Is it safe to travel in two wheeler during pregnancy

Yes. Traveling on a scooter or another two-wheeler is as safe as traveling in any other vehicle. Having said that, a two-wheeler is "friskier" than a four-wheeler and slightly less reliable as you need to balance it. But whatever vehicle you drive, the two main hazards of being on the road are usually unruly traffic and bumpy roads. And you may want to avoid these not only when you are on a scooter, but also if you drive a car. So, if you are pregnant and have to be on the road on a two-wheeler for a couple of kilometers every day, it is advisable to take a few precautions.

In the first trimester, consult your gynecologist before taking to the road. In case of many mothers, the gynecologist may advise to keep away from all kinds of travel stress for the first three months (at least).

Breast Changes in Pregnancy

If you are in your first trimester and your gynecologist hasn’t asked you to stop traveling, you may still want to keep a few things in mind:

• Always wear a helmet and a high visibility jacket.
• Avoid traveling during peak hours.
• Avoid bumpy roads and lanes.
• Travel by a road you know well.
• Try to take a route that has a hospital or an OPD clinic. If you feel unwell while driving, you can quickly stop by one of these and get immediate care.
• If you are riding the pillion, keep reminding the driver to go slow and avoid bumps.
• Avoid being on the road for long hours.
• Do not drive or ride on a day you are feeling dizzy or unwell.
• Avoid being on the road on a rainy day. Two-wheelers are frisky vehicles and can be difficult to manoeuvre during the rains or even after them, when the roads are muddy and slippery and traffic is choked.
• Avoid being out in the mid-afternoon sun in the summer. You are more likely to feel dizzy and dehydrated during this time of the day.
• In the winter, avoid being out in the evening or late in the night. It is not safe to drive in fog or extreme cold weather.

In the late second and third trimesters, you will be bigger and may find it difficult to manage your weight on a two-wheeler while you handle the controls, balance and steer to avoid road hazards, lift over speed-breakers and bumps, and negotiate turns. Therefore, it is a good idea to begin planning your mode of travel to work right in the early days of pregnancy. Here are a few ideas:

• Travel with friends or neighbours who go to work in the same area as you. This way you can avoid riding a two-wheeler every day.
• Find out the easiest and quickest bus route to work. In the later months of pregnancy when you are too big to ride your two-wheeler, you can travel by bus.
• If you work near to your home, and you are planning to walk every day, ensure that you walk with a friend or a colleague. You will have help if you suddenly feel unwell on your way.
• And finally, check with your office if you can work from home for a few days a week.

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