Summer is upon us, you’ve got your passport, and dreams of that beach vacation, so don’t let your growing belly shouldn’t put a stop to travel plans.
Travel tips:
- The best time to travel is in your second trimester when nausea has abated and your belly size is not yet uncomfortable
- Avoid visiting countries where disease is a high risk factor
- To avoid stomach bugs drink bottled water and don’t eat salads or fruits you can’t peel
- If traveling by car, stop every hour to stretch your legs
- Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water or juice
- Avoid water skiing, horse riding, Scuba diving, and amusement park rides
- Hot tubs and saunas are best avoided
Travel Checklist
Think about the implications of traveling at different times in your pregnancy when planning a trip.
1st trimester (weeks 1-12)
Period of high risk for miscarriage and development problems in the baby, so be extra careful to avoid extremes of temperature and overly vigorous activity
- Motions sickness could make morning sickness worse
- Flying is allowed, provided you have no pregnancy complications
2nd trimester (weeks 13-25)
You are likely to be feeling your best, and the chances of miscarriage or fetal development problems are greatly reduced
- Flying is allowed, but check to see whether you need to carry a doctor’s letter stating your due date
- Check with individual travel insurance companies to see if you can get coverage – policies vary
3rd trimester (weeks 26-40)
- Your belly is huge and travel may be very uncomfortable now
- Some airlines may not allow you to fly after 36 weeks without a letter from your doctor written within 72 hours of your flight that includes your due date and confirms your fitness to fly
All it takes is just a bit of extra planning to help your vacation run smoothly, so put those worries aside and enjoy yourself – in moderation!
Share some of your tips for traveling when pregnant and you could win a copy of DK’s Pregnancy Day by Day. Gather will draw one respondent who comments by July 21st to receive a copy.
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Comments: 17
My sister is pregnant right now
When traveling by car, even if you're in the first trimester and/or you don't feel like you have to stop, DO stop every hour. It really does help the traveling go easier! In the second and third trimester, plan on taking lots of bathroom breaks--you will need them :)
I always kept an extra bottle of water with me. I seemed to be more thirsty when pregnant. Also, don't be afraid to ask for help if needed while you're traveling.
Take extra pillows...it helps you get more comfortable (even if not fully comfortable) in the car, as well as giving you enough pillows for sleeping.
Stop every hour, or more if you need to...stretch your legs, walk around, and stay hydrated to avoid swelling. If you're staying hydrated, you're going to need to stop anyway. :)
I was about 11 weeks when I moved from Hawaii to Arizona :)
Stay in the shade!
I'm not in for the contest though, as my pregnancy should be over any day now.
If you can afford it, take your babymoon at a B&B, this will ensure that you have a good meal for the day and since they're smaller, the innkeepers will generally give you more attention and be accomodating to any cravings/aversions!
Pack vitamin-rich fresh fruit such as grapes, plums, oranges or dried apricots.
Wear support hose and shoes with adjustable straps in case your feet swell.
Have on hand an eye mask and ear plugs and wear loose, comfortable clothing.
Rest as much as possible.