Moving abroad can be a stressful situation for just about anyone. Once you add pregnancy into the equation, it can become a lot more challenging. Not only can this affect your planning prior to relocating, it will also affect the plans you have once you have reached your new home country.
Many countries will have different rules and regulations of giving birth, which means researching what to do and who to inform are essential. Then, you must also consider the fact that your familiar support network might not be easy to visit. There are many aspects of life that expectant mothers should think about when moving overseas, and this article is here to help.
In this article, four of the areas that will be affected by moving abroad as a pregnant woman will be explored.
The Impact on Your Health
As a pregnant woman moving abroad, your health, and the health of your baby, should be your utmost priority. Ensuring you have sufficient healthcare will help to keep you safe during all parts of your journey, although a great plan will stretch to life in your destination. Not all plans will include coverage for pregnant women, but there are some global medical insurance providers that include maternity care or offer it as an additional benefit for a fee.
What you should be aware of that most insurers will not accept applications from pregnant women as it is considered to be a pre-existing condition. This should be planned for ahead of becoming pregnant; if your move was planned before your pregnancy began, and your chosen medical coverage includes maternity, this won’t be a problem.
Issues with Travel Requirements
Flying abroad when you are pregnant is usually safe if the pregnancy is uncomplicated. A recent study found roughly 44% of women travelled while they were pregnant, with 19% travelling internationally. This does not mean that you don’t have to consider some things, though. In fact, there are several considerations you should prepare for.
Firstly, it is essential that there is no medical reason preventing you from flying, especially as the first 12 weeks of pregnancy has a higher risk of miscarriage. Your doctor can verify this for you.
Another thing to consider is the airline policies. Each airline has its own rules for pregnant flyers. One of the biggest rules that most airlines have is pregnant passengers will not be allowed to fly within a month of their due date. A letter from your doctor or midwife stating you are not at risk of complications and confirming your due date.
Flying while pregnant can also increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can be prevented by a heparin injection on the day you fly and for a few days afterward. You might also require a seatbelt extension to accommodate your pregnant belly.
The Need for a Support System
Moving overseas can be daunting when you’re leaving familiarity behind. This can mean leaving behind family, friends, and everyone you’ve ever known back at home. With social media, this can be made easier, but it isn’t the same as having a physical closeness to those you care about. With this in mind, it is essential to find a support network in your new home country, ideally before you move.
One of the most popular ways to find a support network prior to moving abroad is by joining online groups. Facebook and other social media platforms can be great places to find people with similar interests and situations. Pregnancy opens up the opportunity to find other future mothers, with pregnancy, prenatal, and postpartum support groups available. These support systems can be joined online, then continued with in-person group meetings after relocating.
There are also several ways to find a support system when you have moved. Healthcare providers often have lists of nearby support groups for expectant mothers, so it can be as easy as asking your new doctor or midwife. You can also use an online tool that requires your address to find the closest pregnancy support group. This will allow you to share some of your worries, ask questions, and become more relaxed about becoming a mum.
Understanding the Legal Requirements
In a new country, the legal requirements for pregnancy and childbirth might differ from your country of origin. This can include changes in relation to birth certificates, registering the birth, passports for babies, and so on. By researching this before you move, it will reduce stress later in your pregnancy and save you from experiencing additional hassle.
You must learn about the regulations in the country you are moving to. This will allow you to register the child’s birth. Reporting the birth to the nearest Embassy or Consulate of your country is also advised, especially if you are still a citizen of your country of origin.
By understanding the four aspects listed in this article, you will be more prepared when moving abroad as a pregnant woman.
