Travel During Pregnancy: Safety Tips, Best Time, and What to Avoid

Many expectant mothers have to or want to travel-whether it's for a "babymoon", a family function, or work. As long as you are healthy and not at risk for complications, travelling during pregnancy is usually safe. Between 14 and 28 weeks, when the risk of miscarriage and premature labour is at its lowest, it is the safest period to travel. Although it is usually possible to travel while pregnant, there are safety measures to take. It's all about striking a balance between your travel and your comfort and safety because your body has different needs now.

Knowing a few dos and don'ts may make the entire process a lot smoother, whether you're travelling by car or on a flight. Being aware of how pregnancy impacts your body and making appropriate travel arrangements can make all the difference.

Most women can continue traveling while they are pregnant, as long as it is well planned. Here are key pointers to keep in mind:

• First Trimester: Nausea and fatigue are often common, so traveling may not be that pleasant. There is also a slightly higher risk of miscarriage so if you plan to travel only do so in short and essential trips.

• Second Trimester: Traveling during the second trimester is thought to be the most favorable time during the pregnancy. Energy levels typically improve and the risks are lower during this time. The second trimester is favorable for long trips or vacations.

• Third Trimester: Traveling becomes physically more challenging as you get into the third trimester. The risk of preterm labor or other complications increases. Many airlines will not allow at least domestic travel for pregnant women beyond 36 weeks.

Avoid Travel If:

• Pregnancy complications like preeclampsia, bleeding, or history of preterm labor.

• You are in the last month and traveling far from medical facilities.

Always Consult Your Doctor

Make sure to discuss any travel plans with your provider, even if your pregnancy is low-risk. You may need to plan out your prenatal care visits to ensure you don't miss any while you're away. Your provider can offer you personalised pregnancy travel advice and provide a fitness-to-fly certificate if necessary. In addition to being safe, don't forget to prioritise what is most important to you and your pregnancy while travelling. Comfort, health, and access to care are more important than the destination itself.

• First Trimester (0–13 weeks):

  While traveling is typically just fine, the first trimester can be uncomfortable. Many women experience fatigue, morning sickness, and mood swings. There's also that risk of miscarriage in the first weeks, so you might want to avoid a long trip during early pregnancy.

• Second Trimester (14–28 weeks):

  This is generally accepted to be the safest and most comfortable time to travel. Energy levels are typically higher, morning sickness is usually gone, and there is still an absence of a significant baby bump. The risk of complications is lower, and often you feel better physically and emotionally. This is the time to take your babymoon or visit with family.

• Third Trimester (29–40 weeks):

  Travel becomes more difficult in the later stages. There will be more discomfort, more frequent urination, more swelling, and more fatigue. Some airlines will also restrict traveling following 28 – 36 weeks without a medical certificate. Always consult your physician if you are thinking about traveling during this time.

Planning travel during pregnancy? Here are some helpful tips to make your trip easier and safer:

Before You Travel

• Consult Your Doctor: Before your trip, have a medical check-up at a pregnancy hospital. Your doctor will provide guidance based on your trimester, health, and travel destination. The travel health tips for women who are pregnant aren’t all the same as when you are not during a regular trip, but your doctor can help.

• Plan Short, Comfortable Trips: The best time to travel while pregnant is the second trimester—you should plan on relaxing travel, with short distances, and minimal stress levels.

• Pack Smart: Bring your prenatal vitamins, emergency contacts, and medical records for prenatal care. An interception of the previous three tips is Stock up on snacks, water, and medications only safe for your pregnancy.

While Travelling

• Stay Hydrated and Eat Light: Drink a sip of water often and minimize heavy meals to stay from nausea and bloating.

• Move Around: When traveling on long drives or flights, make sure you get out every hour to stretch your legs and walk to help prevent blood clots.

• Use Seatbelts Correctly: You need to use the lap belt, below the belly, and the shoulder strap, across the chest, for safe travel during pregnancy.

Destination Tips

• Medical Access Matters: Go to a destination that has available and safe medical access.

• Avoid High-Risk Areas: Avoid places with Zika or malaria; and those that do not have safe water supply.

• Watch What You Eat: Eat fresh, well-cooked food and safe drinking water.

Using these pregnancy travel tips will help you make sure your trip is healthy, safe, and enjoyable.

Here are some common travel risks you can avoid to safely travel during your pregnancy:

• Bumpy or uneven roads

• Long hours of traveling without breaks or stretches

• Adventure sports or physically demanding activities (e.g., trekking, scuba diving, mountain climbing)

• Excessive stress and overexertion

• Not keeping up with your prenatal care and missing medications

• Traveling to areas with limited medical services or harsh weather conditions

Listen to your body - if you don't feel well, it's ok to change your plans or cancel the trip.

While travel is generally safe for many pregnant women, there are some situations where it’s best avoided:

• High-risk pregnancy and diagnoses like pregnancy-induced hypertension, gestational diabetes, etc.

• Signs of preterm labour, including contractions or spotting.

• Placenta previa (or other complications) like severe anemia.

• The doctor has strictly asked you to avoid travelling.

It's always best to be cautious. Your health and your baby's health are the most important things.

Travel during pregnancy can be safe, enjoyable, and even refreshing—if planned well. The second trimester is generally the best time to travel, and simple precautions can go a long way in ensuring your safety. Always prioritise comfort, carry your essentials, and follow medical advice. Whether you’re flying, driving, or taking a train, preparation is the key to safe and memorable pregnancy travel.