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Travelling during pregnancy


A pregnant woman with her hands around her bump
Travelling and holidays are quite safe for most expectant mums but there is some basic advice to bear in mind to keep healthy while you are away but enjoy yourself at the same time. Whatever your travel plans, it is wise to discuss them first with your doctor or midwife. Travel to certain countries may not be recommended whilst you are pregnant, as certain immunisations and medications are harmful to the developing foetus.

The middle months are the best time to plan a holiday but you should always make sure travelling is manageable and break the journey up if you can. Most airlines and insurance companies have regulations stating that a pregnant woman should not fly after weeks 35/36 in case she goes into labour. So you should ensure that any travel plans are concluded by this time.

It is also important that you check that you are adequately insured for prenatal emergencies or delivery in a foreign country. Some travel firms even recommend evacuation insurance for travel to remote areas.

Vaccinations

If you are travelling to North America or Europe, you probably won’t need any vaccinations, but if you are travelling further a field, you may need to be immunised against polio for instance, pregnant women travelling to areas carrying a malaria risks should contact their GP for advice.

General health care

All travellers abroad should take precautions and care to avoid illness, but it is particularly important when you are pregnant.
  • Be extra careful about food hygiene if you are abroad. Avoid salads, ice creams and ice cubes in drinks in countries where you are unsure about the standard of cleanliness.
  • If you are going somewhere warm, take care not to get too hot as it is not good for you or your baby. Don’t forget to protect your skin from the sun as well, as it is more sensitive in pregnancy.
  • Arrange to have an antenatal check-up before you go.
  • Take a copy of your maternity records with you.
Travelling by road

Sitting in a car or coach for hours on end is wearing even when you are not pregnant. It is best to aim for no more than five or six hours travel per day, with a stop every hour or so to stretch your legs.

Travelling by plane

Pregnant women are slightly more at risk of deep veins thrombosis (DVT) on long haul flight. Talk to your doctor or midwife before you take a long haul flight. You can ask their advice about wearing special socks or tights to help with circulation or taking medication.

There are several other precautions you can take:
  • Make sure you drink plenty of water.
  • Wear loose comfortable clothing.
  • Get up and move around as often as you can.
  • Stretch your legs and make ankle circling movements every half hour to improve circulation.
Travel Checklist
  • Make sure your health insurance is valid while abroad and during pregnancy. Obtain a supplemental travel insurance policy and a prepaid medical evacuation insurance policy.
  • Check to see if your policy covers a newborn should delivery take place while abroad.
  • Check medical facilities at your destination.
  • Obtain a doctor’s certificate stating you are fit for travel.
  • Take a copy of your maternity records with you.
  • Take your vaccination records with you.
  • Know your blood type and take a record if you have one.
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