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Pregnancy alters the body’s response to temperature and movement and can even trigger motion sickness. However, before you travel, it is highly recommended to consult your doctor. Before travelling, check if the place is pregnancy-friendly, the temperature, the duration, the local food, and the emergency facilities available. If you have any pregnancy complications or you are in the third trimester, doctors might suggest not travelling.
Can You Travel When You’re Pregnant
Yes. Travelling while pregnant is safe when you don't have complications or you are in the early or mid-trimester. If you have a history of miscarriage, preterm labour, hypertension, gestational diabetes, and vaginal bleeding, avoid travelling long distances or bumpy rides.
First Trimester Travel Guide
Travelling during the first trimester needs careful preparation and awareness. Although it is generally safe, consider planning carefully during the first trimester. The first trimester is when morning sickness, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea are at their peak due to the fluctuating hormones. Miscarriage risk in the first trimester is generally high.
General travel tips during the first trimester:
- Keep your trips short. Long travels may trigger nausea and fatigue
- Prefer a comfortable travelling mode. Train, air travel, and smooth road travel are also considered safe
- Before going for remote travel, undergo an ultrasound to find early complications
- Before travelling, consult your doctor to discuss travel plans and assess pregnancy risks
- Avoid high altitude destinations to avoid hypoxia risk
- Choose locations that don't demand more walking and are suitable for rest
- Avoid overcrowded or congested places and poorly ventilated vehicles
- Avoid flying for long hours if you have complications, as you may not get emergency medical care in flight
- If travelling in a car, stop frequently and walk for a short distance before continuing
- Wear a seatbelt across your pelvis and under your belly
- If you feel cramps, dizziness or bleeding, seek medical help immediately
Second Trimester Travel Guide
The second trimester is the safest and comfortable time to travel when you are pregnant due to the low risk of miscarriage. You can also plan international travel during the second trimester, as it is the babymoon phase of pregnancy. The body becomes accustomed to the changes, nausea subsides, and the baby bump is not noticeable.
Here are a few tips for travelling in the second trimester:
- Run pre-travel tests before travelling to rule out complications, and any issues may need you to modify or postpone your travel plans
- Plan trips between week 14 and 28 as morning sickness and queasiness subsided, and the uterus is well protected
- Choose safe travel modes. Air, train and road travel are safe during the second trimester
- Opt for loose and comfortable clothes, and avoid tight or heavy clothes
- Opt for places that are close to your hotel in case of emergencies
- Long travels need adequate hydration to optimise uteroplacental perfusion
- Keep medical insurance when going on an international trip or driving in the mountains
- Move frequently to promote blood circulation and massage your legs while on the seat
Third Trimester Travel Guide
The third trimester is not safe for travel. An enlarged belly, fatigue, and swelling in the legs and ankles can make travelling difficult and dangerous. Most airlines have policies that restrict flying after 36 weeks and also require a “fit to fly” medical certificate from your healthcare provider. However, with careful attention, you can still travel till 35 weeks.
Important travel tips for the third trimester:
- Keep your doctor in the loop when travelling
- Avoid long journeys above 2 hours, bumpy rides, and remote places
- Ask for aisle seats on the plane, as they give easy room for leg movement
- Don't carry heavy luggage
- Be very careful about your body's cues
- Back pain, vaginal discharge and contraction while travelling should be reported immediately
- Avoid travelling completely after 36 weeks
- If you have complications such as gestational hypertension, diabetes, risk of preterm, cervical incompetence, or preterm rupture of membranes, avoid travelling.
Checklist for Safe and Comfortable Travel While Pregnant
- Keep all your medical files in your bag for a medical emergency
- Carry light, high-protein snacks and eat frequent small meals to avoid fatigue and nausea
- Have travel insurance that covers pregnancy-related emergencies
- Pack a bag with bread, bananas, roasted makhana, and other essentials.
- Drink enough water
- Have peppermint candy or tea to ease your stomach
- Don't read or watch on a mobile while travelling
- Take regular naps
- Avoid the sun and protect yourself with sunscreen and sun shades.
- Keep your prenatal medicines handy
- Pair of comfortable slippers
- Fit to fly certificate from your obstetrician
- Carry a travel pillow, a supportive cushion or neck pillow, and a lightweight blanket.
- Keep supplying ORS drink or energy boosting drink suggested by your doctor
- Keep a few wet wipes, face wipes, sanitiser, disposable toilet seat covers, tissues, sanitary pads, and panty liners
- Always carry an emergency medical kit for sudden fever, cough, cold, and headache
Mothers with travel souls may think pregnancy puts limitations on exploring their favourite places. Though pregnancy can be hard for mothers with complications, it is not the case for everyone. Healthy pregnant mothers can comfortably travel till week 35. Smart packing and selecting the right destination are key to enjoying travel when pregnant.
Limit travelling during the first and third trimesters. The second trimester is the golden period for travelling as mothers are brimming with high energy, reduced fatigue and morning sickness. Before travelling, pack any necessary medicines and pills if you have certain infections or allergies.
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FAQs on Travel Safely During Pregnancy: Trimester-by-Trimster Guide For Expectant Mothers
- At what month are you not allowed to travel while pregnant?
Completely avoid travelling in the 9 months of pregnancy, starting from week 36. Travelling after 36 may increase the risk of preterm birth and trigger frequent pregnancy symptoms. - Does high altitude affect pregnancy?
Yes. High altitudes have low air pressure and oxygen, making it difficult for pregnant women to breathe and for their bodies to adjust.