Is it safe to travel while pregnant? Is it safe to fly?

Pregnancy is undoubtedly a very special stage that generally does not prevent a woman from traveling if the pregnancy is developing normally and without complications.

However, in the case of pregnant women, they should take into account a series of recommendations and guidelines to be followed so that the trip does not pose any risk to them or to the baby.

In any case, since each pregnancy is different, it is important to consult with the specialist before embarking on the trip. In this way, the obstetrician will be able to assure the woman that there are no problems and may even be able to give her some indication.

Is it possible to travel during pregnancy?

In general, if the pregnancy is developing normally (when there are no complications and it is not a risky pregnancy), the woman can travel pregnant. However, in order for the pregnant woman to travel more safely, it is advisable to plan the trip for the second trimester of pregnancy, between the 18th and 28th weeks.

In the first trimester, the risk of miscarriage is higher and, in addition, the pregnant woman may have typical first trimester discomfort such as nausea, dizziness... which will make traveling uncomfortable. On the other hand, in the third trimester of pregnancy, the main reason why travel is less advisable is the risk of premature delivery.

However, in the second trimester, the pregnant woman will have the energy to enjoy the trip and, surely, the increased volume of the belly will not yet hinder her mobility too much.

Is it possible to travel pregnant?

In any case, in addition to the gestation period, it is important to correctly choose the best means of transport to make that pregnant trip and, of course, pay close attention to whether the chosen destination is the most suitable to go during pregnancy. In addition, the specialist should always be consulted if there are any contraindications.

When is travel during pregnancy contraindicated?

As mentioned above, in a normal pregnancy a woman can travel during pregnancy. However, in circumstances such as the following, the specialist may recommend that the pregnant woman not travel:

• Date close to the FPP.
• Existence of complications or risky pregnancy.
• Unfavorable history of previous pregnancy.
• Multiple pregnancy.
• Arterial hypertension.
• Gestational diabetes.
• Severe anemia.
• Cardiac disease in the mother.

Contraindications to travel while pregnant

However, there may be other circumstances particular to the pregnant woman that may also make travel during pregnancy inadvisable, so always consult with the specialist if there is any inconvenience before starting to organize the trip.

What is the best transportation for pregnant women?

Not all means of transportation are equally comfortable and this difference can be even greater if you are traveling pregnant. Therefore, it is advisable to take some aspects into account if you are going to travel during pregnancy.

In addition, it is important to know the possible requirements for pregnant travelers of the company with which the trip is made.

Aircraft

Air travel is safe during pregnancy and is a good option for travel to destinations that are a considerable distance away. In general, there would be no impediment to air travel up to 36 weeks of gestation (32 weeks for multiple pregnancies) if the pregnancy is developing normally without complications.

In any case, the specialist should always be consulted about air travel, in case there are any contraindications.

Likewise, you should consult the possible requirements that the airline may have for pregnant women in terms of the week of gestation in which they are, if a medical certificate is necessary to fly or the existence of specific requirements for pregnant women with flights to international destinations.

Air travel during pregnancy

As a recommendation, you should carry in your carry-on baggage your pregnancy documentation, a change of clothes and anything else you consider important, in case you lose your checked baggage.

Train

The high-speed train is one of the most comfortable ways to travel during pregnancy. The seats are comfortable, the pregnant woman can walk freely in the aisles during the trip to reduce the risk of blood clots, and she can easily go to the bathroom.

However, care should be taken with trains that cover shorter distances and have a lot of rattling, as they may be particularly uncomfortable for pregnant women.

Car

Traveling in a pregnant car is a comfortable option for short trips and, especially, if the woman is the co-driver and someone else is driving. There is a certain time during pregnancy when a woman will not be able to drive because of the size of her belly, which will lead her to move the seat away from the steering wheel to maintain a safe distance and, perhaps, she will no longer be able to reach the pedals. In addition, during the last months of pregnancy, it is recommended not to drive.

