Travel during pregnancy first trimester

Travelling in pregnancy - NHS

With the proper precautions such as travel insurance, most women can travel safely well into their pregnancy.

Wherever you go, find out what healthcare facilities are at your destination in case you need urgent medical attention. It's a good idea to take your maternity medical records (sometimes called handheld notes) with you so you can give doctors the relevant information if necessary.

Find out more about getting healthcare abroad.

Make sure your travel insurance covers you for any eventuality, such as pregnancy-related medical care during labour, premature birth and the cost of changing the date of your return trip if you go into labour.

When to travel in pregnancy

Some women prefer not to travel in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy because of nausea and vomiting and feeling very tired during these early stages. The risk of miscarriage is also higher in the first 3 months, whether you're travelling or not.

Travelling in the final months of pregnancy can be tiring and uncomfortable. So, many women find the best time to travel or take a holiday is in mid-pregnancy, between 4 and 6 months.

Flying in pregnancy

Flying isn't harmful to you or your baby, but discuss any health issues or pregnancy complications with your midwife or doctor before you fly.

The chance of going into labour is naturally higher after 37 weeks (around 32 weeks if you're carrying twins), and some airlines won't let you fly towards the end of your pregnancy. Check with the airline for their policy on this.

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

Long-distance travel (longer than 4 hours) carries a small risk of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis (DVT)). If you fly, drink plenty of water and move about regularly – every 30 minutes or so. You can buy a pair of graduated compression or support stockings from the pharmacy, which will help reduce leg swelling.

Travel vaccinations when you're pregnant

Most vaccines that use live bacteria or viruses aren't recommended during pregnancy because of concerns that they could harm the baby in the womb.

However, some live travel vaccines may be considered during pregnancy if the risk of infection outweighs the risk of live vaccination. Ask your GP or midwife for advice about specific travel vaccinations. Non-live (inactivated) vaccines are safe to use in pregnancy.

Malaria tablets

Some anti-malaria tablets aren't safe to take in pregnancy so ask your GP for advice.

Zika virus

Zika virus is mainly spread by mosquitoes found in some parts of the world. For most people it's mild and not harmful, but can cause problems if you're pregnant.

If you are pregnant, it is not recommended to travel to parts of the world where the Zika virus is present, such as parts of:

South and Central America
the Caribbean
the Pacific islands
Africa
Asia

Check before you travel

It's important to check the risk for the country you're going to before you travel.

Find out more about the Zika virus risk in specific countries on the Travel Health Pro website

Car travel in pregnancy

It's best to avoid long car journeys if you're pregnant. However, if it can't be avoided, make sure you stop regularly and get out of the car to stretch and move around.

You can also do some exercises in the car (when you're not driving), such as flexing and rotating your feet and wiggling your toes. This will keep the blood flowing through your legs and reduce any stiffness and discomfort. Wearing compression stockings while on long car journeys (more than 4 hours) can also increase the blood flow in your legs and help prevent blood clots.

Tiredness and dizziness are common during pregnancy so it's important on car journeys to drink regularly and eat natural, energy-giving foods, such as fruit and nuts.

Keep the air circulating in the car and wear your seatbelt with the cross strap between your breasts and the lap strap across your pelvis under your bump, not across your bump.

Road accidents are among the most common causes of injury in pregnant women. If you have to make a long trip, don't travel on your own. You could also share the driving with your companion.

Sailing in pregnancy

Ferry companies have their own restrictions and may refuse to carry heavily pregnant women (often beyond 32 weeks on standard crossings and 28 weeks on high-speed crossings ). Check the ferry company's policy before you book.

For longer boat trips, such as cruises, find out if there are onboard facilities to deal with pregnancy and medical services at the docking ports.

Food and drink abroad in pregnancy

Take care to avoid food- and water-borne conditions, such as stomach upsets and travellers' diarrhoea. Some medicines for treating stomach upsets and travellers' diarrhoea aren't suitable during pregnancy.

