Is Travel Safe During Pregnancy? Travel Tips for Expectant Moms From the ACOG by 30Seconds Pregnancy

Expecting a baby, but also expecting a vacation? If you’re concerned about traveling during pregnancy, know that for most women traveling while pregnant is safe, according to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). As long as you and your fetus are healthy, you can travel safely until you are 36 weeks pregnant.

But there are better times to travel while pregnant than others. “The best time to travel is the middle of your pregnancy – between week 14 and week 28,” according to the ACOG. “Most common pregnancy problems happen in the first and third trimesters. During mid-pregnancy, your energy has returned, morning sickness usually is gone, and it is still easy to get around. Paying attention to the way you feel is the best guide for your activities.” The ACOG doesn’t recommend travel if you have any of the following pregnancy complications:

• preeclampsia
• premature rupture of membranes
• preterm labor
• Also consider postponing your trip if you are pregnant with multiples.

If you (and your doctor) decide travel is for you, here are some suggestions from the ACOG to make sure your trip is as comfortable as possible:

• Schedule a checkup with your OB-GYN before you leave.

• Know your estimated due date. If you have a problem while you are traveling, your caregivers will need to know how far along you are in your pregnancy.

• Plan to bring any over-the-counter medications that you may need, such as pain relievers, hemorrhoid ointment, a first aid kit and prenatal vitamins. Also bring any prescribed medications.

• Check that you are up to date with your vaccines.

• Think about how long it will take to get to your final destination. The fastest way often is the best.

• Make your travel plans easy to change. Consider buying travel insurance to cover tickets and deposits that cannot be refunded.

Get more tips about traveling while pregnant at ACOG.org.

The information on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information provided through this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal healthcare provider.