Travel Safety During Pregnancy
Sports, Travel, and Leisure
Obie Editorial Team
During pregnancy, it's generally safe for pregnant women to travel safely, but some precautions must be taken depending on where you are traveling and your state of pregnancy and health.
Pregnant women experience physiologic changes that require special consideration during travel. These include weight gain, having to use the bathroom frequently, and trouble carrying heavy things. In addition, pregnant women should be aware of potential infections that can be contracted in some countries. These areas should be avoided.
Most doctors feel it's safe to travel during the first 8 months of pregnancy unless you have a high-risk pregnancy. The main concerns with travel during pregnancy are:
If you have any medical or obstetric complications, such as the risk for preterm birth, poorly controlled diabetes, placental problems, or pregnancy-induced high blood pressure, your provider may recommend to not travel during your pregnancy.
Generally, in low-risk pregnancies the safest time to travel during pregnancy is in the second trimester (13 to 28 weeks).
If you plan to travel, discuss the trip with your health care provider. Talk about the distance and length of the trip, the mode of travel, and any suggestions for things you should or should not do before, during, and after the trip.
Generally, the safest time to travel during pregnancy is the second trimester (13 to 28 weeks). At this time you probably feel your best and you are in the least danger of having a miscarriage or premature labor. While traveling in and by itself is unlikely to increase your risks, there is always a possibility of complications, especially premature labor and delivery. So you need to ask yourself whether you feel safe having a baby wherever you are traveling to.
Avoid traveling any long distance during the last 2 or 3 weeks before your due date. If labor starts early, you will want to be close to home.
Do not ride in the car for more than 6 hours each day. Stop every 1 to 2 hours for some exercise, such as walking.
Flying is usually a safe way to travel. Most domestic airlines will allow a pregnant woman to fly up to the 36th week of pregnancy if there are no problems with the pregnancy. Each airline has policies regarding pregnancy and flying. Check with your airline when you reserve your tickets to see if you need to complete any medical forms.
Seasickness is a concern for many people traveling by sea. Your healthcare provider may recommend a medicine that helps prevent motion sickness and is safe during pregnancy. You might also consider trying acupressure wristbands.
Be aware that the medical services on a ship are very limited.
You should not travel out of the country without discussing it first with your healthcare provider. Your provider may decide foreign travel is not safe for you. If it is safe, your provider will let you know what should be done before you leave and when you arrive at your destination. You may want to register with an American Embassy or Consulate after you arrive. It is important to make sure you have had all the shots you need for the countries you are planning to visit. Some immunizations cannot be given to pregnant women.
Make sure your health insurance is valid abroad and during pregnancy. Also, check that the policy covers a newborn if you were to give birth during your travels.
Be especially cautious about what you eat in countries where traveler's diarrhea might be a problem. Diarrhea can cause dehydration, which reduces the blood flow to the placenta and your baby.
Read More
Nothing feels more relaxing than a hot bath or shower after a long day of work, parenting or life in general, but are saunas safe druing pregnancy?
Does smoke pass through the breast milk to the baby when breastfeeing?
Swimming is a low-intensity workout that allows the pregnant woman to relieve lower back strain. Besides reveling in the feeling of weightlessness, swimming provides various health benefits during pregnancy.