Pregnancy Travel Guide

Have you been wondering if pregnancy travel is safe? Maybe you’ve googled “Is it safe to travel during pregnancy first trimester?” or “pregnancy travel third trimester.” Traveling while pregnant is not uncommon – there are just some additional factors to consider as a pregnant person. We are going to break down some of these factors that all pregnant people should consider before planning a trip.

You’ll want to consider how far along you are in your pregnancy, the length of the trip, the uncertainty of what’s going on with COVID-19 and its variants, and many other factors first.

Just keep in mind that speaking to your OB/GYN before you start making hotel reservations or purchasing airline tickets is always a good idea. They are best suited for giving you personalized advice for traveling safely (and concrete reasons not to travel while pregnant if it’s warranted). They will also give you a general idea of when to stop traveling while pregnant.

 

 

Air Travel During Pregnancy

Some trips, especially cross-country or international trips, may require getting on a plane to explore a new city or return home for the holidays. Keep in mind, most airlines will not allow pregnant travelers to fly after 36 weeks.

Most airlines also require pregnant people to provide a medical certificate certifying that the passenger is fit for air travel during the final months of pregnancy. Check your airline’s requirements before booking your flight.

When considering your travel plans, air travel during pregnancy in the first trimester can be risky if you are experiencing symptoms like nausea, fatigue, or motion sickness. This can make flying uncomfortable.

If you are cleared for travel by your OB/GYN, use preventative measures, like:

• Plan to keep your circulation going whenever you can. That means flexing your legs and feet, getting up and walking in the aisle, and wearing loose clothing.
• Keep hydrated by drinking water and other liquids.
• Wear your seatbelt when instructed.
• Watch the types of foods you eat prior to the flight. Certain foods can create a buildup of gas. Avoiding these foods and drinks can alleviate any discomfort that may result.
• Consider wearing decompression socks to help blood flow since you’ll be sitting for an extended period.

If you start experiencing symptoms, like excessive vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, or problems with your vision prior to or during air travel, contact your doctor or attending physician as soon as possible.

Preparing for the trip should also be a priority. Most air travel is at least an hour and a half or longer depending on where you are going.

Prior to your flight:

• Pack crackers in your carry-on bag to help sooth nausea.
  
  
• Drink peppermint tea and lots of water before the flight.
  
  
• Prioritize getting a good night’s sleep prior to traveling.
  
  
• Always have the name of a recommended physician at your destination for those “just in case” moments or if you will need prenatal care.

 

Flying Internationally While Pregnant

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises pregnant people to prioritize pretravel care when preparing for an international trip. Consider these steps when preparing for international air travel during pregnancy:

• Schedule a visit with a healthcare provider who specializes in travel medicine. Schedule this appointment at least 4-6 weeks before you depart so they can review your itinerary and make recommendations based on your destination.
  
  
• Consider vaccine requirements. Some countries require specific vaccines to enter the country. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s travel site for information on vaccine requirements for different countries and review this information with your doctor.
  
  
• Consider purchasing supplemental travel insurance with medical and cancellation benefits. Since many primary insurance plans provide limited or no coverage once you leave your home country, the CDC advises pregnant international travelers to purchase insurance that will provide coverage for unexpected medical expenses incurred while traveling. Even if your regular health insurance does provide adequate coverage abroad, you may wish to purchase trip cancellation coverage to protect your trip investment in case of cancellation.
  
  If you’re a U.S. citizen or resident traveling domestically, you can purchase travel insurance to supplement your regular health insurance and/or protect the cost of your trip with trip cancellation coverage. Learn more about why you may need travel insurance or keep reading to see what kinds of pregnancy-related expenses travel insurance can cover.

 

 

 

 

Is It Safe to Travel During Pregnancy by Car?

You may be wondering “Is it safe to travel by car during pregnancy in the first trimester?” or “Is it safe to travel long distance by car during pregnancy?” If you’re planning a trip by car while pregnant, there are a few things to consider.

Travel during pregnancy in the first trimester by car can be complicated due to all the motion. Car sickness can mean nausea, diarrhea, or both. Long-distance travel in the first trimester may exacerbate nausea or cause extreme fatigue.

Combat these issues by ensuring there is plenty of room and space for you to be comfortable and relaxed and that you’re well rested before you depart on your trip. Pack anti-nausea meds if they’ve been approved for use during pregnancy by your doctor. If you’re not driving, bring a comfortable pillow, a blanket, ear plugs, and an eye mask in case you need to get some rest.

When traveling during pregnancy in your first trimester by car (and during the second and third), always wear your lap belt across your pelvis under your belly.

Be aware that there is a risk of developing blood clots throughout a pregnancy—especially when sitting for long periods of time. You can lessen the chance of experiencing blood clots by staying hydrated and planning frequent stops to allow for walking around, stretching, going to the bathroom, and filling up your water bottle.

Also plan for emergencies. Assess your planned route on a GPS app like Waze and note the rest stops, restrooms, and hospitals along the way. You may need to change your route to avoid long stretches that take you through the middle of nowhere.

Prior to long-distance travel during pregnancy, talk to your OB/GYN for additional tips on what to do and what not to do and potential complications to watch out for.

 

 

COVID Pregnancy Travel 

COVID pregnancy travel can be done but is not typically recommended. It is best to avoid traveling to areas with high COVID-19 rates.

According to the CDC, “People who are pregnant are at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 compared with people who are not pregnant.” If you are traveling while pregnant during COVID, visit the CDC’s COVID-19 travel restrictions map to see the level of risk for travel around the world.  

The CDC also recommends that those who are pregnant get a COVID-19 vaccination if they are not already vaccinated, as well as a booster shot. “Getting a COVID-19 vaccine can protect you from severe illness from COVID-19, and a healthy [parent] is important for a healthy baby,” the CDC says. Consider the added risks of COVID-19 and pregnancy and talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated.

 

Visit the CDC’s COVID-19: Pregnancy or Breastfeeding page for more information regarding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and pregnancy.

 

If you are pregnant and have COVID, you should avoid traveling at all costs or isolate if you have already left for your trip. If you contract COVID while traveling abroad and must be admitted to the hospital, your travel insurance plan may help cover your unexpected medical costs. A plan with travel assistance services, like Atlas Journey, can also be helpful when you need assistance in another country.