Travel during pregnancy typically remains safe if it is healthy and at low-risk; however, airlines may impose special policies when pandemics or later pregnancies arise.
Plan on taking it easy. You may not have enough energy for an intensive tour of six cities within a short amount of time.
Check with your doctor.
If your pregnancy is progressing well and without complications, most doctors recommend traveling up until 37 weeks (32 for twin pregnancies) of gestation. After that point, check with airlines about any cutoff weeks they have for travel as the chances for labor increase at that stage.
Your doctor will want to make sure that you’re vaccinated against flu and up-to-date on listeria screening, especially if your due date is approaching. She may advise against unpasteurized cheeses, drinks with ice and non-bottled water when travelling abroad to reduce risk of food-borne illness.
At your destination, check with local hospitals to see if they’re equipped to deal with premature deliveries, which could take place any time during or just prior to your due date. Also consider packing flushable wet wipes as hormones associated with preterm labor can often cause constipation and bloating – packing one in your carry on bag could prove invaluable!
Stay active.
Your energy may wane during your third trimester, but staying active remains crucial. Staying fit helps condition muscles and prepares your body for labour and birth; so don’t stop your workouts; simply adjust their level of intensity and duration as necessary.
Walking, swimming and pregnancy yoga are great forms of exercise that will help ease pressure off joints and alleviate any discomfort. For more intense exercise options try light weighted squats or bodyweight exercises with a partner.
As long as it is comfortable for you, low impact strength training should continue until the last six weeks of pregnancy. This form of exercise can make labor and delivery simpler by strengthening muscles to help manage the increased stress associated with labor and birth; furthermore, this form of physical activity will make you feel more in control and confident when managing contractions and delivery processes.
Get plenty of rest.
As your due date draws nearer, hormones which helped maintain energy levels during your second trimester may begin to fade, leading to fatigue and frequent peeing resurfacing along with new aches and pains.
On the bright side, most pregnant women can safely travel up until 36 weeks of their third trimester (month 7 or 8). Some airlines set a cutoff point at 36 weeks for pregnancy-related travel and require a doctor’s note in order to fly; cruise ships typically do not permit travel after 24 weeks due to health risks related to gestation.
Traveling during your third trimester requires you to be cognizant of the standard of medical care available at your destination and be open-minded to cancelling or postponing it if your health status changes, or there is risk of premature delivery. By keeping these tips in mind, your trip plans will run more smoothly – creating an enjoyable babymoon without extra strain and anxiety.
Don’t stay seated for long periods of time.
Berens notes that pregnant women can still travel safely during the third trimester as long as they don’t approach their due date or experience complications related to pregnancy, however. Many airlines allow pregnant women to fly domestically until 36 weeks gestation; international flights will require a doctor’s note from a provider.
Sitting still for long periods during a flight increases the risk of blood clots in your legs and feet, also known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). To reduce this risk, make sure you move around and change positions frequently during your trip – stretching calf muscles, kneading abdominal area or wiggling in seat can all help! Additionally, avoid food or beverages which cause gas as well as wearing compression stockings to decrease edema or DVT risk.
Also make sure you book an aisle seat and have plenty of snacks handy in case meal service is delayed, or something needs to be eaten to curb appetite. Furthermore, have an electronic copy of your prenatal chart and emergency contact info ready. Finally don’t forget flushable wet wipes as these will come in handy during travel!
Book an aisle seat.
Pregnant women planning on flying during their third trimester should take certain precautions. First and foremost, it’s advisable to consult their healthcare provider about whether the trip is safe. Based on medical condition and duration, some providers and airlines advise against travel at certain points; many OBGYNs recommend stopping altogether prior to 36 weeks in order to prevent premature labor.
An aisle seat can also help reduce blood clot risk on long flights; women at greater risk should try walking around frequently during flights as a means to stretch legs and toes and reduce clot risk in addition to booking an aisle seat.
Remember to bring a travel kit on board the plane (more on this later). Your kit should contain water bottles, snacks, pain relievers and a comfortable pair of shoes as well as a pouch to store any medical supplies or equipment necessary during your journey.