TRAVEL AND PREGNANCY (2): THE BOAT ANT THE MOTO

Dr Claude ALLOUCHE, obstetrician-gynecologist
Ahuza Clinic, Raanana, Israel, 058 726 02 64

Is the boat not recommended during pregnancy?

If you are not prone to seasickness, the boat is no problem for a short ferry or cruise ship trip.

On the other hand, cabotage (from port to port) on a sailboat or speedboat excursions are not recommended due to the strong shaking.

CRUISES
With regard to cruises, the companies issue a term limit beyond which the pregnant woman will not be authorized to board: this limit varies according to the companies between 26 and 30 weeks of amenorrhea at the time of the last day of the cruise.
 
Whatever the stage of her pregnancy, a pregnant woman is invited to present a medical certificate from her gynecologist clearly specifying her fitness to cruise.
Without this document, she may be prohibited from boarding.

WHAT ABOUT EQUIPMENT IN THE EVENT OF PREGNANCY-RELATED COMPLICATIONS?
You have to know this, and this is what explains this precaution before boarding: while cruise ships do have a medical center with a doctor and nurse, they do not have specific equipment for childbirth and for the Newborn arrival and ship's hospital was not designed for your pregnant wife's situation.
Most companies decline in their regulations any responsibility in the event of a problem or incident relating to a state of pregnancy, occurring during or after the cruise.

Even if you don't get seasick, remember to bring anti-nausea medication authorized during pregnancy that your doctor will have prescribed for you.
You will not find a specialized pharmacy in the middle of the ocean. If you haven't planned it, opt for ginger tea and avoid foods that are difficult for you to digest in normal times.
 
Regarding the X-rays that you will successively receive at the security gates, you should know that the doses sent during these tourist passages are tiny. The ideal being not to be exposed to it at all, do not hesitate to ask for a body search when possible.

THE MOTORCYCLE
CAN WE RIDE MOTORCYCLES PREGNANT?

Motorcycling is not prohibited during the first three months of pregnancy if you are used to riding it.
Afterwards, the sitting position may hurt your back and your stomach will get in the way of you holding on to the driver.

The main risk of riding a scooter or motorbike when you're pregnant remains the same as for anyone who rides 2 wheels: falling or accidents. No one is safe from a fall on a slippery road, or a collision with another motorist.

In the event of shock, whether the pregnant woman is a driver or a passenger, the consequences can be very serious for the fetus. A violent shock (and it can quickly be on 2 wheels) can cause bleeding or abruption of the placenta. It can also have serious consequences on the proper development of the foetus.

Are the vibrations and jolts of the scooter dangerous for a pregnant woman?

During the first 3-4 months of pregnancy, the vibrations and jolts that can be felt on a scooter or on a motorcycle do not a priori present any danger to the fetus. There is no risk of it "falling off".

Up to 3 or 4 months of pregnancy, riding a scooter or motorbike is not contraindicated, in the absence of bleeding or threat of miscarriage, and provided of course that you are traveling with the greatest caution and avoid long journeys

After the first 4 months, the fetus is growing (heart, brain, limbs) and the consequences in the event of an accident and shock are potentially much more serious for its development.
So don't take any risks for your baby: put on the helmet and give up your outings on two wheels after 4 months of pregnancy. Riding a scooter or motorcycle while pregnant is strongly discouraged.

What insurance in the event of a scooter accident when you are pregnant?
Passenger or driver, you are covered by your insurance contract or that of the person who is the cause of your accident. However, if due to a serious accident you lose your fetus, know that it is not protected by your insurance. The fetus has no legal personality. There is therefore no possible compensation for your scooter insurance if unfortunately you lose your baby.

In summary… The pregnant motorcycle or scooter, as a driver or passenger, is possible up to 4 months of pregnancy. Vibrations do not present a risk, but be extra vigilant when traveling to avoid an accident with potentially much more serious consequences.
After the first 4 months of pregnancy, stop riding.