I was initially a little hesitant to travel while pregnant – I even thought I would never travel again for the next couple of months!

Thankfully, with some encouragement and lots of advice from other mums, I learned that it’s not entirely impossible to travel while pregnant. It was also then I found out about the term babymoon, which is a vacation you take before the baby comes.

Of course, you may be travelling for other purposes, be it a business trip or family trip. No matter what your travel intentions are, there are some travel tips which will still be very relevant for expecting mums.

Here are some essential tips based on my personal experience, which I hope can help you to travel safely and comfortably while pregnant.

Suggested read: Common Dreams During Pregnancy and Their Meanings

Consult your doctor first

Before you get all excited and book your trip, the most important thing to do is to inform and consult your OB-GYN.

I cannot stress enough how crucial this is. Even if you don’t have a high-risk pregnancy, have been feeling okay, and passed all every check-up, you have to get the green light from your doctor.

Your doctor is your number one resource for personalised advice on travel safety and guidance on any potential risks. They will also provide the necessary medical documents or prescriptions you may need.

In my case, I let my doctor know very early that we were planning a babymoon. We shared our destination country (Australia), how long and which dates we had in mind.

Before I flew off, my doctor did a checkup to make sure I was not at a high risk of preterm labour. This is usually done by checking cervix length.

I heard that a few other expecting mums under my doctor had been told to cancel their trip because they were at high risk of preterm labour. It is a very dangerous and extremely expensive situation that you don’t want to be in!

Travel in the second trimester, if possible

The second trimester (weeks 14-28) is generally recognised as the safest and most comfortable time for pregnant women to travel.

Morning sickness has often subsided by then – if you’re lucky enough! The risk of complications is also generally lower compared to the first and third trimesters.

Personally, I travelled in week 21 – 22 after my week 20 anatomy scan + checkup at the hospital. This was also when I felt the most comfortable, in terms of subsided morning sickness + when I could walk fairly comfortably.

If you may have to travel after week 28 for non-leisure purposes, you may have to get a medical letter from your doctor e.g. to board the plane. Certain airlines also do not allow pregnant women to travel in the last trimester.

Choose your destination wisely

When traveling while pregnant, it’s important to choose a destination that offers good healthcare facilities and is not too remote.

Avoid locations where the risk of diseases like malaria, Zika, or yellow fever is high, as these can pose serious risks to both you and your baby. Also avoid places where food poisoning is rampant and water cleanliness is dubious.

You may have to consider your travel destination based on the climate and current weather as well. Hot, humid climates can lead to dehydration and overheating. Cooler, more temperate climates are often more comfortable for pregnant travelers.

We initially contemplated going to Japan or Korea as both countries were nearer to Singapore than Australia. However, we realised August was the PEAK of their summers and way too hot for me to tolerate.

Australia, however, was in the thick of winter without being freezing cold – worked perfectly for me!

Plan your travel around comfort (& safety!)

If you think long travels and cramped flights are tiring, wait until you try doing them while pregnant!

I took a 7/8hr flight to and fro Melbourne & Singapore in a cramped Economy seat, which got rather uncomfortable by the 4hr mark. I even had some signs of leg swelling by the end of the flight that took 1 day to go away!

Air travel tips

• Check airline policies: Most airlines allow pregnant women to fly until the 36th week of pregnancy, but some may have earlier cut-off points, especially for international flights. Always check with the airline before booking.
• Book an aisle seat: Aisle seats allow you to stretch your legs and make it easier to get up and move around. Pregnant women are more prone to swelling and more seriously, blood clots. Hence, it’s important to walk around every hour or two.
• Wear compression socks: These can help improve blood circulation and reduce the risk of swelling and blood clots during long flights. My doctor did offer blood thinners, but this is rather extreme so I turned down that option.
• Stay hydrated: Airplane cabins tend to be dry, so drink plenty of water to stay hydrated during your flight.

Car travel tips

• Take frequent breaks: If you’re on a road trip, plan to stop every 1-2 hours to stretch, walk around, and use the restroom. This helps reduce swelling and prevents blood clots. Do wear compression socks as well just in case you can’t find a good rest stop.
• Adjust your seatbelt: Make sure your seatbelt is properly positioned, with the lap belt below your belly and the shoulder strap across your chest. Never place the belt across your belly.
• Bring snacks: Keep healthy snacks on hand to maintain your energy levels and avoid hunger-induced nausea.

