The Complete Guide to Travelling While Pregnant
If you're expecting and considering travel, you will likely have questions about how to ensure your baby's safety and comfort, whether you're planning a relaxing babymoon with your partner, visiting family abroad, or simply craving a change of scenery, this guide has you covered.
Travelling while pregnant can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right precautions, you can still explore new places and enjoy your adventures, all while keeping your unborn baby safe. The good news is that with careful planning and preparation, travelling during pregnancy can be relatively stress-free, allowing you to focus on creating wonderful memories without unnecessary anxiety.
In this blog post, we'll cover everything you need to know before booking that flight or planning a trip while expecting. We’ll offer tips for staying comfortable during long journeys, managing morning sickness on the go, and keeping both you and your baby healthy and safe. So read on for all the information you need to travel safely and comfortably while pregnant! Don’t let safety concerns stop you from cherishing this special time and having an amazing experience.
Can I Fly Whilst Pregnant?
One of the first questions many expecting mothers have is whether it is safe to fly while pregnant. The answer is generally yes, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind.
Firstly, it's important to consult with your healthcare provider before booking any flights. This is especially true if you have a high-risk pregnancy or any complications that may make flying more risky. Your healthcare provider can offer personalized advice based on your specific medical history and the details of your pregnancy.
When is the Safest Time to Fly During Pregnancy?
Pregnant women face many uncertainties, especially when it comes to air travel. If you plan to fly soon, there are important precautions to ensure the safety of both you and your baby. The optimal time for pregnant women to travel by plane is between the 14th and 28th weeks of gestation. This period, generally considered the second trimester, is when morning sickness typically subsides, and the risks of miscarriage and preterm labour are lower.
For those beyond 28 weeks pregnant, it's crucial to check with the airline for specific restrictions. All airlines have their own guidelines and may require a medical certificate from your doctor. This certificate should state your expected due date and confirm that you are fit to fly.
When flying, it is essential for pregnant women to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, as dehydration can elevate the risk of blood clots. Moving around every hour helps maintain good circulation and reduces the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Additionally, pregnant women should avoid excessive radiation exposure, opting for a pat-down instead of passing through airport X-ray scanners whenever possible.
When Should I Avoid Flying During Pregnancy?
Travelling while pregnant presents unique challenges and risks. Although safe travel is possible during pregnancy, it is crucial for expecting mothers to evaluate their specific circumstances.
The stage of pregnancy plays a significant role in travel decisions. Early pregnancy might be marked by morning sickness, making travel uncomfortable, whereas later stages can raise concerns about preterm labour or mobility issues.
Potential travellers should also consider the risks associated with their plans. For instance, changes in elevation during flights can cause discomfort or swelling, and extended stays in areas with poor sanitation or limited medical facilities can pose health risks. The prospect of facing an emergency far from home, especially in places with inadequate healthcare, can be particularly worrying.
Pregnant travellers need to consult their healthcare provider before embarking on a journey. This consultation should cover necessary vaccinations, the need for travel insurance that includes pregnancy-related issues, and the advisability of carrying medical records for emergencies. If the baby's due date is close to the travel date, it might be best to reconsider the trip to avoid stress and potential complications, especially for long journeys or destinations with subpar medical infrastructure.
Tips for Staying Comfortable While Flying During Pregnancy
Staying comfortable can be particularly challenging in hot and humid climates where the heat feels relentless. Here are some tips to help you maintain comfort:
Wear Loose Clothing: Opt for loose, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. These natural materials regulate temperature by allowing your skin to breathe and wicking away moisture, keeping you cool and dry.
Drink Lots of Water: Hydration is key to staying cool and reducing fatigue. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and consider adding a slice of lemon or cucumber for a refreshing twist that encourages you to drink more.
Take Breaks Often: Regular breaks are essential to prevent your body from becoming overwhelmed by heat or prolonged inactivity. Stretch your legs, change positions, or do some light in-seat exercises to stay energized and comfortable. Simple activities like walking around, stretching, or even standing up and shaking out your limbs can refresh both body and mind.
What Should I Pack When Travelling During Pregnancy?
Bringing plenty of snacks, a pillow, a blanket, and your maternity records is essential for a comfortable journey.
When packing for a flight, it's crucial to ensure you have everything necessary for a smooth and stress-free trip. Start by creating a checklist to track all needed items, from travel documents to personal essentials. Choose snacks that keep you full and energized during a long journey, like nuts, fruit, and whole-grain bars. Staying hydrated is equally important, so pack an empty water bottle to fill after passing through security.
Don't forget your maternity records—they are vital for any emergencies that might arise during your travels. Comfort items such as a pillow and a blanket might seem trivial, but they significantly enhance your comfort, especially for expectant mothers. Bringing your own ensures cleanliness, giving you peace of mind. Also, wearing comfortable clothing and shoes can greatly improve your travel experience, allowing for better movement and rest on long flights.
How Can I Manage My Morning Sickness When Flying?
Dealing with morning sickness during pregnancy can be challenging, as it often strikes unexpectedly, making daily activities difficult. A helpful strategy is to keep a comforting snack within reach, such as plain crackers or non-carbonated ginger ale. Having these items readily available in your kitchen, bag, or bedside table can be a lifesaver when nausea hits.
The saltiness of crackers helps absorb stomach acids, while the soothing properties of ginger ale provide gentle relief. Ginger, known for its medicinal properties, has been used for centuries to treat digestive issues and calm an upset stomach. This combination remains one of the most effective ways to manage morning sickness, offering much-needed relief for expecting mothers.
In addition to these snacks, try eating small, frequent meals throughout the day to prevent your stomach from becoming empty, which can worsen nausea. Staying hydrated is also crucial, so be sure to sip water regularly. Remember, every pregnancy is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. It's always wise to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and recommendations.
Travel Insurance: Check You're Covered!
Pregnancy is one of the most significant and transformative periods in a person's life, bringing both excitement and a host of new responsibilities. When pregnant and travelling abroad, the situation can become more complex due to unfamiliar healthcare systems, potential language barriers, and varying standards of medical care. Therefore, it is crucial to be well-prepared by ensuring you have adequate coverage and care while pregnant overseas.
Before embarking on your journey, take the time to consult with your insurance provider to understand the extent of cover they offer whilst abroad. They may provide complete peace of mind by covering medical expenses during pregnancy overseas, ensuring you receive the best possible care. Additionally, researching the medical facilities available in your destination country and understanding their capabilities in handling pregnancy-related issues is wise.
Don’t risk your health by travelling uninsured. Ensure you are covered before departing so that if something unexpected occurs in a foreign country, you won't be burdened with exorbitant medical bills. Being proactive about your health and insurance coverage protects your well-being and allows you to enjoy your travels without unnecessary stress. Preparation is key to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience while pregnant abroad.
Travelling during pregnancy can be a delightful and enriching experience, provided that the proper precautions are taken. From staying hydrated and packing thoughtfully to managing morning sickness and securing robust travel insurance, there are various steps you can undertake to ensure your journey is both safe and comfortable.
Always prioritise your health and well-being and remember to consult with your healthcare provider before making travel plans. With careful preparation and a little extra planning, you can enjoy a memorable and stress-free adventure, embracing both the journey and the anticipation of welcoming a new life into the world.
Get a quoteWe can help you compare travel insurance coverage if you're a Canadian resident & covered by a Government Health Insurance Plan in your province or territory of residence for the entire duration of your trip.
You are not travelling against the advice of a physician, been diagnosed with a terminal illness, metastatic cancer, require kidney dialysis or travelling to get medical treatment or advice abroad.
You have not been prescribed or used home oxygen in the last twelve months, undergoing investigative treatment for shortness of breath or chest pain.
You have never had a bone marrow, stem cell or organ transplant and do not require assistance with activities of daily living as a result of a medical condition or state of health.
Emergency medical coverage is the benefit of the policy related solely to those medical expenses, such as the doctor’s visit, hospital stay, prescriptions, ambulances – essentially any item related to your medical event. Items such as baggage loss or trip cancellation would not be covered under this benefit.
Some standard policies may provide limited coverage for COVID-19 based on the Government’s travel advisory levels. There are some policies that offer specific coverage for COVID-19 should the Government have a travel advisory in place to limit travel due to COVID-19. It’s always important to review your policy’s terms and conditions.
Your Government health plan does not provide coverage for medical expenses incurred outside of Canada (some provincial plans provide very limited reimbursement for out-of-province medical bills). Travel insurance provides coverage for unexpected medical emergencies and related expenses incurred outside of Canada (and your home province). Travel insurance needs to be purchased prior to departing your home province.
Tommy has over 15 years experience within the insurance industry, having worked with some of the worlds largest insurers. Tommy’s primary focus has been developing the best possible online experience for travellers looking to compare travel insurance rates. Music and travel are two of Tommy's greatest interests, and even better when he can combine the two together!
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