The next few weeks on your planner are probably filled with parties, events, and reunions. However, if you're an expectant mother, you can’t just accept all the invitations that land in your mail box--especially those that require more than a few hours of travel. According to UC Health maternal-fetal medicine specialist Ron Jaekle MD, you should always prioritize your pregnancy above all else.

While pregnant women aren’t exactly forbidden to travel, there are certain limitations that should be observed; these depend on how much your body can tolerate as well as how far along you are. Some women can survive eight hours of being stuck on a boat, while others can barely sit through a two-hour drive to see the parents up north. If you do decide to make plans, however, be sure to consult with your doctor first. He or she will be able to give you an update about your pregnancy and offer important advice for going on the road too.

Long car trips, for instance, might not be what you call extensive traveling, but for a pregnant woman, the circumstances are not that simple. Every 45 minutes, you are strongly advised to get out of the car to stretch your legs, Jaekle says. Otherwise, you may develop blood clots, which can affect your health. Aside from the need to take a break from sitting down too long, he adds, you should also be aware of which foods you should stay away from this holiday season. Raw eggs, unpasteurized dairy—these are just some of the delicacies you’d do better to avoid.

Traveling will be more difficult if you’re eating for two, but if you must make the trip, make sure that somebody else is with you. Doing things alone while you’re stuck with limited movements and extra body weight can put you in very dangerous situations. Travel smart by asking one of your closest friends or your partner to go with you.

Are you an expectant mommy? Check out these articles on FN:

• 5 Fashion Tips for Expectant Moms from Daphne Oseña-Paez
• Stylish Maternity Wear from Belle Mama!
• 20 Gifts For Expectant Moms
• Don't Go Nuts! Pregnancy Bed Rest Survival Guide
• 10 Things Every Woman Should Know Before Having Her First Baby

(Photo by Jeff the Trojan via Flickr Creative Commons)