Travel When You Are Pregnant

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KEY POINTS

• Usually it is safe to travel during the first 7 to 8 months of pregnancy. The main concerns with travel during pregnancy are having access to medical care, getting enough exercise and fluids, and being able to eat healthy foods.
• Generally, the safest time to travel during pregnancy is when you are 13 to 28 weeks pregnant. You will probably feel your best and you will be in the least danger of having a miscarriage or going into labor. Unless it is absolutely necessary, don’t make plans to travel during the third trimester of your pregnancy.
• See your healthcare provider before you leave on your trip for advice and instructions to keep you and the baby safe.

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Is it safe to travel during pregnancy?

Usually it is safe to travel during the first 7 to 8 months of pregnancy. The main concerns with travel during pregnancy are having access to medical care, getting enough exercise and fluids, and being able to eat healthy foods. Also, you may have some discomfort while traveling.

Generally, the safest time to travel during pregnancy is the second trimester, when you are 13 to 28 weeks pregnant. You will probably feel your best and you will be in the least danger of having a miscarriage or going into labor. Avoid traveling long distances from home later in pregnancy. If labor starts before your due date, it’s good to be close to home. Unless it is absolutely necessary, don’t make plans to travel during the third trimester of your pregnancy.

If you have any medical or pregnancy problems, your healthcare provider may advise against traveling while you are pregnant.

What are the general guidelines for travel during pregnancy?

• See your healthcare provider before you leave on your trip. Talk with your healthcare provider about:
  • The distance and length of the trip
  • How you plan to travel
  • What you should or should not do before, during, and after the trip
• Ask your provider if you will need any prenatal care visits while you are traveling, and if so, where you might go for prenatal care.
• Take a copy of your prenatal record and health insurance information with you. Make sure your health insurance will be accepted where you are traveling.
• Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes and loose-fitting clothes.
• Eat healthy meals and snacks. Carry healthy snacks with you.
• Drink plenty of water. Carry a water bottle with you.
• Do not take any medicines, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, supplements, or natural remedies, without your healthcare provider's approval.
• Get enough sleep and rest. If you have to sit for a long time, point and flex your feet often. Try to get up and walk as often as you can. Walking and moving your arms improves blood flow.
• After a long flight or other travel, try to lie down with your feet up for at least 30 minutes if you had to sit for a long time during your travel.

How can I travel safely by car?

• Always wear a seat belt. A seat belt is safe for both you and the baby when worn properly. If the seat belt is only a lap belt, place it below your belly. If you have a shoulder and lap belt, place the lap belt under your belly and the shoulder belt across your shoulder and between your breasts. Be sure that the seat belt fits snugly.
• Don’t worry about air bags. They are safe, and the gas used in air bags won't hurt you or the baby.
• Adjust your seat as far from the steering wheel as is reasonable to drive.
• Try to avoid riding in a car more than 6 hours each day. Stop every 1 to 2 hours for some exercise, like walking.
• If you are in an accident, go to an emergency room right away so you and your baby can be checked.
• Avoid motorcycle travel during pregnancy.

How can I travel safely by bus or train?

• When you are traveling by train, get up and walk every hour or two. Take advantage of any stops the bus or train makes to get exercise.
• Take an extra cushion to use for back support and use the foot rest so that your knees are slightly raised.

How can I travel safely by air?

Flying is usually a safe way to travel. Each airline has policies regarding pregnancy and flying. Most domestic airlines allow pregnant women to fly up to the 36th week of pregnancy if there are no problems with the pregnancy. Check with your airline when you reserve your tickets to see if you need to complete any medical forms.

Going through airport scanners is not a risk to you or your baby

Suggested guidelines for traveling by air are:

• An aisle seat near the front of the plane or an exit aisle gives you the most space and comfort. During parts of the flight when it’s safe not to wear a seat belt, walk every half hour. Flexing and stretching your ankles often will also help avoid swelling. Support stockings can also help.
• Wear a seat belt below your belly whenever you are in your seat.
• Wear layered clothing because the temperature in the plane may change during the flight.
• Drink plenty of fluids. The air in planes can be very dry.
• Eat small meals to help avoid air sickness. Avoid foods and drinks that may give you gas. If you want a special meal on the plane, you can usually order one in advance.

How can I travel safely by boat?

Seasickness is a concern for many people traveling by boat. Your healthcare provider may recommend medicine that helps prevent motion sickness and is safe during pregnancy. You might also try acupressure wristbands.

If you are going on a cruise, check with the cruise line to find out about their policies regarding pregnancy. Also ask about what kinds of medical facilities are available on the ship and in ports of call.

How can I travel safely internationally?

If you are planning to travel to another country, talk to your healthcare provider about it beforehand. It’s 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.

You may want to register with an American Embassy or Consulate after you arrive just in case you have a problem with your pregnancy and need help quickly

Make sure your health insurance is valid abroad. Check that your policy covers the baby in case you give birth during your travels.

Be careful about what you eat in countries where traveler's diarrhea might be a problem. Diarrhea can cause dehydration and reduce blood flow to your baby.

• Avoid eating food and drinks from street vendors.
• When you travel to places where contamination is more likely, eat only hot, freshly cooked food. Drink only bottled water and liquids. Avoid tap water and ice, or boil water before drinking. Don't eat raw vegetables or unpeeled fruit.
• Make sure the milk, cheese, and juice products you eat and drink have been pasteurized. Avoid uncooked dairy products.
• Ask your healthcare provider what medicines are safe to take if you get diarrhea.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has an International Travelers Hotline for information on disease and world travel. The phone number is (800) 232-4636. The CDC travelers' health Web site is http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel.