If you’re planning a holiday or a trip soon after your baby is due to arrive, you’re probably justifiably worried whether it will be safe. The good news is that within one to two weeks of vaginal birth, and three to four weeks after a caesarean, it should be perfectly safe for you to travel.
However, while the textbooks may say it’s okay to travel then, you might not feel up to it. Remember that jetlag from travelling long distance can make you feel even more tired than you’re likely to, and that stitching and other post birth complications can make it uncomfortable too. Your breastfeeding routine may also not be set by the time you plan to travel, which can complicate matters, and you might just prefer to stay home and rest.
If you do decide to travel, remember to take it easy and to clear it with your health care provider or doctor before you go. You should also stay hydrated while travelling and bear in mind that for the first few weeks after childbirth you’re more prone to clotting so you’ll need to stretch your legs regularly, whether you’re flying or driving to your destination.
The good news is that while there are risks of clotting and infection, as well as incision problems with women who have had c-sections, these are dramatically reduced by six weeks after delivery, so if you plan to travel, try to make sure that it’s at least a month and a half after giving birth.
