Twenty- five Seven

5 Essential things for the pregnant traveller

February 1, 2018
Once upon a time, a pregnant woman travelling was considered a no-no. Especially long distances. However, times have changed and many couples, especially those expecting their first babies, actually go on a Babymoon – the last fling as it were- before the arrival of their Prince/Princess of Wails .

But whether you go on a Babymoon or you merely have to travel on work or for pleasure, it is wise to pack properly so that you aren’t faced with any last minute hitches that may arise.

Luke Clifton , Media & Advertising Consultant shares some useful tips for the pregnant traveller in a #guest post.

5 Things You Need to Pack for Travelling While Pregnant

It’s best to start planning well in advance if you want to travel while pregnant.

Fortunately, all you need are a few extras on top of everything you normally pack and you’ll be all set. From medical records to your favourite snacks, here are five things you need to pack for travelling while pregnant.
1. A dated doctor’s letter
Discuss your plans with your doctor if you’re intending to take a flight to your destination. They can advise you on the best course of action and if your pregnancy has no complications, they’ll be able to write you a letter declaring you fit for travel, which the airline may want to see (some won’t let you board without one). The best time for the doctor to write the letter is no longer than 7–10 days before travel.

Remember: airlines can refuse to let you board a flight if they believe you’re at risk or you’ll put other passengers at risk. A doctor’s letter will reduce the chances of this happening.

(Photo by Eric Rothermel on Unsplash)
1. Your travel insurance details
Most trips away are free from trouble, but it’s always better to err on the side of caution, so travel insurance is essential.

Make sure your insurance covers your pregnancy and any conditions or illnesses caused by it — not all policies do. Keep the details, including a number you can contact, in your hand luggage so you can get in touch with your provider if you need advice or need to make a claim.
1. Your maternity notes
Your maternity notes are a detailed record of your entire pregnancy and can be understood by medical staff around the world, which means treatment will be quicker even if you’re away from home.

Take them with you everywhere you go and you’ll save time and stress if you ever need to see a doctor or nurse while you’re on holiday.
1. A travel pillow
Never underestimate the humble travel pillow. It can be used to support your neck, cushion your back, and help you get into a comfortable position during travel. It’s a must-have, whether you’re travelling by plane, train, coach, or car.

The benefits of using a travel pillow:
- They support your neck in a natural position.
- They can keep the spine in its correct alignment.
- They help you avoid unnatural sleeping positions.
1. Drinks and snacks
It’s incredibly important to stay hydrated throughout pregnancy. The correct amount of water will keep your brain alert, reduce the risk of urinary tract infections, and reduce swelling and water retention. Experts recommend drinking the equivalent of eight 200ml glasses of water per day, more if you’re travelling to a country with a hot climate.

(Photo by Glen Carrie on Unsplash)

As for food, it’s important to settle your stomach and keep your blood sugar levels stable. Dry goods like crackers and ginger biscuits are good at quelling nausea and are easy to pack in your hand luggage or travel bag. Pots of fresh fruit and packets of dried fruit are also handy, and provide vital nutrients for you and your baby.

Thanks Luke for these tips which I’m sure my readers will find handy.

Ps For more tips for pregnant mums who want to travel Click here

Bon Voyage you yummy mummies to be and safe travels
I’m blue because my moon wasn’t

February 1, 2018

Last night the whole world must have been staring at the skies to look at the once in a blue moon phenomenon.

I happened to look up at the moon on the 30th when it seemed unusually large and bright. I mentioned this to my father who told me that on the 31st we were going to witness a Blue Moon, a Red Moon, a Full Moon and the Eclipse.

“Oh! I didn’t know. ” Perhaps this was too much for my brain to process because I foolishly told him ” You know , the moon rise was from the East. The same direction as the sun” . And we left it at that .

Yesterday while returning home I saw an orange moon in the Western horizon. I couldn’t capture it on my phone because Madhukar was in Speedy Gonsalves mode. But then my dad called up to tell me ” it is a Universal Truth that the sun and moon both rise in the east and set in the west” .

I’m sure he was up the whole night trying to figure out my “geographical discovery” .

I suppose it is age that makes one forget or rather confuse simple concepts like sunrise and sunset . I’ve captured so many of them that it shouldn’t have come as a surprise to me that sunrise and moonrise are in the same direction!

But I was confused .

So when it was time for moonrise last night, I kept a strict vigil on the east.

Sadly, there are many tall buildings coming around in the East so I had a restricted view of the moonWhen I first spotted it around 8 it looked like a peach orb with a sliver of light that gradually increased till the full moon was finally visible .

But the moon wasn’t blue. Nor was it red. Of course it was large but it wasn’t blue at all.

However, I’m glad I saw it especially since I won’t be around the next time it happens .
Breakfast with a Crow Pheasant

January 30, 2018

Have you ever had breakfast with a crow pheasant ? Frankly nor had I till this very morning. And here’s how it happened.

Hubby Dear had to go to Kolhapur on some work so I accompanied him till Pune where we had spent the night at my parents’ . While he woke up before the crack of dawn (3 am to be precise) and left , I went back to my snug bed and woke up at 6.

I spent a few minutes in the balcony upstairs chatting with my parents as they had their morning tea. After waving out to the morning walkers, exchanging pleasantries with the neighbor next door , we moved down to the rear verandah where my dad likes to grab the early morning sun while reading the papers .

While my dad had his cornflakes , I munched on some yummy chicken sandwiches left over from my mom’s Bridge session yesterday afternoon so I nibbled in those instead of my usual buttery toast .

Incidentally these are much better than the iconic Marz-O-Rin on Main Street which for years was my all time favourite. From now on I’ll be grabbing chicken sandwiches from Diamond Bakery at Fatima Nagar. If you’re in Pune , it’s worth a bite.

So while I was munching away amidst the birdsong, I suddenly spied a Crow Pheasant or Bharadwaj slowly approaching the bird bath. Now spotting a crow pheasant signifies good luck and I held my breath as he came closer .

He walked up to the bird bath had a sip or two then walked off to the lawn where he had the bread crumbs my father had thrown out for the birds. He nibbled some, sipped his fill and then flew to the top of the wall. He stared at me then vanished .

Isn’t that a lovely way to have breakfast with the twittering of birds and cawing of crows ?

February’s #FlavoursomeTuesday is scheduled for next week , the 6th but I’m posting this today.