Always check if tap water is safe to drink. If in doubt, drink bottled water. If you get ill, keep hydrated and continue eating for the health of your baby, even if you're not hungry.

Find out about a healthy diet in pregnancy, and foods to avoid in pregnancy.

Travel During Pregnancy | American Pregnancy Association

As long as there are no identified complications or concerns with your pregnancy, it is generally safe to travel during your pregnancy. The ideal time to travel during pregnancy is the second trimester. In most cases, you are past the morning sickness of the first trimester and several weeks from the third stage of pregnancy when you are more easily fatigued.

Traveling by air is considered safe for women while they are pregnant; however, the following ideas might make your trip safer and more comfortable.

Most airlines allow pregnant women to travel through their eighth month. Traveling during the ninth month is usually allowed if there is permission from your health care provider.
Most airlines have narrow aisles and smaller bathrooms, which makes it more challenging to walk and more uncomfortable when using the restroom. Because of potential turbulence that could shake the plane, make sure you are holding on to the seatbacks while navigating the aisle.
You may want to choose an aisle seat which will allow you to get up more easily to reach the restroom or just to stretch your legs and back.
Travel on major airlines with pressurized cabins and avoid smaller private planes. If you must ride in smaller planes, avoid altitudes above 7,000 feet.
Although doubtful, the risk of DVT can be further reduced by wearing compression stockings.

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the International Air Travel Association recommend that expecting mothers in an uncomplicated pregnancy avoid travel from the 37th week of pregnancy through birth.
Avoiding travel from 32 weeks through birth is recommended for women who have complicated pregnancies with risk factors for premature labor, such as mothers carrying multiples.

Risk factors that warrant travel considerations include the following:

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

Traveling by Sea During Pregnancy

Traveling by sea is generally safe for women while they are pregnant; the motion of the boat may accentuate any morning sickness or make you feel nauseous all over again.
There are a few considerations to make your trip safer and more comfortable:

Check with the cruise line to ensure that there is a health care provider on board in case there are any pregnancy complications.
Review the route and port-of-calls to identify if there is access to any medical facilities if needed.
Make sure any medications for seasickness are approved for women who are pregnant and that there is no risk to the developing baby.
Seasickness bands use acupressure points to help prevent upset stomach and maybe a good alternative to medication.

International Travel During Pregnancy

Traveling overseas has the same considerations that local or domestic travel has, but it also has additional concerns that you need to know about before making an international trip.
The information below is provided to help you assess whether an international trip is good for you at this time:

It is important to talk with your health care provider before you take a trip internationally to discuss safety factors for you and your baby.
Discuss immunizations with your health care provider and carry a copy of your health records with you.
With international travel, you may be exposed to a disease that is rare here in the United States but is common in the country you visit.
Contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at (800) 311-3435 or visit their website at www.cdc.gov to receive safety information along with immunization facts related to your travels.
Diarrhea is a common concern when traveling overseas because you may not be used to the germs and organisms found in the food and water of other countries. This can lead to a problem of dehydration.

Here are some tips to avoid diarrhea and help keep you safe:

Drink plenty of bottled water
Used canned juices or soft drinks as alternatives
Make sure the milk is pasteurized
Avoid fresh fruits and vegetables unless they have been cooked or can be peeled (such as an orange or a banana)
Make certain that all meat and fish has been cooked completely; if you are unsure, do not eat it

Travel Tips During Pregnancy

Whether you are going by car, bus, or train, it is generally safe to travel while you are pregnant; however, there are some things to consider that could make your trip safer and more comfortable.

It is essential to buckle-up every time you ride in a car. Make sure that you use both the lap and shoulder belts for the best protection of you and your baby.
Keep the airbags turned on. The safety benefits of the airbag outweigh any potential risk to you and your baby.
Buses tend to have narrow aisles and small restrooms. This mode of transportation can be more challenging. The safest thing is to remain seated while the bus is moving. If you must use the restroom, make sure to hold on to the rail or seats to keep your balance.
Trains usually have more room to navigate and walk. The restrooms are usually small. It is essential to hold on to rails or seat backs while the train is moving.
Try to limit the amount of time you are cooped up in the car, bus, or train. Keep travel time around five to six hours.
Use rest stops to take short walks and to do stretches to keep the blood circulating.

