Introduction
Travelling during pregnancy can be a wonderful way to relax, but choosing the right time for travel is important. While every pregnancy is different, there are specific weeks during the nine months that are generally considered more ideal for travel.
The best weeks to travel during pregnancy are between 14 and 28 weeks, or ideally during your second trimester. Also, the modes of transport have a significant impact on the safety of your pregnancy.
So, if you are planning a trip, it’s recommended that you consult with your doctor to confirm if it’s okay to travel during this crucial time.
Best weeks to travel during pregnancy
The best weeks to travel during pregnancy are generally between the 14th and 28th weeks. This falls in the second trimester of pregnancy, which is often considered the golden time for travel.
Since pregnant women suffer from nausea and fatigue during their first trimester, in the second trimester, these symptoms tend to subside.
Domestic travel pregnancy
How many weeks pregnant can you travel domestically?
Domestic travel during pregnancy is recommended for most women going through a healthy pregnancy. They can travel safely for up to 32 weeks. There is no proper medical evidence that states that early pregnancy and flying affect the mother and the baby.
Yet, it’s advisable to check with your gynecologist before making any travel plans.
Airline travel and pregnancy
It’s pretty safe for pregnant women to travel by air before 32 weeks of pregnancy, as long as they don’t have any pregnancy complications. So, flying during pregnancy in the third trimester is not highly recommended. However, it’s best to talk with your doctor before you fly.
Rules: Flying while Pregnant
Most airlines do not allow pregnant women to fly after 32 weeks of pregnancy. They might also require a medical certificate from the doctor confirming that it’s safe for them to fly.
Tips: Flying while Pregnant
Stay hydrated because aeroplanes usually have low humidity, which could easily make you dehydrated.
- Stay hydrated because airplanes usually have low humidity, which can lead to dehydration.
- Carry all your medical documents and medications
- It is important to move your legs frequently to reduce the risk of blood clots. Venous thrombosis is a condition that occurs when blood flow to your vein either slows down or has a clot. Sitting for longer hours without any movement can lead to this condition. It is also said that pregnant women are more prone to developing this condition.
- Make sure you fasten your seatbelt under your belly and across your hips for a safe and comfortable travel experience.
- Avoid tight clothing, as it is said to hinder blood flow. You can wear loose and comfortable clothing suitable for travel.
- Sometimes doctors might advise you to wear compression stockings, as they help with blood circulation.
- Although it is pretty safe for most pregnant women to travel occasionally, it is important to consult with your gynecologist if you fly frequently, as you might be exposed to more radiation than usual.
When shouldn’t you travel during pregnancy?
Although pregnant women with no pregnancy complications can travel up to 32 weeks safely, they still need to consult with their gynecologist.
Healthcare experts do not recommend travelling for pregnant women with complications, including:
- Travelling after 32 weeks of pregnancy
- Severe vaginal bleeding or anemia
- Had previously gone through a miscarriage
- Pregnant with multiple babies
- Had a previous ectopic pregnancy
- Suffering from cervical issues like cervical incompetence
- History of gestational diabetes or high blood pressure
- Pregnant after 35 years
- Placental issues such as placenta previa
- History of pre-eclampsia
- Heart valve disease or congestive heart failure
- History of premature labour
Train Travel during Pregnancy
The train journey is considered safe during pregnancy until the 37th week of pregnancy. However, there are certain steps that you can take to make your journey comfortable and safe.
- Ensure that you have a comfortable seat
- When travelling long distances, request a lower berth to avoid climbing.
- Make sure to get up and move around occasionally to avoid swelling and discomfort.
Bus Travel during Pregnancy
In most circumstances, bus travel during pregnancy is not considered ideal. Since roads can be bumpy, travelling by bus, especially during pregnancy, can be exhausting.
If you are still travelling by bus during pregnancy, it is recommended to follow a few precautions, including:
- Stay hydrated, eat healthy snacks and most importantly, take advantage of the restroom breaks. It’s normal to feel the urge to urinate more frequently than usual.
- It is better to book a ticket beforehand to make sure you get a comfortable seat.
Car Travel during Pregnancy
Be it your first trimester or your third one, until 32 weeks, travelling by car is considered safe. You can even drive a car when you are pregnant. However, after 36 weeks, it is better to avoid going on trips or travelling long distances as you can go into labour anytime.
A few tips to follow while travelling in a car during pregnancy include:
- To prevent back pain, you can place a cushion to support your back.
- Take small breaks and relax your arms, legs and toes for better blood circulation.
- Wearing a seat belt at all times is very important to ensure safety. Wear a seatbelt in such a way that the diagonal strap goes across your breasts and the lower strap goes on your lap under your bump.
Bike travel during pregnancy
Travelling by two-wheeler or bike is not recommended, especially during early pregnancy. Here, bumpy roads, vibrations and jerks can affect the baby.
Occasional bike travelling is fine as long as your doctor approves of it and if you drive slowly, carefully and sit with proper support.
International Travel during Pregnancy
Is international travel allowed during pregnancy?
If you are travelling internationally, you will most probably do it by air. So, in that case, travelling by air is considered safe and is allowed before 32 weeks of pregnancy.
As per commercial airlines, they only allow women pregnant up to 32 weeks to travel if it is a single pregnancy. And those carrying more than one baby can travel only if they have low pregnancy complications and if the doctor permits.
Airlines also request a proper medical certificate to confirm that the pregnant woman is healthy to travel.
Note: Avoid travelling to countries that request pre-travel vaccines that might pose danger to your pregnancy.
When should I consult a doctor?
A pregnant woman must consult with a gynecologist or OBGYN before travelling, despite their medical conditions. Apart from that, it is important to seek medical help if you experience:
- Bleeding
- Abdomen pain
- Severe fever or vomiting
- Decrease in baby’s movement
- Water breakage
Conclusion
Travelling during pregnancy depends on certain factors, including the mother’s pregnancy complications, gestational age of the baby, previous pregnancy complications, and other health issues.
Most pregnant women can safely travel during the second trimester of pregnancy. Every pregnancy is unique and hence it is important to consult with your gynecologist to know if it is okay for you to travel.
For consultations and appointments with the best gynecologist in Chennai Dr. Deepthi Jammi, contact Jammi Scans at 7338771733.
FAQs
1. How many months pregnant can I travel?
A pregnant woman travelling before 32 weeks is considered safe if she doesn’t have any pregnancy complications. However, it’s always best to talk with your healthcare provider.
2. Is international travel allowed during pregnancy?
Yes, international travel is allowed for a pregnant woman up to 28 to 32 weeks, but post that, it’s not recommended to travel even domestically. It’s best to consult a healthcare provider if it is safe for you to travel.
3. Can you fly 7 months pregnant?
Yes, you can fly when you are 7 months pregnant. It’s not recommended to do it after 32 weeks. If you have any complications or are carrying twins, it’s not safe and secure, as you could go into labor any time after those dates.
4. When can you stop travelling when pregnant?
It’s a good idea to stop travelling before 32 weeks of pregnancy. Though this is the usual norm, the guidelines can change based on your mode of travel.
5. How many months after pregnancy can you travel?
A new mother who has not had many childbirth complications and is recovering well either from a vaginal delivery or C-section is allowed to travel within a few weeks or at least a month after giving birth.
6. Can a 3 month pregnant woman travel in a car?
Yes, in most cases, pregnant women can safely travel until they are close to their due dates, including those who are 3 months pregnant.
