8 Things to Know When While Pregnant

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If you have just found out you’re pregnant, you are likely processing just how much your life will change. So, this is the perfect time to tick a few things off your bucket list before things change pace (at least while you’re soaking up the newborn days).

For women who have healthy, uncomplicated pregnancies, during pregnancy can be the perfect time to travel. Not only is travel a great way to experience new cultures and discover new places, but it’s also a great opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and truly rest.

However, many women have reservations about travel during pregnancy; is it safe, what precautions should be taken, and how late into pregnancy is it okay to travel? We will be answering all your questions and more in this article.

Can You Travel While Pregnant?

If you have an uncomplicated pregnancy, travelling is certainly an option. For most women, it is safe to travel before 36 weeks of pregnancy. However, it’s best to get your travel plans signed off by your doctor just to be sure that travelling is safe for you. 

The Safest Time to Travel

For most women, the safest time to travel is in their second trimester of pregnancy. The second trimester is typically when you’re at your most energized and your bump isn’t feeling big and uncomfortable (yet).

Of course, as we mentioned above, it’s always important to consult your doctor before undertaking any travel plans as they can provide advice specific to you.

When You Should Stop Travelling While Pregnant

When you reach the 36-month mark in your pregnancy, it’s important to stop traveling. This is because you are at a higher risk of pregnancy complications in the third trimester and you could go into premature labor if you do not rest enough.

During this last stage of your pregnancy air travel is not recommended and travel should be limited to just two hours by car.

Related read: How to sleep comfortably in pregnancy

International Travel While Pregnant

Most international travel while pregnant is safe. However, it is recommended that you avoid traveling to developing countries while pregnant as there is a high risk of disease that could be harmful to you and your growing baby.

Tips for Travel During Pregnancy

Here are our top tips for traveling while pregnant. We hope they help you prepare for your trip.

Always Get Sign-off from Your Doctor or Midwife

Before taking a trip it’s important to get the official go-ahead from your doctor or midwife. Your medical team understands you and your pregnancy. They know the risks you are prone to (if any) and they’re aware of your health needs. So, they can let you know whether it’s safe for you to travel during your pregnancy. Talking with your doctor or midwife in advance is also a great way to organize any prescriptions or medications that you need for your trip. 

Top tip: you must bring photocopies of your prescriptions and spare medications just in case you lose or misplace them while traveling.

Don’t Overdo It

When you’re traveling it can be tempting to see all the sights. But when you’re pregnant that’s not always possible. It’s typically recommended that you rest as much as you can because rest is the most important thing you can do for your changing body and growing baby. 

It’s important to book trips that will allow for plenty of rest and relaxation such as a cruise getaway to top destinations such as Bora Bora, Seychelles and Italy. Cruises are perfect for pregnant travelers as they provide a chance for you to enjoy beautiful locations without having to go too far afield. They also provide everything you need, all in one place. So, you can just sit back and relax.

Health Insurance

Traveling while pregnant understandably carries a few more risks than traveling when you’re not pregnant. So, it’s important to err on the side of caution, especially during the planning phase as this can make a big difference. One of the biggest things you can do before jetting off on holiday is secure good pregnancy travel health insurance and make the insurance company aware of your pregnancy. This will cover you in the event something happens to you or your baby while you’re away - from early labor to miscarriage. While it’s not nice to think about these things, it’s important to be prepared for anything. After all, in the event something does happen you want to know you will receive good healthcare and that the costs will be covered.

Travel Vaccinations

When you are pregnant, travel vaccinations are not recommended. This is because most vaccines use live bacteria or viruses and these could harm your baby in the womb. If there are specific travel vaccinations you need and you have to travel (to visit a sick family member, for example), speak to your doctor or midwife who will be able to offer their advice.

Tell People You’re Pregnant

Sometimes it’s hard for people to know whether you’re pregnant or not. And if you’re clearly showing, most people feel too nervous to comment on it. So, it’s important to let those around you know that you’re pregnant, especially air hostesses and flight crew who will look after you well on your journey. 

Travel with Your Pregnancy Notes

When you are pregnant, it is advised that you travel everywhere with your pregnancy notes - whether you’re headed out to the supermarket or you’re traveling abroad to France. Your pregnancy notes cover everything about your pregnancy, from scans and medical info to medications and maternal care requirements.  Taking these notes with you on your travels doesn’t just provide peace of mind, it also ensures any medical team coming to your aid  while you’re away has the information they need about your pregnancy to provide you with the appropriate care.

Stay Hydrated

Pregnancy travel puts you at a much higher risk of dehydration. According to the American Pregnancy Association, “When you’re pregnant you need more water than the average person, at least 8-12 glasses a day. Water plays an important role in the healthy development of your baby such as helping to form the placenta, which is what your baby relies on to receive nutrients during pregnancy. Water is also used to form the amniotic sac later in your pregnancy.”

Therefore, it is important to drink plenty of water throughout your pregnancy. And this is particularly important while you are traveling. Flying on airplanes can dehydrate you very quickly and traveling to hot weather destinations and surviving in the heat can do the same. So, always carry a bottle of water wherever you go and drink from it regularly. Just make sure the water you’re drinking while traveling is bottled and that you don’t drink from the tap. This will prevent you and your baby from contracting any viruses or infections from unsafe drinking water.

Book a Spa Day

And finally, in the name of relaxation, make the most of your trip with a spa day. One of the best things about being pregnant (aside from growing a human, of course) is the permission to be selfish. Taking time out for yourself is celebrated. If you want to nap in the middle of the day, nobody will stop you. If you want that extra slice of chocolate cake, go ahead!

Fueling your body for two takes a lot of work and eating well and getting plenty of rest is an important part of that. This is why pregnancy is such a great opportunity to put the breaks on and truly pamper yourself. And there’s no better time than while you’re on holiday. So, put your feet up and enjoy.

Final Words

We hope the tips we’ve shared in this article help you make the most of your travel time. Having a big trip to look forward to in pregnancy is definitely something that will keep your spirits high. With the right preparation and a great support system, you can have an amazing time traveling during your pregnancy before heading home to start your new life as a mama.

Get more advice for new parents. Take a peek at the latest stories on CODDLE’s blog for plenty of helpful articles on postpartum, pregnancy, breastfeeding and parenting.