Travel during Pregnancy: Where, When and How?

The Doctor is In, open 7 days a week, is located on 6701 Bergenline Avenue in West New York, New Jersey (15 minutes from Times Square). It has a full service obstetrics and gynecology department connected with top-rated ob/gyns who perform deliveries and procedures at Englewood Hospital. Staff speaks Spanish and English. Please call us at: 201-758-9100. For more information please go to our website:  www.ilovemydoctor.org  

Is it safe to travel during pregnancy? 

Good news! Depending on where you are planning to travel, you don’t have to cancel your plans just because you are pregnant. As long as your practitioner gives you the green light, it is safe to travel almost up to your due date. Consult with your practitioner to choose the best time to travel and the best mode of transportation. Traveling while you’re pregnant will also depend on whether you are having any problems that will require special care.

What is the best time to travel during pregnancy?

The best time to travel during pregnancy is during the second trimester. (about 14-28 weeks of pregnancy). During this period, most women feel comfortable, their morning sickness has decreased, if not disappeared, and third trimester exhaustion, that many women experience, has not yet set in. In addition, the first trimester risk of miscarriage has also decreased.

What safety precautions should I take when I travel by car, train or bus?

Every mode of transportation has its pluses and minuses. When you travel by car, be sure to buckle lap and shoulder straps and keep the air bags turned on. Always make sure you have enough leg room.

Buses tend to have narrow aisles and small bathrooms. Always try to remain seated when the bus is in motion.  Trains are a better choice but again you must be careful to hold onto rails and seats when navigating aisles while the train is in motion.

Is flying safe during pregnancy?

Traveling by plane is safe during pregnancy, unless you have clotting disorders or other medical issues. Thus, it is recommended that you get permission from your practitioner before making a plane reservation.  

Most airlines allow pregnant women to travel up until about 36 weeks. If you are more than 36 weeks, most airlines will not allow you to fly as they fear your giving birth on board.  It is always best to inform the airline beforehand that you are pregnant.

I am worried about the security check at the airport. Is it safe to go through the metal detector at the gate?

Do not worry about the metal detector at the security gates at the airport.  They do not harm your baby.

How do I lessen my chances for complications while traveling by ground or air?

Whether traveling by car, train, bus or plane, always arrange for as much leg room as possible and try to get an aisle seat. Most importantly, promote circulation. It is crucial to get out of your seat and move around every sixty to ninety minutes in order to avoid blood clots and swelling of ankles and feet. While on a plane, try to get up and walk around as often as every 30 minutes. If possible, keep all trips to no more than six hours and stay hydrated, especially while flying.

For all trips, wear comfortable shoes and clothes plus stockings with good pressure and support. 

How can I avoid getting sick when I travel out of the country?

You must see your practitioner before you plan to travel. Certain diseases that are common in other counties may require visitors to get vaccinated prior to travel. Find out from your doctor which shots you may need. It is always safe to get vaccines before pregnancy. However there are vaccines that are safe during pregnancy. You should discuss these shots with your doctor.

 Whether you are pregnant or not, in order to prevent illness during travel, you must avoid unsafe food and water. Be sure to drink only pure bottled water, bottled juices and soft drinks. You should also drink hot tea or pasteurized dairy products. It is not a good idea to put ice in your drinks. Also try to use disposable cups instead of glasses that may have been washed with contaminated water.

One of the most common problems during travel is diarrhea.

You should drink plenty of fluids to fight dehydration. Call your doctor before taking any medication or treatment for diarrhea.

Is it true that I should take a copy of my prenatal records during my travel?

Be sure to ask your doctor for a copy of your medical records to take with you when you travel. It is also wise to obtain the name of local physicians and hospitals so that you have access to prompt and adequate treatment should an emergency occur.