When You Can Travel While Pregnant?

It is not always easy to determine whether one should travel while pregnant or not. It is a fact that all women are unique and so are their pregnancies. Nevertheless, some women are completely comfortable that they can run around pregnant and that’s fine but others have problems such as morning sickness, fatigue, backache, and other features of pregnancy that would make traveling more difficult.

The main things to consider are

• The type of pregnancy you are having – There are more favorable or unfavorable phases of pregnancy when it comes to traveling.
• Your pregnancy risk level – High-risk pregnancy may be contraindicated depending on your provider.
• How you have been feeling to date – If you have not been nauseous or experiencing excessive vomiting, or if you have had a smooth pregnancy up to date, then you are in a better position to travel than the other person.
• Number of people traveling - Fewer passengers are less likely to be as sick as those on long-haul flights or those in large motor coaches.

Here's a breakdown of the best times to travel during each trimester while pregnant

First Trimester (0-13 weeks pregnant)

It is relatively safe to travel during the first trimester of pregnancy for most uncomplicated pregnancies. However, the first trimester is when many women feel nauseous, tired, and emotional due to rapidly rising hormone levels. Discomforts associated with the first trimester of pregnancy may include the following, and these may make traveling a little challenging. Other causes of nausea include motion sickness arising from air or car rides among others. It is possible to drive for a short distance without any complications but it is advisable to avoid long drives.

The first 12 weeks are when the baby is most vulnerable to viruses, medications, and other forms of exposure. Ask your doctor about the precautions recommended if you are pregnant and planning to travel to tropical areas with diseases such as Zika or malaria.

Second Trimester (14–26 weeks)

The second trimester is usually considered the safest period for pregnancy as most complications that arise during this time are not life-threatening. The dangers of stillbirth and miscarriage can considerably be reduced after the first three months of pregnancy. Mild pregnancy symptoms like nausea, tiredness, and food aversive typically start disappearing once a pregnancy reaches weeks 14-16. That is why your energy comes back, you feel almost no discomfort, and you can move around rather freely. This makes it an ideal time for travel adventures before you get too big and uncomfortable in late pregnancy. Baby is still so tiny in size that probably the feeling of kicks or motion in this case will not be an issue to you.

Many domestic airlines permit pregnant women to travel up to the 36-week pregnancy period. The second trimester is the best time for flying or any other long journey. Use the lavatory at least once per hour, drink water frequently and perform calf stretches to prevent formation of blood clots with flying. Compression socks also help. Car trips are acceptable too – with at least an hour’s break after every hour of travel. Cruises that stay close to the coast are equally okay during this part which is characterized by fewer waves.

Third Trimester (27-40+ weeks pregnant)

This is the third trimester, the last month especially if pregnancy lasts beyond 37 weeks, and it is advisable not to travel more than is necessary. You may feel rather big and awkward. Joint and muscle pain around the back and hip, feeling exhausted, experiencing swelling, having heartburn, leg cramps, and other complications can make traveling difficult. The probability of early labor and delivery also rises as the due date nears.

Airlines do not permit women to fly after 36 weeks of pregnancy for domestic flights or 32 weeks in case of international flight as such cases may lead to pre-term labor in the course of the flight. The third trimester is when one will want to stay close to a doctor and the preferred hospital for delivery.

In case you have to travel because of a family emergency, then it is advisable to consult your provider. Small journeys by car are possible – but with certain regular intervals. Drinking a lot of water and avoiding exhaustion. Learn about the symptoms of preterm labor so you know when to contact your provider. If an emergency occurs during traveling, having the contact information of an obstetrician on hand can be helpful, even if the doctor is not located nearby.

Other Things to Consider While Planning for Safe Travel During Pregnancy

Although the risks for complications are extremely low, do not hesitate to speak with your doctor about your specific pregnancy risks about travel and seek medical clearance before embarking on long journeys especially when pregnant with multiples or if you have pregnancy complications.

It is advised to check the laws of the country you intend to visit in case there are restrictions on pregnant foreign visitors, especially when in the third trimester.

Check that your health insurance will cover you if you visit another state or any other country.

Also include in your travel checklist a copy of your medical records, blood type, contacts of your healthcare providers, and a letter from your provider attesting to your fitness to travel and due date. This information could be very useful if care is required.

Identify the nearby hospitals and emergency medical centers in the area that you are venturing into in case of complications.

During trips, ensure you drink adequate water—dehydration might cause preterm contractions. Zika and malaria are other diseases that are transmitted by insects and are common in tropical areas.

Do not let pregnancy be a hindrance to adventure in case you are given the all-clear during the pregnancy-friendly second trimester. Have fun creating those unforgettable moments before the baby comes! However, if the trip preparations are made during the later stages of pregnancy when complications are likely to arise, then travel should be done cautiously.

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