Dress comfortably in loose cotton clothing and wear comfortable shoes.
Take your favorite pillow.
Plan for plenty of rest stops, restroom breaks and stretches.
Carry snack foods with you.
If you are traveling any distance, make sure to carry a copy of your prenatal records.
Enjoy the trip.

Want to Know More?

How to Treat Jet Lag Naturally During Pregnancy

Compiled using information from the following sources:

1. Planning Your Pregnancy and Birth Third Ed. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Ch. 5.
William’s Obstetrics Twenty-Second Ed. Cunningham, F. Gary, et al, Ch. 8.

2. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Air Travel and Pregnancy (Scientific Impact Paper No. 1), https://www.rcog.org/uk, May 22, 2013.

Traveling while pregnant | Agu-Baby.by

It is impossible to measure the value of what travel can give a person. A trip to another country is the most exciting and fastest way to change yourself for the better. The opportunity to change the situation, get away from the usual stress, get new experiences, recharge with a positive attitude - all this will benefit the expectant mother.

After all, pregnancy is not a disease, and in its normal course, travel plans should not be canceled, you just need to take into account some of the nuances of the new situation and prepare more carefully.

When is the best time to travel while pregnant? What should be considered when preparing for a trip? What places to stay to choose and how to get there? We have identified three main aspects that you need to pay attention to when preparing for a trip.

1. WHEN

Regardless of the duration of your pregnancy, preparation for the trip should begin with a consultation with an obstetrician-gynecologist. Only a doctor will be able to objectively assess your condition and, based on the survey, examination and test results, make recommendations. The specialist must know where, for how long, by what transport you plan to go, in order to draw up an individual list of precautions.

Everyone's pregnancy is different, so it's best to rely on your own feelings.

I trimester (up to 13 weeks) - the main organs and systems of the fetus begin to form, as a result of which the female body is experiencing a large-scale hormonal restructuring. External manifestations - toxicosis, nausea, dizziness, weakness. It is unlikely that you will be able to enjoy the trip to the fullest if all these manifestations are pronounced in you. According to statistics, the main danger of the first trimester is a high probability of miscarriage, so it is better to postpone long trips for now. In addition, now the body is weakened and more susceptible to viral infections, it is easy to get infected on a train or plane.

II trimester (14-27 weeks) is the most favorable period for travel. Toxicosis and other troubles are already in the past, and your body has adapted to the changes. The stomach has not yet increased and allows you to actively move, in addition, many note a surge of strength and vigor here. Do a scheduled ultrasound - and on the road!

III trimester (28 - 40 weeks) - if everything goes well, there is strength and the stomach does not interfere with movement, then plan your vacation boldly. But remember, starting from the seventh month, it is better not to travel long distances, as there is a possibility of premature birth. And after 36 weeks, the pregnancy is considered full-term. Therefore, it will be better for everyone if the maternity hospital is within reach.

2. AS

Using any vehicle has its pros and cons. It is important to know about them in order to make your trip as comfortable as possible.

- Aircraft

Pros: is the fastest mode of transport, and sometimes the only option for long trips across the ocean. A relatively comfortable cabin, the availability of drinking water, snacks and a toilet (sometimes this is the most important thing).

Cons: a lot of time can be lost at the airport when checking in or waiting for luggage, the inability to interrupt the flight in case of emergency. Also, some airlines may require a certificate from a doctor, which will indicate the gestational age. And they can refuse to register if it exceeds 34 weeks.

- Train

Pros: the greatest comfort on the road: you can walk, sit, lie down, do simple exercises. The toilet is still available. The main thing is to choose the lower shelf and, if possible, a compartment.

