“All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.” –Martin Buber
Traveling while pregnant can be quite the undertaking. Not nearly as difficult as traveling with a baby, or, say, with four screaming kids in the back seat for that matter, but pregnant travel does pose its challenges.
There’s the lack of comfort: Where to put your swollen feet up? How to ride so that the seatbelt is securely under your belly but not making an incision across your midsection? Where’s the next rest stop? How much longer?
And there’s the food issue: Are you hungry? I’m hungry! What do you mean we just ate 45 minutes ago? I’m starving! No, I don’t want a piece of gum…I want a whole rotisserie chicken and a milkshake! Isn’t there a Cracker Barrel somewhere near here?
In a way, a physical journey mimics the nine-month journey. There are sudden weather delays, last minute changes, the possible flat tire or mechanical trouble, and routine stops for food and fuel. Some peoples’ travels are smooth and uneventful, while others encounter freak storms, colossal rerouting and completely different itineraries than they anticipated.
But, unlike the common phrase, “It’s all about the journey…,” the real goal during pregnancy is the destination: a healthy, beautiful new life at the end of the trip.
Which, of course, is truly only just the beginning of the real journey…
What’s happening to baby this week?
*Baby now weighs approximately three-and-a-half pounds.
*Making room: Because the baby is growing so fast, your body has reduced the amount of amniotic fluid; half of what it was a month ago.
*Baby’s lungs are maturing rapidly as well; baby is rehearsing at intervals by breathing in amniotic fluid and expelling it.
What’s happening with ME this week?
*I have learned to pack lots and lots of good snacks when traveling: inevitably I will need to eat four small meals for every one meal needed by my traveling companions.
*I take advantage of every rest stop opportunity while traveling. And stay hydrated in between stops.
*Okay…I confess…this week I’ve been pretty crabby. Traveling has worn me out.
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Let’s hear from you!
What are your best ‘traveling while pregnant’ tips?