However, if the pregnant woman is the copilot, she can perform ankle movements (flexion and extension) between stops, which will reduce the risk of blood clots. Even so, it is recommended to stop every two hours at the most to be able to walk for a few minutes and go to the bathroom.

Traveling by car during pregnancy

Finally, it is advisable to avoid roads that are in poor condition or dangerous, as well as, of course, violent driving.

Other transportation

During pregnancy, traveling by boat may be less advisable than by other means of transportation (such as train) because the pregnant woman may experience motion sickness and nausea with the swaying of the waves.

The bus is also not highly recommended for travel during pregnancy. Seat space is limited, buses often do not have toilets and pregnant women cannot get up to walk down the aisle (they will have to do exercises to move their legs and flex and extend their ankles in the seat itself). In addition, the stops are fixed and limited.

Recommendations for travel during pregnancy

The following is a list of recommendations that pregnant women should take into account in order to travel comfortably and safely:

• Consult with the obstetrician about the convenience of making the trip.
• Try to travel accompanied.
• Maintain all safety measures during the trip. For example, the correct use of seat belts in transportation such as cars and airplanes is important.
• Hydrate frequently and carry a healthy snack.
• Avoid foods that may cause gas and carbonated beverages, especially if traveling by plane.
• Always wear sunscreen, even when it is not summer.
• Walking frequently (every hour) for several minutes, either in the aisle of the plane, train or making stops if traveling by car. This will help reduce the risk of blood clots in the lower extremities. Flexing and extending the ankles between walks or if there is no possibility of walking, for example, on a bus.
• Choose seats that are next to the aisle and near the restroom, whenever possible, when traveling by plane or train.
• Wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothing, avoiding tight-fitting garments. Footwear should also be comfortable.

Recommendations for safe travel during pregnancy

• Do not carry weight.
• Do not take medication, for example for dizziness, if you have not previously consulted with the specialist that it is safe to do so in pregnancy.
• Check that the trip does not coincide with a prenatal control visit. In such a case, the trip or consultation must be rescheduled or, especially if the trip is a long one, arrangements must be made to carry out the consultation at the destination.
• Search for a hospital at the destination where they can attend to medical emergencies of pregnancy. In addition, all medical documentation should be carried at all times in case of unforeseen circumstances.
• Assess whether medical insurance or travel insurance is necessary.
• Find out if any vaccinations are required to travel to the destination of your choice and, if necessary, check with the specialist that it is safe to have them during pregnancy. Usually, this type of vaccinations to travel to more exotic places are not compatible with pregnancy, so it would be advisable to avoid this type of destinations during pregnancy.
• Do not travel to areas with active outbreaks of infectious diseases.
• Take special care with food and with the hygienic measures of water and food, due to the possible transmission of diseases.

Tips for traveling during pregnancy

The most important thing is to rest and enjoy the trip while pregnant. It is not advisable to finish exhausted and, especially, if it is hot.

FAQs from users

Can you travel at 8 months pregnant?

Long journeys at such an advanced gestational age are not advisable, not only due to the risks associated for both the mother and the fetus, but just because of the number of discomforts for the pregnant woman.

Most airlines require pregnant women to present a medical certificate stating that she is in good condition for traveling. In any case, whether you are traveling by plane or not, you should ask your doctor previously.

Is it possible to travel or fly by plane in week 8 of pregnancy?

Yes, in principle, there is no problem in taking a trip, whether by car, train or plane, at this stage of pregnancy.

Women who decide to go sightseeing during their pregnancy should be careful to stay well hydrated and take as many breaks as necessary to avoid fatigue.

Is travel recommended during the 2WW?

There is no problem in going away for a few days to relax, whenever it is without getting too tired or making great efforts. In case of nausea, a long car trip can increase the anxiety and cause vomiting.

Is it possible to travel if there is a threat of miscarriage?

Many specialists advise pregnant women who are in a situation of threatened miscarriage not to travel, at least until this dangerous situation has passed.

Suggested for you

In this article you can read more information about driving while pregnant: Driving pregnant: posture and seat belts.