Pregnancy & Travelling

Traveling While Pregnant

Many pregnant women are often concerned about traveling during their pregnancy and whether traveling could harm or cause any complications. Generally if you are not in a high risk pregnancy, or unless something untoward should happen during your travel, it should be safe for you to travel during your pregnancy. However, it may be best to confirm with your health care provider before making any definite travel plans.

General Pregnancy Travel Tips

• Try and get up and walk around every hour when traveling
• Don’t overdue it when traveling. Rest as much as possible.
• Make sure you always have enough fluids during your travel time

Traveling by air while pregnant

It is generally safe to travel by air up until your 35th week for international or long haul flights and 36 weeks for domestic or short fights. However, women who are at more of a risk of premature labor, who may suffer from placental abnormalities, should try to remain from flying at all costs. Other tips or pointer for air travel while pregnant are:

• Avoid High altitude flights. The higher the flight the less the oxygen levels in the air, which will increase your heart rate and ultimately the two will effect your baby in the same way
• If you are swelling up during your pregnancy, you should travel in loose fitting clothing
• Pre book special meals
• Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids
• Try and get an isle seat, and close to the bathroom if possible
• Try and move about as often as possible during the flight
• Be aware of x-ray machines at the airport.

Read our article on flying during pregnancy.

Traveling by car while pregnant

The main concern while traveling by car while pregnant is that the seat belt will cause some harm to your baby in some way. However, there is no evidence that wearing a seat belt while driving will harm your baby in anyway. Research shows that most major injuries during a car accident would have been avoided if passengers were wearing their seat belts. Your health and safety is vital for your baby’s survival, so it is best to wear it, and be safe.