Traveling While Pregnant

Once you take the necessary precautions and use common sense, travel during pregnancy should be relatively safe and comfortable. Here are some of the most common rules a pregnant woman should follow if she is planning to travel.

Travel during pregnancy - The best time to travel

The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that the best time to travel is between 14 to 28 weeks, (since most pregnancy emergencies take place during the first and the third trimester). Another advantage of travelling during your second trimester, is that your energy level should have returned, and you should be able to move and sit comfortably for longer periods.

Click here for more tips from ACOG about safe travel during pregnancy

Travel during pregnancy - Your doctor knows best

You can obviously do your research about any concerns you might have if you are travelling during pregnancy, but since your doctor knows your personal history and is following your pregnancy, he or she should always be your reference point before you decide to travel.

When you are planning a trip, especially if it involves a long car ride or going to a foreign country, always consult your doctor and see if you have his green light before you make any definite plans.

Pay attention to the way you feel and discuss your concerns. If you are at high risk for deep vein thrombosis, or have severe anemia, sickle cell disease, clotting disorders and placental insufficiency it is best to take extra caution when travelling.

Click here to learn how to increase your comfort when travelling during pregnancy

Travel during pregnancy - Have an emergency plan

Since you will be away from your usual care providers, adopt a "know -before- you- go" attitude before leaving.

It is a good idea to find out about where you can get medical help in case an emergency arises once you reach your destination, and if you are travelling in your third trimester, have a copy of your medical history at hand. Though in most cases travelling is relatively safe, the risks increase as you approach your due date, so it is better to err on the side of caution in these cases.

For more tips about travelling during your third trimester, click here

Travel during pregnancy - Don't break the bridge with your doctor

It is always a good idea to have your doctor's contact number on paper, in case your cell phone is lost or damaged during your trip. Carrying your doctor's business card in your wallet means that your doctor (and your medical records) are always within reach.

Travel during pregnancy - Tips about air travel during pregnancy

Pregnancy is almost always a physically taxing time, and every trimester poses a set of inconveniences that you would not usually experience when you are not pregnant, so take extra care if you are flying. Always take the fastest route to make it to your destination and let others haul heavy luggage. Opt for an aisle seat so that you can get up easily if you need to go to the bathroom, and always drink plenty of water when you are travelling. If it's hot remember to drink more frequently and try not to sit for more than an hour.

To learn more about air line policies about travelling when pregnant click here

Travel during pregnancy - How to stay comfortable when travelling by car.

If you are planning to go on a road trip take frequent breaks and don't drive for long hours even if you feel you can make it. Avoid leg cramps and swollen feet, by pulling over to a rest areas every 90 minutes, so you can go for a brief walk and do some simple stretches. Keep yourself hydrated and try to avoid travelling alone, especially if you are going for a very long distance.

For more information about car travel during pregnancy click here

Travel during pregnancy - What to know when travelling by sea

It is fun to go for a cruise, but keep in mind that your risk of experiencing sea and motion sickness when you are pregnant increases, especially if you are still in your first trimester. Ask your doctor to prescribe safe motion sickness medication if you are planning to travel by sea.

Travel during pregnancy - A final note

Travelling to an exotic location may be fun, but don't forget to pack your common sense before you leave. Stay away from uncooked shell fish, fruit and vegetables that might make you sick. Drink bottled water and always check that your food is cooked thoroughly before eating it.