When to stop travelling while pregnant? Here are tips for travelling safely by air, road and sea

"Do you travel during pregnancy?", "Which weeks are safe for travel?", "When to stop travelling while pregnant?". These are some of the most common concerns we receive on theAsianparent app. Don't worry, moms-to-be here's all you need to know about travelling when pregnant.

Is travel safe during pregnancy? When to stop travelling while pregnant?

Travelling when pregnant is usually safe. As long as you and your fetus are healthy, and you get your doctor's approval, it is generally considered safe to travel until you are 36 weeks pregnant.

However, travelling during pregnancy is not recommended if you have certain pregnancy complications like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, prelabour rupture of membranes, and the possibility of preterm labor.

Travelling also may not be a good idea if you have any vaginal bleeding or risk of miscarriage, or if you are pregnant with twins or multiples. 

The ideal time to travel during pregnancy is the second trimester, between week 14 and week 28. This is because, by then, you are past the morning sickness of the first trimester and several weeks away from the third trimester of pregnancy, when you are more likely to be easily fatigued. The risk of miscarriage is also higher in the first 3 months, whether you're travelling or not.

If you are planning to travel by air, check your airline’s policies when planning your trip. Most airlines allow pregnant women to travel through their eighth month. Airlines usually discourage travel after 36 weeks.

Tips for travelling during pregnancy

Here are a few general tips to make sure your trip is safe and comfortable:

• Do your research on your travel destination. Avoid travel to areas with Zika and malaria outbreaks. Check that you are up-to-date with your vaccines. 
• Schedule a checkup with your obstetrician-gynecologist before you leave. It is best to have written approval from your doctor verifying your due date if you are considering international travel. It is especially important to get cleared for takeoff if you have a chronic medical problem such as problems with breathing.
• Be wary of your diet while you are travelling, and always save your doctor's number on speed dial in case of any questions while you're away.
• Carry any over-the-counter and prescribed medications that you may need, such as pain relievers, a first aid kit, and prenatal vitamins. Other essentials include sanitizer, sunscreen, and mosquito repellant.
• Always check if tap water is safe to drink. When in doubt, drink bottled water. 
• It is better to get travel insurance like so many things can go wrong during travel, from losing your baggage to falling sick. And getting medical attention in a foreign country can be super expensive. 

Tips for travelling by road

• Remember to wear your seatbelt at all times.

Strap the lower belt across your lower lap or upper thighs (under the bump). Run the shoulder belt between your breasts and up over your shoulder, not over your abdomen. 

• It's best to avoid long car journeys if you're pregnant.

If you are driving, try not to drive more than 5 to 6 hours per day. If you need to travel for long, plan to make frequent stops so that you can move around and stretch your legs, to keep the blood circulating.

• These exercises might help during road travel

To keep the blood flowing through your legs, you can do some exercises while you are seated (and not driving), such as flexing and rotating your feet and wiggling your toes. 

If your car journey is going to be more than 4 hours long, it is good to wear compression stockings, as they help in increasing the blood flow in the legs and in preventing blood clots.

• Stay hydrated and snack regularly on long drives.

During long drives, remember to wear loose-fitting clothes. Drink plenty of water and snack on easy-t0-carry energy foods like fruit and nuts.

Can I drive while pregnant?

According to research, unless your doctor advises you not to, it is perfectly safe for you to drive while you're pregnant, granted that you're always wearing your seatbelt when you do so. However, Healthline reminds pregnant mums to stop driving when: 

• • You have severe nausea
  • You can't get in a safe position
  • You can't make frequent stops
  • Your pregnancy limits your movements
  • You can't pay extra close attention to the road
  • You're in labour

Tips for travelling by plane

• Check your airline’s policies when planning your trip.

Generally, commercial air travel before week 36 of pregnancy is considered safe if you have a healthy pregnancy. However, guidelines for pregnant women might vary by carrier and destination.

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the International Air Travel Association recommends that pregnant women in an uncomplicated pregnancy avoid travel from the 37th week of pregnancy through birth.

This is because the chance of going into labor is naturally higher after 37 weeks (and around 32 weeks if you're carrying twins or multiples).

If you are past week 28 of your pregnancy, the airline may ask for a letter from your doctor confirming your due date, and that you aren't at risk of complications.

• Avoid air travel in case of pregnancy or health complications.

If you are suffering from any of these conditions, get your doctor's approval before travelling: 

• • Severe anemia
  • Cardiac disease
  • Respiratory disease
  • Recent hemorrhage
  • Current or recent bone fractures

Also, chances of premature labor may be higher after 32 weeks, for women who are carrying twins or triplets. So avoid air travel during that period.

• Avoid frequent flying.

If you're a frequent flyer, such as a business traveller, pilot, or flight attendant, you might be exposed to a level of cosmic radiation that is considered unsafe during pregnancy. So, if you must fly frequently during your pregnancy, discuss it with your doctor first.

• Wear your seatbelt at all times.

This can help keep you from getting hurt in case of turbulence. Fasten the belt under the abdomen (under the bump).

• Pick your seat wisely.

Choose a seat towards the front of the plane, where it is likely to be less bumpy. Also, book an aisle seat so you don't have to climb over other passengers when you need to get up to use the restroom. 

• Promote blood circulation.

Long-distance travel (longer than 4 hours) carries a small risk of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis (DVT)). Sitting for long stretches of time during any kind of travel raises your chances of having DVT.

So, wear loose, comfortable clothing. Flex your ankles periodically during the flight, and take occasional walks up and down the aisle when it's safe to leave your seat. 

Wearing compression or support stockings may help prevent DVT and reduce leg swelling. But if you have diabetes or problems with blood circulation, you are advised not to wear them. 

• Drink plenty of water.

Keep yourself well-hydrated by drinking lots of water. Avoid gassy food and drinks such as soda. 

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Tips for travelling at sea

• Check the policy of the ferry/cruise company for pregnant women.

• Research on facilities beforehand.

• Ask your doctor for medication to take in case of sea sickness.

• Guard yourself against infections

When should you seek medical care during travel?

• Belly pain or cramps
• Contractions (when the muscles of your uterus get tight and then relax)
• Severe headaches
• Leg swelling or pain
• Vaginal bleeding 
• Vision problem
• Your water breaks

Here at theAsianparent Philippines, it's important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn't serve as an alternative for medical advise or medical treatment. theAsianparent Philippines is not responsible to those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend to consult your doctor for clearer information.