Most doctors and midwives will give pregnant women clearance to travel up until 36th week of gestation; however, airlines may require a physician’s note as proof.
This trimester tends to be the easiest one for expectant mothers. Morning sickness has passed and fatigue becomes more noticeable.
1. Check with your doctor
If you’re pregnant and considering travel during your third trimester, it is wise to seek advice from both a doctor or midwife before embarking on this adventure. They have an intimate knowledge of your pregnancies history and can make recommendations regarding what’s safe or not safe. In addition, make sure your health insurance covers a baby delivery should complications arise while away.
Pregnant women traveling during their second trimester (13-26 weeks) generally feel at their best and face reduced risks such as hypertension or premature labor.
As the third trimester progresses, your body begins preparing for childbirth – which can be extremely stressful. Nausea and vomiting may occur; many pregnant women find they improve with proper diet and rest. Furthermore, headaches may develop as your due date approaches.
Your doctor may suggest staying home or limiting travel at certain stages, such as when you hit 36 weeks. This is in case early labor occurs or any emergencies arise that necessitate immediate care while away. Also ask them for permission to bring copies of medical records and letters from OB-GYNs that might come in handy should emergency care become necessary while away.
2. Check with your airline
If your doctor gives the green light for travel during this period, speak to your airline to understand their policies on third trimester travel. Some will require a doctor’s note while others may limit how far into it you can fly. Furthermore, if carrying multiples your healthcare provider may advise that travel cease altogether after reaching a certain point to reduce complications and risk.
In general, the second trimester is considered to be the safest time for travel as you won’t experience nausea or fatigue. If flying during this trimester, if possible book an aisle seat and consume ample fluids. Furthermore, try not to overexert yourself physically as your energy levels will likely be decreased.
In the final months of pregnancy, air travel should be avoided to lower your risks of labor. If approved by your physician, short domestic flights or cruises may still be taken; just be sure to stay hydrated, avoid foods like broccoli or carbonated beverages which expand in your stomach and wear compression stockings to prevent edema; as well as researching medical facilities near your destination in case there are issues or emergencies.
3. Check with your hotel
As your due date approaches, it is wise to contact the hotel where you plan on staying and inquire about its policies regarding pregnant women – this can have an effect on whether or not you can travel there safely.
Usually hotels will inform guests before booking their stay if any restrictions exist. In a straightforward pregnancy, many doctors should permit travel up until 36 weeks gestation; after this point many OBGYNs advise staying home to prevent preterm labor surprises.
The second trimester is often considered the ideal time for pregnant travelers. Morning sickness typically has passed by this point and most of the discomforts associated with third-trimester pregnancies have not set in yet.
Please keep in mind that each pregnancy is unique. Your obstetrician may offer special advice during your gestation period; make sure you discuss this with them as early as possible.
Healthcare providers advise women in their third trimester not to travel more than 300 miles from home in order to minimize complications such as high blood pressure, phlebitis and false or premature labor. If you have conditions like preeclampsia or have had preterm labor before, however, stricter rules will likely be in place; your obstetrician may recommend not traveling at all.
4. Check with your family
Travel during pregnancy can be challenging if you aren’t comfortable or healthy; however, assuming that it is low risk. The second trimester tends to be the optimal time for travel as morning sickness should have subsided and your belly won’t be so large that walking long distances or sitting too long becomes uncomfortable – often couples take “babymoons” (one last couples vacation before giving birth) during this period.
As your belly continues to expand, your skin and ligaments stretch further, making it harder for you to remain comfortable. Additionally, complications like high blood pressure, phlebitis, false or preterm labor become a greater risk – some OBGYNs recommend women stay within 300 miles of home during later weeks of third trimester gestation for safety’s sake.
Most airlines allow pregnant women up to 36 weeks gestation if they are healthy; however, some airlines cut it off sooner and require a doctor’s note before being permitted on board. Train and cruise operators may have different cutoff dates; be sure to ask prior to making plans.
Once you reach week 37, it may be time to head home. Your due date usually falls around the 40th week but this could vary depending on when your baby arrives.