The first three months of your pregnancy is the most critical. This is when your baby's vital organs are forming and the slightest external factor may affect her development. So it is advisable that you stay put.

Vroom!

Come the second trimester and you can get ready for a trip or two. But before you start packing the sunscreen or your laptop for that matter, there are a few precautions that you need to take.

It is perfectly safe to drive your car; just be sure that you do so at a slow pace. Remember, you reflexes are delayed during pregnancy. So it's better to be slow, than sorry.

If at any point you feel dizzy or ill, then stop the car and call for someone to drive you home.

And of course, wear your seatbelt at all times. Strap it below the below your tummy (around the hips). This will avoid any undue pressure and discomfort on your tummy.

Say NO to Rickshaws!

All that bumping up and down could cause the umbilical cord to rise up to your baby's neck, which could be fatal.

The jerky travel may also cause your water bag to rupture and lead to premature labour.

Play It Safe

Train travel is the safest up to the 36th week of your pregnancy. Besides, it is the only mode of transportation that gives you the freedom to get up and walk around whenever you feel cramped or stuffy.

Just make sure you wear comfortable, flat shoes and loose comfortable clothing. When travelling in the summer, stick with cottons.

Up, Up and Away...

If your job requires you to travel by plane, you've got nothing to worry about. Airplane travel is perfectly safe and you don't have to worry about the pressurised cabins either. It has no effect on your baby.

However, the humidity levels in planes are rather low, so drink a lot of water before and during your trip.

Most airlines allow pregnant women to travel up to the 30th week of pregnancy. If you need to travel after you have crossed the 30th week and have a normal pregnancy, then some airlines permit it. But you will need to get a medical certificate from your doctor first.

Make sure you inform the airlines of any special diet that you have been advised.

Try and get a seat near the aisle and one that's close to the loo; it will make those frequent trips to the loo less stressful.

A seat that's at the exit as it will give you more legroom.

As far as possible, avoid travelling in your last trimester; it is uncomfortable and could get complicated.