Travel is unavoidable when you’re pregnant. If you’re not having to board a plane, a train or a boat, you’re going to use a bus or car at some point. So what can you do to make sure you travel safely and well?

For any journey, you need to leave yourself plenty of time. Plan your trip and use the toilet before leaving the house. If the trip is a long one, make sure you have the opportunity to obtain refreshments en route. Make sure that your petrol tank is topped up, or that you have a petrol station on your route. Also ensure, especially if you are travelling alone, that you have a fully charged mobile phone.

If you can –on any journey- get up and about to stretch your legs every hour or so, to avoid cramp or DVT (deep vein thrombosis).

If travelling by car, make sure your seatbelt is fastened correctly, across your chest with the diagonal belt so that it sits easily between your breasts and ensure the waist belt is below your bump, across your pelvis.

Only drive yourself if you fit comfortably behind the wheel and keep your distance from the car in front. The less harsh breaking and emergency stops you have to do, the better.

If flying, check with your airline and your doctor that this is okay for you to do. Different airlines have different gestation limits for their flights, so always let them know how many weeks pregnant you’ll be for the RETURN trip.

There has been some research into the fact that being pregnant can make you more prone to travel sickness, so eat small, palatable meals and only take travel sickness tablets that you have had approved by your doctor.

Of course, if you are going to a foreign country that requires vaccinations, check that these are safe to take as some of the vaccines are live. Whilst abroad, drink bottled water that is safe and eat sensibly to avoid food poisoning.

Above all, enjoy your holiday before the baby arrives!