Pack smart for pregnancy needs

Traveling while pregnant can pose very unique needs. Hence, it’s important to be prepared for them.

• Bring medical documentation: Carry a copy of your prenatal medical records and any prescriptions, just in case you need medical attention while on your trip. I also recommend getting a doctor’s letter that approves your travels.
• Pack comfortable clothing: Opt for loose, breathable fabrics and layers, which can help you stay comfortable in different climates. Supportive shoes are also a must to avoid foot swelling and various pains.
• Include pregnancy essentials: Don’t forget to pack items like prenatal vitamins. You might also consider bringing an inflatable pillow and maternity support belts for comfort.

Stay active and keep stretching

Pregnancy can make you more prone to stiffness and swelling, especially during long periods of sitting.

On long flights or rides, make a conscious effort to stretch and move around to keep your circulation flowing.

• Simple exercises: Do gentle stretches like ankle rotations, leg lifts, and neck rolls to keep your muscles limber. Walking regularly is another easy way to reduce swelling and prevent stiffness.
• Stay active: You may want to slot in regular activities such as light walking or swimming in your itinerary. I found it very helpful to have a gym in the hotel, as it also provided me access to strength training as well.
• Pack light exercise equipment: I personally encourage bringing along light equipment such as a yoga towel and resistance bands to add some variety to your pregnancy workouts.

Be mindful of what you eat

Eating well while traveling is important for any traveller, but exceptionally so for pregnant women.

• Stick to familiar foods: While it’s tempting to try new dishes, pregnancy can make your digestive system more sensitive. Avoid street food or undercooked dishes, and stick to foods you know won’t upset your stomach.
• Ask for food substitutions and modifications: Don’t be shy to ask for your eggs well done or your coffee weak! The café staff in Melbourne were very nice about this (shoutout to Operator25 and
  ST. ALi Coffee Roasters!)
• Stay hydrated: Make sure to carry a reusable water bottle with you to ensure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day. I cannot emphasise this enough, as dehydration often left me very uncomfortable, yet I had limited drink options with my caffeine and sugar restrictions.
• Bring healthy snacks: If you’re unsure of the food options at your destination, pack nutrient-rich snacks like nuts, fruits, or granola bars. These will keep your energy levels stable.

Listen to your body

I used to be a firm believer that I had to make the most out of all my travels and packed all itineraries with few breaks, starting from early in the day to late at night.

However, I realised it was simply not an option for me during pregnancy. I struggled to wake up early on most days, had to take lots of breaks in between, and turned in early every night from exhaustion.

• Take breaks: Pregnancy can make you tire more easily, so don’t hesitate to take naps or rest during your trip.
• Keep your itinerary easy & relaxed: Avoid overly packed schedules or strenuous activities like hiking or high-impact sports. Give yourself plenty of time for relaxation and rest.
• Monitor symptoms: Pay attention to any unusual symptoms like severe swelling, dizziness, or sharp pains. If something doesn’t feel right, seek medical attention immediately.

Get travel insurance that fully covers you

Pregnancy can sometimes bring unexpected complications, so it’s essential to have travel insurance that covers pregnancy-related issues.

Make sure your policy includes coverage for medical care and emergencies while abroad, as well as trip cancellations due to pregnancy-related reasons.

NOTE: Some travel insurance plans may not cover pregnancy past a certain week, so ensure you’re fully covered for the entire duration of your trip.

I personally recommend getting maternity insurance as well just in case, but do also check with your provider if it includes any emergencies outside of your home country.

Prepare a list of local healthcare providers

Research local hospitals or clinics near your destination before you leave. Knowing where the nearest medical facility is can provide peace of mind in case you need medical assistance during your trip.

If you’re traveling to a country where you don’t speak the language, it’s a good idea to learn basic phrases related to pregnancy and medical care. You can also use translation apps or services to help communicate with local healthcare providers.

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I found all of these very helpful during my 12-day trip to Melbourne, and really enjoyed myself despite the frequent breaks, aches, and various restrictions. I hope these help you have a safe pregnancy and happy travels with your loved ones as well!

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