By the third trimester, morning sickness should have subsided and you are within several weeks of giving birth – but it remains essential that you pay close attention to both your health and comfort during this stage of gestation.
Pack essential items such as anti-nausea medication, snacks and a portable heating pad – and check on the standard of medical care available at your travel destination.
Flying
Flying during pregnancy is generally safe. Miscarriage risks tend to be lowest during the second trimester (weeks 13-27), so many couples planning “babymoons” (one last trip together before giving birth) opt for this timeframe for travel.
Before booking any flight at this stage of pregnancy, it’s wise to consult your healthcare provider. They may advise against traveling until 36 weeks when your risk of labor increases significantly or altogether if certain medical conditions such as ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease or infertility exist.
Also consult your healthcare provider regarding vaccines you will require when traveling abroad with children. Some live virus vaccines like those for typhoid may pose risks to young babies; however, most are considered safe. You should research medical facilities available at your destination in case an emergency arises that requires hospital treatment while traveling.
Cruises
At weeks 13 to 27 of pregnancy, pregnant women typically find that the second trimester (13-27) is the optimal time for traveling. Morning sickness should have subsided and your belly won’t be nearly as large; couples planning “babymoons,” one last couple trip before welcoming a newborn child, often choose this time frame as their travel window.
But do be warned: some airlines and cruises will only permit women who are nearing their due date to fly or sail with them if they provide proof from a physician stating it’s safe for them. Furthermore, it would be wise to identify hospitals or medical centers along your route should traveling by sea be necessary.
Once the third trimester begins, things start to change rapidly. While travel by plane remains safe during this stage of gestation, many OBGYNs and airlines advise women to stop flying after 36 weeks as their odds of labor increase significantly at that time. So it is advisable to consult your physician prior to booking any flights during that stage of your pregnancy.