Travel during the third trimester can be made more comfortable. Morning sickness typically subsides and your risk of miscarriage decreases at this point.

Your doctor should clear you to travel, although airlines typically allow women up until 36 weeks gestation before restricting international travel.

Flying

Air travel during your third trimester should usually be safe if there are no complications with your pregnancy; however, you’ll likely need the OK from your physician prior to booking a flight.

At this stage of your pregnancy, it is a good idea to check in with both your ob-gyn and midwife for advice about whether air travel is suitable. They may suggest staying closer to home if there is an increased risk of preterm birth.

Most airlines permit women to fly up until around 37 weeks (32 weeks if pregnant with twins), although some airlines require a letter from your physician before permitting you to board. When flying internationally, be sure to research in advance as restrictions vary between airlines and domestic versus international flights.

When traveling by air, make sure that you arrive at the airport early so you have enough time to pass through security and find your gate before your flight leaves. Sit in an aisle seat so it is easier for you to move around easily during breaks for walking or stretching legs. Avoid eating or drinking anything that might produce gas in low cabin pressure planes and ensure to drink lots of fluids during flights so as to prevent dehydration; dehydration is common during flying!

Cruises

When traveling by cruise ship in your third trimester, be sure to research accommodations and medical services available at docking ports. It is also wise to confirm whether local water sources are safe to drink as well as whether additional precautions against food- or water-borne diseases that could cause stomach upsets or travelers’ diarrhoea (such as taking rehydration tablets) need to be taken.

The second trimester is often considered the optimal time for traveling during pregnancy, since morning sickness tends to subside around this point. Even so, long journeys may prove uncomfortable as your growing belly puts strain on both pelvic bones and abdomen.

Air travel during pregnancy should generally be safe up until 36 weeks for uncomplicated pregnancies, though many airlines have cut-off dates for domestic and international flights. Be sure to talk with your OB/GYN before booking any flight and ask about their policies.

On a plane, choose an aisle seat so you can frequently get up and stretch your legs. Avoid carbonated beverages and wear your seat belt below your bump for optimal comfort. Also try flexing and extending ankles and feet every few hours to promote circulation and avoid problems like leg cramps; on longer train or car journeys try walking around every two hours so as to maintain blood flow to all parts of the body.

Hotels

Travel during your third trimester can often be more complex than traveling during your second. This is due to women reaching further along in their pregnancy, reaching the point at which airlines require a doctor’s note before flying. Assuming your pregnancy has no complications or health concerns, however, most healthy pregnant women can still travel during this period with no issues; just remember to plan ahead since things can quickly change in this phase.

Women often opt to take their “babymoon” trip (one last couples vacation before giving birth) during the second trimester, typically from weeks 13-27. At this point in gestation, most women don’t feel sick, large, or exhausted and can enjoy vacation more comfortably. While third trimester travel is possible as well, but certain precautions will need to be taken beforehand.

Car Rentals

Though driving long distances during third trimester is generally safe, sitting for extended periods can increase your risk for deep vein thrombosis (blood clots). To minimize risks, wear loose clothing that’s comfortable to sit in as well as bring flip-flops so they can be removed whenever feet become hot or uncomfortable.

Once you reach 28 weeks, it is advised to avoid traveling as early labor can occur quickly during late pregnancy. If you must travel later on in your gestation, make it shorter trip or have someone drive you in case an emergency arises.

Although mid-pregnancy may be the ideal time for travel during pregnancy, every woman’s circumstances differ; consult with your healthcare provider to establish when is best for you to travel.