Cons: questionable sanitary conditions (be sure to use sanitary napkins and germicidal gel), large crowds in a poorly ventilated area, long travel times and difficulties in providing a healthy diet.

- Car

Pros: you can always stop, go out to stretch and get some air. You can plan your own route and easily adjust it based on the situation. And in the car you often travel with loved ones, which is nice in itself.

Tip: buy yourself a special seat belt for pregnant women that will not squeeze your stomach, and also take a roller or a pillow under your back and head - this way they will be less tense and hurt.

Cons: duration of the trip, muscle pain from a long stay in a sitting position, strong shaking on bad roads.

- Bus

In principle, we recommend that you refuse to travel by bus, since stops on the road are quite rare, you will not find a convenient toilet in the cabin, and walking around the cabin will be inconvenient and unsafe.

3. WHERE

Here it is important to adequately assess your condition and understand what loads will be within your power, and what exactly can harm. The mom-to-be's vacation routine may be a bit like a kindergarten schedule: quiet games, leisurely walks, five meals a day, and even daytime naps! A great activity for a future mother is swimming in clean sea water. And it is better to refuse extreme activities for this time.

Try to travel to countries with "close" to your time zone, so as not to expose the body to unnecessary stress. It is advisable to avoid places with a very hot or vice versa too cold climate. You should not plan long and tiring flights with a large number of transfers. Also under the ban will be some countries in Africa, Asia and South America, where you need to be vaccinated before the visit.

What not to do:

stay in the open sun for a long time, especially during active daytime radiation;
overheat and overcool;
experiment with new products;
drink raw water.

We want to once again draw your attention to the fact that every pregnancy proceeds extremely individually. Therefore, it is better not to trust the experience of your friends, but rely solely on your own state and feelings. When traveling, first of all, you need to relax, have fun and gain strength. And this is possible only with a careful attitude towards yourself and the baby.

Holidays and travel during pregnancy

Before planning a trip, be sure to consult a gynecologist whom you trust to manage your pregnancy. He will prescribe tests and ultrasound to exclude placental pathologies, anemia, gestosis and many other problems in which long-distance travel is not recommended. Bleeding and miscarriages in history are also on the list of contraindications. In addition, safety and comfort also depend on the gestational age.

IMPORTANT: CORONAVIRUS AND PREGNANCY

At the moment, there is no confirmed information that pregnant women are more or less susceptible to infection with COVID-19 coronavirus infection than others. However, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention* reminds that due to changes in the immune system and emotional state, pregnant women are generally more prone to viral respiratory diseases, so be sure to take all measures to protect yourself. First of all, avoid traveling to high-risk countries. So, for example, by decree of the Mayor of Moscow "On high alert mode", citizens arriving from Italy, Iran, Spain, France, Germany, South Korea and China must ensure home quarantine (self-isolation at home) for a period of 14 days and provide their contact information to hotline of the city of Moscow. In fact, the list of countries with coronavirus is longer. Recently, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Great Britain, Switzerland got into it - before making a decision on a trip, look for information about in which countries the coronavirus was found in reliable sources on the Internet, for example, on the WHO website or the official website of the Mayor of Moscow.

To prevent infection, pregnant women should take the same measures as everyone else: wash their hands more often and treat them with disinfectants, avoid crowded places, try not to touch your face, wear a mask or respirator in public places, minimize contacts, etc. ** There is not enough data yet to say for sure whether COVID-19 is transmitted from a pregnant woman to her child. But it is reported that at the moment there are no cases of transmission of the virus from an infected mother to the fetus during pregnancy, during or immediately after childbirth.

What is the best trimester to travel?

Traveling in the first trimester will not be a pleasant memory for every pregnant woman. Many are tormented by toxicosis, an acute reaction to stuffiness and odors, and increased fatigue. Any discomfort can be annoying - if you encounter this during the planning stage of your trip, consider alternative options. Also at an early stage, when the main organs and systems of the fetus are formed, pregnancy is most vulnerable. But it is important to understand that many women travel without problems in the early stages of pregnancy (in fact, some do not know about their situation), go on business trips, go to new places and have a great time there.

