In a heated debate over traveling by car or plane? About 250,000 motor vehicle accidents involve pregnant women every year, according to Mike Pearlman, MD, the vice chair and professor of obstetrics-gynecology at the University of Michigan Health Systems. If you decide to travel in the air rather than on the road, the following apps can also help provide a more comfortable experience for a mom-to-be.
Airplane Yoga: Healthy Circulation
Pregnant women have a five to 10 times higher risk of developing deep vein thrombosis during air travel, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Deep vein thrombosis is a dangerous blood clot that can cause serious medical complications. Perform sitting and standing yoga positions with Airplane Yoga to increase your circulation and lower your chances of getting blood clots. Visit the TheZenGuy.com website for more information about the Airplane Yoga app for $4.
Google Translate: Foreign Language
While traveling internationally, check your travel itinerary and plans to ensure a safe, secure and fun trip. Review credit card statements for unusual activity, track your credit score, review hotel reservations, check on the security of your home, and practice your foreign language skills. You never know when you’ll need to explain information about your health and pregnancy during an emergency to locals. Using the free travel app Google Translate, speak a phrase in English into your smartphone. The app will translate it into the foreign language equivalent. Visit Google Translate for a list of languages supported through the app.
JetLag Genie: Long Flights
JetLag Genie can help you fight the effects of jet lag by logging your daily activities. It tells you the best times to sleep, wake up or take your medications such as prenatal vitamins. Plug your trip information, sleep patterns and daily activities into the JetLag Genie. The app will alert you with timely notifications. Go to the JetLageGenieapp.com for more information about the app for $2.99.
mPassport: Medical Emergencies
To prepare for a medical emergency during an international trip, mPassport helps you find doctors and hospitals in foreign countries. The app can also translate medical terms and phrases in other languages. Go to mPassport.com to sign up for a 7-day free subscription trial, which works perfectly if you are only going on vacation for a week. Download the app for $0.99 and feel reassured during any weekend getaway or overseas trip.
