Being pregnant does not mean that you cannot travel long distances by plane. However, you must be prepared with the possibility of experiencing jet lag.
Although boarding a plane for pregnant women is considered safe, you should always consult with your doctor first, especially if there are health problems or problems in pregnancy. Some airlines issue their own policies for pregnant women who will fly. If you are more than 28 weeks pregnant, you may be asked to bring a doctor's certificate, to ensure safety during the flight.
Long Distance Travel
Jet lag generally occurs in people who travel by plane across several time zones, which causes the body's biological rhythm to be out of line with the new destination time. The biological rhythm is a circadian rhythm that helps the body know when to sleep and be awake. Jet lag can happen to anyone, pregnant women are no exception. Jet lag symptoms usually occur around 1-2 days after you travel across two time zones. Some jet lag symptoms that are often complained of, such as:- Sleep disorders such as insomnia, or excessive sleepiness.
- Stomach disorders such as constipation or diarrhea.
- Feeling unwell.
- Changes in mood or mood.
- Fatigue during the day.
- Difficult to concentrate.
How to Avoid the Jet Lag Effect
Here are some ways that pregnant women can avoid jet lag when traveling:Prepare for the Destination Time Zone
If possible, within a few days before traveling, you can arrange a schedule according to the time of your destination. This helps you to adjust to adapt to the new location.
Choose Night Flights
By choosing flight times at night, which is the time you normally use for normal sleep, you can adjust more quickly when you arrive at your destination.
Set Sleep Time
After arriving at your destination, limit your sleep to no more than 2 hours to rest after the flight. If you are still sleepy, you can take a nap for at least 20-30 minutes.
Getting exposure to sunlight
One of your body's internal clocks is affected by sun exposure. Walking when the sun is shining will help your body return to its normal sleep cycle. In addition, you can also use lighting aids to deal with jet lag by turning on the desk lamp.
Drink enough water
The air inside the aircraft is generally very dry, thus increasing the chance of dehydration. With enough water consumption, body hydration can help overcome jet lag.
Eat limited caffeine
Consuming less caffeine, such as drinking coffee or soft drinks, is thought to help overcome drowsiness during the day. But you have to limit caffeine. It's best to avoid caffeine after midday because it will make you have trouble sleeping. Coffee consumption in pregnant women should be no more than 1-2 cups a day.
Comments
Post a Comment