This is a topic close to my heart.  During my previous two pregnancies I suffered severe pelvic instability of the pelvic girdle (pelvic bones and ligaments) in my third trimester.  The result – I was rendered severely, though temporarily disabled, depending on crutches to mobilize short distances.  Trips to the shops required the use of a mobility scooter.  The reason – a sensitivity to the hormones the body produces to prepare the body for labour.  Well within the second trimester of my third pregnancy the odds of suffering the same condition again are very high.  With another trip pending I will be taking every step to reduce the risk of developing this condition again.

During pregnancy the body produces a hormone called relaxin that relaxes the body’s ligaments in order to stretch the pelvis and aid delivery of the baby.  This means that all the body’s ligaments are loosened.  The catch – relaxin persists in the body meaning that women are at risk of developing pelvic girdle instability up to three months after the delivery of the baby.  Low back pain is a common symptom of late pregnancy and many people, including many health practitioners mistakenly believe it is normal part of pregnancy.  As a result women often don’t get the assistance they need to help them minimize their pain and maximize their quality of life during, and after the pregnancy.

Travel during pregnancy shouldn’t necessarily be avoided however it does place pregnant women at an increased risk of developing instability of the pelvic girdle.  The reason for this is the extra carrying of luggage and children that we often do when we travel.  All women in the second and third trimesters and women that have had a baby in the previous three months should take the following steps to protect their pelvic girdles when traveling:

• Do not carry luggage.  Use a rolling suitcase and ask your travel companion to lift your luggage for you onto belt at check in.
• Ask for assistance in putting your carry-on luggage into the overhead compartment.
• Beware traveling unaccompanied with children.  Even older children may become tired and request to be carried.
• Take a stroller with you.  Any pre-schooler can become tired when traveling and it is much better for your pelvic girdle to push them than carry them.
• Ask your travel companion to push luggage trolleys for you – the pushing of trolleys can produce flare up of pelvic girdle instability.
• Avoid taking the stairs – ask for accommodation on the ground floor if you are staying somewhere without a lift.
• If you do start to get nagging pain in your lower back, bottom or symphysis pubis (midline) see a doctor while you are traveling – don’t wait till you get home.

About the author:  Danielle Esler is a medical doctor working in both general practice and public health medicine.

Disclaimer:  This blog does not provide personalized medical advice.  If you have any concerns about your pregnancy you should see your doctor.

This blog provides tips and advice for parents traveling with small children including travel health and destination advice.  You can join us on Facebook to receive updates to your news feed.

Subscribe to Bubs on the Move's newsletter to keep updated on great places to visit with kids, travel tips and giveaways.

Your information will NEVER be shared or sold to a 3rd party.