An OBGYN's summer travel safety guide
Read before take-off for your best pregnancy travel tips
Summer is here! And as we are about to embark on our first summer vacation, I thought what better time to pull together all the resources you need to travel safely while pregnant this summer. Let me know in the comments if I’ve forgotten something, and happy traveling!
-Dr. Jen
Airline rules…are weird
Airline policies for pregnant passengers are not consistent—which I guess makes sense since it’s not like we have data that at some magical time in your pregnancy flying becomes dangerous. That said, there are some differences to be aware of.
Most airlines allow travel up to 36 weeks for single pregnancies and up to 32 weeks for multiples, with some requiring a doctor’s note or as you approach your due date.
Pro tip: To avoid any last-minute stress at the gate, get a note from your doctor or midwife that has your due date on it and that you’re cleared to travel if you are visibly pregnant.
Here’s a summary of major airline policies with the big caveat that you should check their website to confirm before you travel, as policies can change:
General Safety Considerations
Consult your OBGYN first
Always check with your healthcare provider before making travel plans, especially if you have a high-risk pregnancy or complications such as preeclampsia, preterm labor, or gestational diabetes.
Time your travel wisely
The second trimester (weeks 14–28) is generally the smost comfortable time to travel—think less nausea, lower miscarriage risk (so it’s less likely that you may need to seek urgent care), and you’re not so big yet that sitting on a plane often is intolerable.
However, this is just a guide. I flew to London and Paris in my first trimester and had a grand old time (minus enjoying the French wine, sadly…), so it’s definitely up to you!
Stay hydrated and cool
Summer heat increases the risk of dehydration and overheating—which can lead to the not-so-fun feelings of nausea, dizziness, and potentially passing out, as well as even preterm contractions or preterm labor. Drink plenty of water, wear loose clothing, and avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day.
Use sunscreen, hats, and seek shade to protect your skin. Pregnancy can make skin extra sensitive and susceptible to discoloration or burning, so protect yourself!
Travel Insurance
Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers pregnancy-related emergencies, medical evacuation, and trip cancellation due to unforeseen complications. While you likely won’t need this, it’s impossible to predict the future and this can help set your mind at ease.
Important note: Routine prenatal care and childbirth are usually excluded, so read the policy carefully!
Check health travel advisories
Remember Zika virus? It was in the news regularly a few years ago as a mosquito-borne illness that can harm a developing fetus if you are exposed while pregnant. And while it’s not so common to hear about it anymore, it’s still very much a concern. Ideally, you should avoid destinations with Zika virus while pregnant to reduce this risk. You can learn more about Zika and how to avoid areas where it’s common here.
Zika isn’t the only bug out there to try and avoid, though. Other communicable diseases like measles (ugh), yellow fever, and diphtheria are alive and well in certain regions. The CDC Travel Health Notices page is super helpful to see what locales may be better skipped until after you give birth.
Scroll down to my “Spotlight On” section to see a great resource for learning where you might want to avoid travel when pregnant, what vaccines are recommended, and more.
Know your destination’s abortion laws
This might sound weird if you are pregnant…and planning to remain that way.
But what if you have a complication where the treatment is an abortion and you’re in Georgia or Texas or Alabama or Louisiana or—I can keep going, but you get it—and your care is denied or delayed because of abortion bans?
Unfortunately, it’s something to consider when making your travel plans. And no, it’s not fair. But we’ve seen time and time again in the news how these laws harm people, including those who very much have a wanted and planned pregnancy.
You can head here to an interactive map to see what is (and isn’t) available at your potential travel destination—and maybe plan accordingly.
Find your closest Labor and Delivery unit
I can’t say this loudly enough: not all hospitals have a Labor and Delivery unit, so you shouldn’t assume the closest hospital can care for you if you have an obstetric issue.
Yes, an Emergency Department needs to see you and provide stabilizing care no matter your medical issue thanks to a law called EMTALA, but it doesn’t mean they have an OBGYN ready to care for you.
Pro tip: Identify the hospital with the most accessible L&D at your destination and put their contact info in your phone so you have it if you need it.
Getting there
Here are some tips to help make the journey as easy and safe as possible:
Air Travel
Wear your seatbelt under your bump and across your lap for the entire flight.
Move and stretch your legs regularly to reduce the risk of blood clots. Wearing compression socks are also a great idea to reduce swelling and the risk of clots.
Book an aisle seat for easier access to the restroom.
Drink that water! Plane travel can be very dehydrating, so drink enough so that when you pee your urine is pale yellow in color.
Car Travel
Take frequent breaks to stretch and use the restroom.
Always wear your seatbelt correctly: lap belt under the bump, shoulder belt between the breasts.
Move the seat back from the dashboard or steering wheel for safety.
Infection prevention
Your immune system is weakened in pregnancy, so it can use all the help it can get:
You definitely want to be up to date on all routine vaccines, and research which additional ones are recommended based on your destination. Keep reading to see where to find this information.
Wear a mask in crowded places or on public transport to reduce the risk of COVID-19, flu, and RSV. Yes, these illnesses are still with us and getting them in pregnancy is not a fun time for anyone.
Ask family and friends to test for COVID-19 before large gatherings if possible.
Pack that hand sanitizer!
Activities to avoid
Skip high-risk activities such as certain amusement park rides, surfing, or anything with a risk of falling or sudden movements.
Packing essentials:
Prenatal vitamins, your medications, and a small medical kit.
Comfortable shoes, loose clothing, and sun protection.
Copies of your prenatal records and emergency contact information! This is key if an emergency arises.
Spotlight on: CDC Travel Advisories page
I can’t tell you if this page will always remain updated, but it’s functional as of today’s writing!
This website provides destination-specific health alerts, vaccination guidance, and travel restrictions that are crucial if you’re pregnant and planning a trip.
Key highlights include real-time notices about areas with Zika virus, current measles outbreaks, and other infectious diseases that can affect pregnancy outcomes. For example, you can input where you’re going, such as Argentina:
You’ll see area-specific recommended packing kits (note that not all items are safe/needed in pregnancy, but it’s a nice starting point to review with your doctor or midwife):
And highlights of what infectious disease risks you should be mindful of. Here’s one such example:
Lastly, they review what vaccines are recommended (and often are more than what you’d commonly have in the U.S.):
It’s a great website to visit even before you book any travel so you can decide if it’s a safe vacation spot from a health perspective. I hope it helps!
Safe and happy travels, friends!
Until next week,
Dr. Jen