10 Tips for Travel During Pregnancy
At Women’s Health Texas, we get a lot of questions about travel during pregnancy. Generally, most women can travel safely until their 36th week of pregnancy. However, women who have certain high-risk pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia, shouldn’t travel during pregnancy. Every pregnancy is different, so you should address any specific concerns with our physicians.
If you want to travel while you’re pregnant, here are ten important tips to keep in mind:
- The second trimester is the ideal time to travel.
- You should take steps to ensure that medications are easily accessible during your trip. In addition, it’s important to carry a copy of current medications, pertinent medical information, and the name and phone number your ObGyn.
- Prior to any travel during pregnancy, take steps to ensure that medical coverage will be available by contacting current insurers and purchasing additional international coverage, if necessary.
- Check with your ObGyn to ensure that your vaccines are up to date, especially for international travel.
- Check if there are any current travel alerts or restrictions for a particular destination.
- Talk to your ObGyn about the Zika virus. We don’t recommend travel during pregnancy to areas with Zika outbreaks.
- Take steps to avoid blood clots and deep vein thrombosis while traveling. These steps include walking and stretching the legs frequently, staying hydrated, and avoiding tight clothing.
- Correct and consistent seat belt use is vital. Always wear a seat belt during travel, positioning the lap strap under the belly and the shoulder strap, if there is one, between the breasts and to the side.
- Avoid environmental hazards and toxins. These include substances such as lead, arsenic, mercury, pesticides, chemical solvents, and second-hand smoke.
- Always seek emergency care if you experience serious symptoms, such as vaginal bleeding, ruptured membranes, contractions, severe diarrhea, or vomiting.
Our ObGyns strive to keep pregnant women healthy and safe at all times, including when they travel during pregnancy. Learn more about our expert obstetrical care or contact us to request an appointment.
Date Published: November 21, 2017