. If it is a long flight, make you sure you pack enough to snack regularly.
• Get up from your seat often to take a walk down the aisle. Choosing an aisle seat when you book your flight is a good idea, as this will allow you to get up and walk around without disturbing other passengers.
  
  Baby Center has some useful exercise tips: Sitting or standing, stretch your leg, heel first, and gently flex your foot to stretch your calf muscles. When you're sitting, rotate your ankles and wiggle your toes." This will keep your blood circulating and prevent cramps in your legs as well as swelling in your ankles and feet. The American Pregnancy Association also advises a little caution while walking down the aisle: "Most airlines have narrow aisles and smaller bathrooms, which makes it more challenging to walk and more uncomfortable when using the restroom. Because of potential turbulence which could shake the plane, make sure you are holding on to the seat backs while you are navigating the aisle."
  
  
• Take your own pillow for additional comfort during a long flight.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothes as well as snug low heeled shoes such as trainers or slip ons. Layer your clothing so that you are not in any discomfort during sudden temperature changes and can add or take off a layer when necessary. Make sure you fasten your seat belt below your belly, at the pelvic level.

Of course every pregnancy is different and we know best what would work for us in terms of comfort. In my experience, keeping these tips in mind made a 9 hour flight surprisingly bearable. I found that traveling while pregnant can be both fun and comfortable; all you need to do is discuss your travel plans with your doctor and plan ahead to ensure maximum comfort for yourself on the plane.

by Ziana, a freelance writer based in Minneapolis,
via Creative-Reporter