Traveling while pregnant can feel like a balancing act. You want to see the places on your list or visit friends and family while also protecting your body and your baby every step of the way. The good news is that with a little planning, you can travel comfortably through most of your pregnancy. Here are eight tips to help you get there feeling your best.
1. Talk to Your OB-GYN Before You Book
Before you confirm any travel plans, check in with your OB-GYN. Your provider can flag any risks associated with your specific pregnancy, destination or due date. Since most airlines stop allowing flights after 36 weeks of pregnancy, getting your OB-GYN's sign-off before you book protects you from last-minute schedule changes. A quick appointment now can save you a lot of stress later.
2. Pack a Copy of Your Prenatal Records
Once your trip is approved, ask your provider for a printed or digital copy of your prenatal records. If you need care away from home, this paperwork gives any doctor a fast, clear picture of your pregnancy. Keep it in your carry-on or purse so you always have it close at hand, not buried in checked luggage.
3. Choose an Aisle Seat
When you book your flight, train or bus ticket, request an aisle seat. Pregnancy means more frequent bathroom trips, and an aisle seat lets you get up without climbing over other passengers. It also makes it easier to stand, stretch and shift positions during a long ride, all of which help with circulation and comfort.
4. Wear Your Seat Belt Low and Snug
Seat belts are just as important during pregnancy, but the placement matters. When using a diagonal strap with a lap belt, place the straps above and below your abdomen rather than directly across it, so the belt can do its job without putting pressure on your bump. If a shoulder strap is available, keep it snug between your breasts rather than under your arm.
5. Stay Hydrated Throughout Your Trip
Dehydration can sneak up on you while traveling, especially on flights where cabin air is dry. Carry a refillable water bottle and sip on it consistently, not just when you feel thirsty. Staying hydrated also supports healthy circulation, which matters more during pregnancy since your risk for blood clots is higher than usual.
6. Get Up and Move Often
Sitting still for long stretches puts more strain on your body than you might expect. A review of international travel guidelines notes that prolonged sitting increases your risk of blood clots during pregnancy, so standing, stretching, or taking a short walk every hour helps keep your circulation moving. Simple ankle circles and calf stretches while seated can also help between breaks.
7. Prepare Ahead if You Are Traveling With Other Children
Traveling comfortably while pregnant gets more complex when you are also managing kids on the same trip. A little planning goes a long way here, since preparing ahead of time can significantly reduce the risk of sensory overload, helping your child feel calmer in transit. Pack familiar snacks, headphones or a favorite toy, and walk your child through what to expect before you leave home.
8. Know the Warning Signs That Need Immediate Care
Even with the best planning, it helps to know when to call your doctor or go to urgent care. Conditions such as recent significant vaginal bleeding can mean you should hold off on flying until your doctor has checked you over.
The following signs should never wait:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Severe belly pain
- Sudden swelling in your hands, face or legs
- A bad headache that will not go away
Keep your provider's number saved in your phone before you go, so you are never scrambling to find it.
Enjoy a Comfortable Trip From Start to Finish
Putting these tips into practice before you leave home makes the whole trip easier to manage once you are on the move. Travel while expecting does not have to mean sacrificing comfort or peace of mind. With your OB-GYN's guidance, the right seat, a low seat belt, steady hydration and a plan for the whole family, you can enjoy your trip while keeping you and your baby safe every mile of the way.
ABOUT OUR CONTRIBUTOR:
Mia Barnes is a professional freelance writer and the Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind. She has over 5+ years of experience researching and writing about family health and postpartum wellness. When she isn't writing, you can find Mia walking her dog or trying new recipes.