Weeks 14 to 27 are considered the safest and most comfortable time to travel if the mother-to-be is well. It is only important not to stay in the sun for a long time, not to abuse exotic foods (especially those prepared from animal products without heat treatment), to avoid crowded resorts , on the territory of which intestinal and other infections are raging.

In the third trimester (from the 28th week) there are restrictions related to flights: many airlines do not allow women on board if their pregnancy is 36 weeks or more, and even earlier in case of multiple pregnancies. Sometimes airlines even ask expectant mothers to provide certificates indicating the current gestational age. Starting from the 28th week, airline representatives have the right to ask you to present certificate that you are allowed to fly.

Another nuance is that childbirth on the territory of a foreign state can turn into difficulties when returning to your homeland. For example, a baby born in Greece automatically becomes a citizen of this country, and in order to travel with him, you will have to overcome many legal delays.

Choosing a place to rest

Good rest during pregnancy includes sleep, outdoor activities and good nutrition. So you can have a good and calm time in the nearest holiday homes, boarding houses, park hotels and eco-camps. Now many hotels offer special vacation programs for expectant mothers.

If you want not only to relax, but also to gain new impressions, you should choose the direction of travel according to its ecological and epidemiological situation, as well as the level of medicine. Don't forget to take out good travel insurance - take one that includes services for pregnant women (if you take out a policy online, make sure that it is designed for expectant mothers).

If you are purchasing a packaged tour, please note that the standard package does not usually cover maternity cases. Contact the tour operator to clarify the possibility of changing the terms of insurance.

Be sure to read the reviews on the Internet about medical care in the selected country - how quickly you can get help, how childbirth is in local maternity hospitals.

Which transport is preferable?

The main condition for traveling during pregnancy is the ability to get up and walk a little at any time. All types of transport (sometimes even tourist buses, but this is not for everybody) meet this criterion. But the train, and the plane, and the car have features that need to be taken into account.

Vehicle

The main convenience of this method of transportation is that you can stop at any time to warm up and quickly get to the nearest hospital or maternity hospital in case of unforeseen circumstances.

But there are also disadvantages - in the later stages it can be uncomfortable to sit in a chair even for half an hour in a row, besides, some pregnant women can get motion sickness in a car. Special pillows for the back and neck, comfortable air conditioning, as well as a seat belt adapter for pregnant women will facilitate the journey. It removes the load from the abdomen, does not press, does not rub and fixes firmly, ensuring safety.

Train

The train makes it possible to change position at least every five minutes - to sit, lie down, walk around. It is better to sit on the bottom shelf and take care of your personal hygiene to the maximum - take antibacterial gel and wipes, toilet pads, slippers, and a toothbrush with you. The negative aspects of traveling by rail are obvious - it is much slower than an airplane, and changing the route or making an unplanned situation, like by car, simply will not work.

Aircraft

The main advantages of traveling by plane are speed and safety. The cons relate mainly to health hazards and airline regulations.

If the doctor has approved the flight, this is only the first step to a successful trip. Although there is no scientific evidence that air travel increases the risk of preterm birth or has a negative effect on the fetus, airlines play it safe to avoid emergency landings and additional costs. As mentioned above, many airlines have strict rules for flying while pregnant. It is better to consult about the prohibitions on the carriage of pregnant women before buying a ticket from a tour operator or directly from the air carrier.

What should be considered before the holiday?

Make an appointment with your doctor a week before your holiday. Be sure to let us know where and how you want to go: doctors have life hacks in stock that you didn’t know about.

Specify which of the medicines can be taken during pregnancy if you become ill in transport, in the heat, in case of poisoning, cystitis, candidiasis or a cold; what first aid may be needed for standard ailments during pregnancy - swelling, pulling pains in the abdomen, headache, heartburn.

In addition to the basic documents, ask the doctor for your exchange card with the results of tests and examinations (if you are seen in a private clinic, you will most likely have a duplicate in your hands).