5 Tips for traveling while pregnant

Nothing in this article is or should be construed as medical advice; for any medical questions, consult your healthcare professional.

Pregnancy doesn't have to ground your travel plans, but it does require thoughtful preparation and safety considerations, especially early and late in the pregnancy journey. Whether you feel anxious or excited about traveling while pregnant, we have five travel tips and recommendations for holidays, family vacations, babymoons, work trips and more.

1) Consider your trimester windows for traveling while pregnant

Your body will go through incredible — and challenging — changes during your pregnancy, some of which can affect your ability to go on road trips or international vacations. What are some of the symptoms and considerations for each trimester? And what are the best windows for travel during pregnancy?

First trimester

During your first trimester, pregnancy hormones influence nearly every organ system as early as the first week.¹ You may experience extreme fatigue, morning sickness, tender breasts, cravings or food aversions, mood swings, constipation and more. Those might not be symptoms you want to face in a hotel or unknown destination.

Maybe you already have a trip planned when you find out you’re expecting. There’s nothing preventing you from traveling, though a well-packed bag for any first trimester symptoms is a must — more on that later! If you can adjust your itinerary, many prefer to wait until after 12 weeks, when your symptoms subside. You also have a lower risk of miscarriage past 12 weeks.²

And if you’re traveling to announce your pregnancy to family or loved ones around this time, we have the perfect keepsake that’s carry-on friendly!

Second trimester

Your second trimester is the “golden period” for travel. In between weeks 14-28, many of the first-trimester symptoms have subsided, including morning sickness.³ Your energy levels should feel more stable and your body should be able to handle the demands of travel, such as sitting on a plane or walking around comfortably. If you’re looking to book a babymoon with your partner or a pre-baby solo getaway, now is the time!

Third trimester

After week 28, you should exercise caution before jumping on a plane. It will likely be harder for you to move around or sit for long stretches of time, and you’re at higher risk for going into labor.³ In fact, some travel companies like airlines or cruise lines may request a note from your doctor with your due date before you can book.³ Most of the time the cutoff is up until 36 weeks of pregnancy, but this could vary based on your destination and your travel operator, so be sure to double-check any policies. Along with reading the fine print, your doctor might also need to weigh in on your jet-setting.

2) Schedule a health check-in before traveling when pregnant

If you’ve timed your trip by trimester, it’s a great idea to be transparent with your healthcare professional about your plans. Here are a few pregnancy travel questions to research and discuss with your doctor during your pre-trip appointment:

• What pregnancy-friendly medications will help with unexpected headaches, nausea or motion sickness?
• Will my health insurance be accepted at my destination if I’m traveling internationally? Or do I need to book specific travel insurance while pregnant?
• Do I need copies of my medical records or prescriptions?
• Can I get the vaccines required for my destination while pregnant?
• Which foods should I avoid during my trip?
• Do I need to be cautious about water safety on my trip?
• Are there diseases at my destination (such as Zika virus that may prevent me from traveling?
• How can I best get in contact with my doctor from my hotel or lodging if I have a question while traveling?
• What are some safety considerations for a longer flight or drive? How can I lower the risk of DVT (deep vein thrombosis)?

3) Create a pregnancy-friendly travel checklist

Be prepared to leave some room in your suitcase. Traveling while pregnant doesn’t just require extra planning; it overhauls your packing list, too. Here’s a checklist for everything you might need:

Medical essentials

✅ Prenatal vitamins or any supplements

✅ Nausea remedies approved by your doctor

✅ Constipation relief

✅ Pregnancy-friendly pain medication

✅ Hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes

Clothing

✅  Compression socks for long flights or drives

✅  Loose, comfortable clothing with layering options

✅ Long-sleeve shirts and pants if your destination may put you in contact with bugs or mosquitoes

✅  Comfortable, supportive footwear

✅  Pregnancy support belt or band

Snacks

✅  Protein-rich, filling foods, like granola bars, jerky or dried fruits

✅  Nausea-fighting remedies like ginger chews

✅  Plenty of bottled water — stay hydrated, no matter how many bathroom breaks it takes

✅  Electrolyte packets

Technology

✅  Translation tools

✅ Digital copies of insurance cards

✅  Contact information for your doctor

Miscellaneous

✅  Pregnancy pillow (only realistic for driving, but you can ask your hotel or accommodation for extra pillows!)

✅ Eye masks for getting some sleep when you can

4) Prioritize your safety and comfort

Traveling often requires flexibility (like the occasional nap at the airport) but your comfort levels can change significantly when you’re pregnant. However you plan to see the world, here are some tips to help keep you and your little plus-one safe and content.

Pregnancy air travel

• Forget the views and book an aisle seat to make frequent bathroom and stretching breaks easier.

• For long-distance travel, your doctor might recommend compression socks to reduce your risk of a blood clot. Circle your ankles, wiggle your toes and stand up frequently.

• Avoid bubbly drinks like soda or carbonated water before or during a flight. Changes in air pressure can cause gas in your body to expand, leading to bloating and discomfort.³ Opt for water or a decaf tea instead.

• Are airport scanners safe for pregnancy? Yes! Scanners used by TSA emit such low levels of radiation that you and baby are both safe.⁴

• Wear your seatbelt properly at all times in case of unexpected turbulence. It should sit low across your body, under your belly.

Driving while pregnant

Wear your seatbelt at all times. The belt should sit low across your body, below your belly. Follow the instructions from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

• Plan on frequent road trip stops so you can drink water and move as needed.

• Check with your doctor on using over-the-counter medications for motion sickness.

• Pack a small cushion or pillow for lower back support.

5) Recognize when to stay home

No one likes hearing their hard-earned vacation plans won’t work out. But for your health and your baby’s, it’s crucial to accept when traveling while pregnant just isn’t possible. You might have a medical condition or pregnancy complication that requires staying close to your doctor. Weather or illness could keep you at home. Your body is already doing so much during pregnancy.

If you have to cancel plans, give yourself space to be upset about the hard news. Feel all the emotions you need to. Once you work through the first wave of disappointment, consider planning a special dinner out or a staycation to make the best of things.

Keep a sense of adventure

Parenthood in itself is an enormous adventure, from the moment your pregnancy test comes back positive. And parenthood doesn’t mean your travels have to end. Once your little one arrives, you’ll get to teach them all about the world around them. Someday they’ll experience the excitement of visiting grandparents across the country, or trying different foods in a new and unknown place. Instilling that sense of adventure and curiosity in their growing mind is a unique and profound gift you can give them.

Related Articles

• Early Pregnancy Signs and Symptoms: Why are you so tired?

• Your guide to a fun yet empathetic pregnancy reveal

• Announcing your pregnancy at work: When and how