1. Folding Squatty Potty

Vacation constipation is REAL. Ever since my first pregnancy I have been using a squatty potty in my house and I cannot travel without this convenient, folding, squatty potty that easily fits in a carry-on suitcase or travel bag! Squatty potties are the real deal and help to unkink the rectum during bowel movements to allow stool to easily flow out.

2. Electrolyte Pack

See above – I told y’all vacation constipation is no joke and it is common to not only become dehydrated while traveling due to lack of fluid intake, but also electrolyte intake. These Needed Hydration Support Packs contain magnesium, sodium, potassium and chloride – all of which are essential for fluid balance – think swelling!

3. Large Water Bottle

I don’t think anyone travels these days without a reusable water bottle. I love the Simple Modern bottles as a great dupe to the Stanley brand. I don’t leave the house without mine!

4. High-Rise Compression Socks

Compression socks are a MUST when traveling during pregnancy – and honestly, just with pregnancy in general! Medical grade, high-rise socks are going to give you the best swelling relief especially if you will be traveling for a long period of time.

5. Low-Rise Compression Socks

While these low-rise compression socks are not the gold standard (compared to high-rise) for reducing swelling, I do love them for daily use and on shorter flights. They do not have as much compression, but still do help immensely compared to regular socks. These work well for shorter travel and on days you want to disguise your compression gear.

6. Probiotic

I personally believe that everyone should be taking a probiotic even if they are not pregnant – but ESPECIALLY during pregnancy. Research shows that taking a probiotic during pregnancy can help reduce or prevent GBS, gestational diabetes, constipation, postpartum depression, nausea and overall indigestion. The Perelel prenatal I take has an added probiotic in the 3rd trimester pack, but I still take this Perelel probiotic as well.

7. Ginger Chews

If you are in the 1st trimester or experiencing any lingering nausea in your pregnancy, then you NEED to bring these ginger chews. They are a lifesaver when it comes to fighting off morning sickness and any sort of nausea you may get while traveling.

8. Belly Support Band (use code drmaehughes for 15% off)

Even if you are not traveling, additional support to your bump can help to alleviate low back, hip and pelvic pain! Traveling often involves long periods of sitting or standing waiting around which is the enemy of the pelvis and trunk. I personally use this belly band to provide additional support and love how it fits under my clothes for discretion.

9. Prenatal Vitamin

This one is a no brainer. Don’t forget to pack your prenatal vitamins or any of your supplements while traveling during pregnancy. I personally use Perelel’s prenatal vitamins and love the convenience of the prenatal packs with additional vitamins to support you through each trimester of pregnancy.

10. Snacks

Airport snacks are not only expensive, but can leave you with few healthy options. My husband and I recently discovered Chomps for a quick yet satisfying, protein-packed snack. Many online resources state that you should receive at least 75-100 grams of protein per day during pregnancy, however, the Registered Dietitian I work with has said many women who are highly active during pregnancy may need as much as 0.7-1g of protein per 1lb of body weight. My suggestion is to always consult an RD for an individualized approach or to start on the lower end of those protein recommendations and slowly work your way up based on how you feel!

11. Comfy Shoes

For my first pregnancy my husband gifted me with these Allbirds and he did it again this second time around because of how much I RAVED about them. They have a wider toe box than many shoes and still look good while allowing room for any fluctuation in foot swelling. 

12. Belly Oil & Stretch Mark Cream (use code drmaehughes for 15% off)

Though there is not any 100% guaranteed method to prevent stretch marks, maintaining hydrated skin can help to reduce your risk of stretch marks as well as reduce itchy and dry skin that commonly occurs during pregnancy. You may not initially think to pack your belly oil or moisturizer with you, but the key to results with most things in life is consistency! I personally use both of these products nightly on my belly applying Nemah’s Stretch Mark Cream first and Belly Oil second.