Travel During Pregnancy: Planning for a Safer Trip

Can you travel while pregnant?

For many people with an uncomplicated pregnancy, travel can be safe. The best timing depends on how you feel, your stage of pregnancy, the destination, and access to care. Discuss plans early if you have a high-risk pregnancy or a current concern.

Plan before you book

Check airline, cruise, and travel-provider rules before booking. Some have restrictions later in pregnancy or require a clinician letter. Keep prenatal records, a medication list, blood group information, insurance details, and care-team contact information available. For international travel, check current destination-specific health advice.

On a flight or long car journey

Wear a lap belt low across the hips and under the abdomen. Keep the shoulder belt between the breasts and to the side of the abdomen. Drink water, move your ankles and calves regularly, and take a walking break every one to two hours when possible. Your clinician may recommend compression stockings when you have individual clot-risk factors.

Food, water, and infection prevention

Choose safe food and water. Wash hands often, avoid raw or undercooked animal products, and use bottled or treated water where local safety is uncertain. Protect against mosquito bites where relevant. Check current travel-health advice before departure.

When to postpone travel

Travel may need to be postponed with vaginal bleeding, ruptured membranes, signs of preterm labour, severe anemia, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or another complication. Do not travel against a specific restriction from your care team.

Warning signs

Get urgent medical help for heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, fluid leakage, fainting, chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe headache with visual changes, fever, or reduced fetal movement after an established pattern. Before travel, save the local emergency number and identify a maternity hospital near your destination.

Reference

ACOG: Travel During Pregnancy