Is It Safe To Begin Traveling While Pregnant?

Traveling during pregnancy is safe for most people. As long as the person who’s pregnant and their fetus is healthy, they can travel safely until they are 36 weeks pregnant. Always consult with a doctor if you have further questions or concerns regarding your specific pregnancy and traveling.

Below are the most common questions by patients asking about traveling while pregnant. 

When is the best time to travel while I am pregnant?

The best time to travel while pregnant is between week 14 and week 28 or the middle of your pregnancy journey. Most common pregnancy issues happen during the first and third trimesters. During midpregnancy, however, your energy comes back most of the time, morning sickness usally decreaes, and mobility typically increases.

When is traveling NOT recommended during pregnancy?

Traveling is NOT recommended if you have pregnancy complications likr prelabor rupture of membranes or preterm labor. Also, traveling while pregnant may not be a good idea if you are pregnant with more than one fetus.

Should I avoid traveling to certain areas while pregnant?

Travel is NOT recommended for pregnant women in countries, cities, etc. where the Zika illness is ongoing. Zika, spread by mosquitoes, can cause major birth defects. Also, travel is NOT recommended to areas with malaria, another mosquito-carried illness dangerous for pregnant women.

What should I do before traveling on a trip?

There are a few things you can do to make sure your trip is safe and convenient while pregnant:

• • See your ob-gyn before you leave to ask any questions and get examined.
  • Know your estimated due date. If you have a problem while traveling, those caring should know how far along you are in your pregnancy.
  • Plan to bring over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers, a first aid kit, and prenatal vitamins. Also bring any prescribed medications.
  • Always Check that you are up-to-date with your vaccines. This is absolutely crucial.

What are some tips for traveling while pregnant on a plane?

Know your due date before you book your flight and take the trip before your 36th week of pregnancy. Some airlines restrict travel or require medical certification during the last month of pregnancy for safety concerns. For international flights, the cutoff point usually earlier. Check your local airline’s policies when planning your trip. Also, try to book an aisle seat so that you have access to stretch your legs and move about the cabin if you need to, and try to do so every hour or so.

What are tips for traveling while pregnant on a boat or ship?

Make sure a doctor or nurse is aboard the ship, too. Also ensure that your scheduled stops are places with modern medical facilities that can treat you in case of an emergency. Before you leave on your trip and get on a boat, ask your ob-gyn which medications are safe for you to take if you get seasickness or another ailment. You can check whether your ship has passed a health and safety inspection conducted by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at www.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp.