Whether you're planning a beach vacation, visiting family, or taking a weekend road trip, summer often means spending more time away from home. If you're pregnant, it's natural to wonder if traveling is safe.
The answer depends on several factors, including how far along you are and whether your pregnancy is considered low-risk or high-risk.
Before packing your bags, here are a few things you should know.
Can You Travel While Pregnant?
In many cases, yes.
Most women with healthy pregnancies can travel safely, especially during the second trimester. Between weeks 14 and 28, many pregnancy symptoms like nausea and fatigue have started to improve, making travel more comfortable.
However, every pregnancy is different. If you've experienced complications such as bleeding, high blood pressure, preterm labor, or placenta concerns, your healthcare provider may recommend staying closer to home.
Before making travel plans, schedule an appointment with your medical provider to discuss what's safest for you.
If you decide to travel while pregnant, research the location of healthcare facilities near your travel destination so that you are prepared to address any urgent or emergency concerns, should they arise.
Is Flying Safe During Pregnancy?
Many women fly during pregnancy without complications. Most airlines allow pregnant passengers to fly through much of their pregnancy, although some have restrictions during the final weeks before delivery.
Before you fly:
- Ask your healthcare provider if air travel is recommended for your pregnancy.
- Review your airline's pregnancy policy.
- Keep copies of important medical information with you if you're traveling a long distance.
During your flight, drink plenty of water and get up to walk around when it's safe. Moving your legs regularly can help improve circulation during long flights.
Road Trip Tips for Pregnant Women
Driving may seem easier than flying, but spending hours in the car can still become uncomfortable. Here are a few ways to make your trip safer and more enjoyable:
Stay Hydrated
Warm weather and long travel days can lead to dehydration more quickly than you may realize. Bring plenty of water and drink consistently throughout the day.
Take Frequent Breaks
Plan to stop every couple of hours so you can stretch, walk around, and use the restroom. Regular movement both improves circulation and reduces swelling and stiffness.
Buckle Up Correctly
Always wear your seat belt with the lap belt positioned underneath your belly and across your hips. The shoulder strap should fit comfortably across your chest.
Summer Activities to Avoid
Vacations often include exciting activities, but not all of them are recommended during pregnancy.
Your healthcare provider may advise avoiding activities such as:
- Scuba diving
- Water skiing
- Contact sports
- Horseback riding
- Activities with a high chance of falling
- Hot tubs or extremely hot pools
If you're unsure whether an activity is safe, ask before participating. It's always better to know ahead of time.
What If You Just Found Out You're Pregnant?
If you recently received a positive home pregnancy test, you may not know how far along you are—or even if the pregnancy is developing normally.
Before traveling, it's important to gather medical information about your pregnancy.
A verification ultrasound can provide valuable information, including:
- Whether the pregnancy is located in the uterus.
- How far along you may be.
- Whether cardiac activity has been detected when appropriate.
Having these answers before your trip can help you make informed decisions and know what questions to ask your healthcare provider. Care Net Milwaukee offers these free ultrasounds early in your pregnancy.
Know the Warning Signs
While traveling, seek medical attention immediately if you experience:
- Heavy vaginal bleeding
- Severe stomach or pelvic pain
- Leaking fluid
- Regular contractions
- Severe headaches
- Changes in vision
- Decreased fetal movement later in pregnancy
Even if you're away from home, don't wait to get help if something doesn't feel right.
Get the Information You Need Before You Go
An unexpected pregnancy can bring a lot of uncertainty. Adding travel plans to the mix may leave you with even more questions.
At Care Net Pregnancy Center of Milwaukee, we're here to help you get answers before you make important decisions. We offer free lab-quality pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, support, and confidential options consultations so you can better understand your pregnancy and your next steps.
Our caring team is here to provide factual information, answer your questions, and support you in a compassionate, pressure-free environment. If you're pregnant or think you might be, schedule your free appointment today and get the information you need before your summer travels begin.