Traveling During Pregnancy

Where are you travelling? I live in northern Germany. Pregnancy is NOT a disability!!! unless you are going somewhere terribly remote, you'll be fine. Relax and enjoy!!!

Unless you aren't having a "normal" pregnancy there is no reason to worry, as with the other moms I agree when in doubt call the ob! Just watch what you eat and drink bottled water.

Hello,
Well, you should definitely check with your doctor but I travelled by plane at about 8 weeks and then at 21 weeks. I didn't go as far as Europe but I was fine. My doctor told me to drink lots of water. And to every now and then walk in the aisle. I think the main concern is during the last month of pregnancy.
Good luck and have a good trip!
Best,
Tahara Anderson

absolutely! i traveled for work all over the us and europe when i was pregnant with each of my three kids. make sure you drink a lot of water and stretch your legs when on the plane. if you are worried call your gyno, but i am sure he will tell you it's ok!

I traveled a ton internationally and domestically throughout my pregnancy. Near the end of my pregnancy the doc just had me take a low dose aspirin before each flight.

At your stage I wouldn't even think twice about going. Enjoy!

I traveled to Belgium at the same point in time during my pregnancy. I had no problems. The only difficulty I recall was the need to pee a lot, which only became a problem when my flight home was diverted and then we circled for a couple hours with the fasten seatbelt sign on and nobody was allowed out of their seats!

This is usually a great time to travel, but make sure to check with your doctor first. You'll also want to make sure you know what foods to avoid so you can avoid lysteria or other serious illnesses for pregnant women. Soft cheeses are very common and popular in Europe but can be harmful during pregnancy.

Have fun!

I agree with Nicki. It is safe to travel during pregnancy but if you are worried call your OB. Most doctors are fine with it up to the last trimester.

I traveled to Israel in my fifth month and had no issues except I couldn't get comfortable on the long flight. Just be sure to buy plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated on the flight and take good care of yourself on the trip. Enjoy it

Hi N.,

You'll be absolutely fine. I travelled to Europe - Eastern Europe actually so it was a LONG couple of flights - at 4 months pregnant. My OB said it was fine and gave me only three instructions about international flights (because of the high altitudes): 1. wear support stockings to ward off blood clots (she said knee-highs or thigh-highs are fine), 2. get up and walk around every hour, and 3. drink lots of water to stay hydrated.

Admittedly, I was totally wiped out the first day at my destination, but I'm not sure how different that would be if I weren't pregnant. Jet lag doesn't discriminate.

I believe most airlines cut off air travel for pregnant women around 36 weeks, and if you were showing big time I would advise having a doctor's note giving you permission to travel and stating your due date. But since you probably aren't even showing, no worries.

If you have bad morning sickness, take extra care to stay hydrated and make sure you have your tummy-settling snacks or meds with you.

Happy travels!

Hi N.! I agree with all the girls - don't worry about travelling. I have a 10 month girl now and I travelled to Japan, South Korea, Houston and Mexico during the 2nd to 3rd trimester of my pregnancy. If you have concerns, speak with your doctor - but here are some cautions you should take :

1. Drink a lot of water to prevent dehydration
2. Get an aisle seat in the plane and get up and walk every 40 minutes - this is very important, as the blood will pool to your feet. (you can also buy special panty hose to help prevent this, they are sold in maternity stores - but you should still get up and walk anyway!)
3. Check with your insurance about your travels and what your supposed to do if you need to go to the doctor, etc...
4. Take your doctors numbers with you - just in case you need them.
5. Remember to enjoy yourself and watch what you eat / drink - just like you would normally during your pregnancy.

Hope this helps!! You will do great !!

Its ok to travel during your pregnancy except for the last 6-8 weeks I think. Have a great trip and good luck on your pregnancy!

Hi
I am now 30 weeks pregnant and traveled through 29 weeks. There are plenty of women that travel even later. I wouldn't have any problem with going to Europe at 8 weeks. My sister in law went when she was 6 months pregnant. Make sure you drink lots of water - dehydration can cause contractions. Make sure you get up and walk. More later in pregnancy but, not getting up can cause blood clots. This is true whether you are pregnant or not. I got leg cramps after long flights even though I drank tons of water.
Have a great time and enjoy the trip - I would definitely go!!! Hope you are feeling well.
D.

I would double check with your OB since you will be out of the country, but usually it is ok to travel.

As with any medical question - I would consult your OB.
He knows your history...not us moms!!

Have a great trip - we're off to Ireland in 3 weeks!

I traveled a lot while pregnant, both here and abroad, through the 8 month of pregnancy. If you don't have any problems, go ahead of it.
If this is your first pregnancy I'd say live life to the fullest (watching what you eat and drink) because once the love of your life is born you will be very limited in what you do.
Enjoy your trip!

Hi N.,

I had to travel from NYC to London and back for a business trip when I was 9 weeks pregnant -- I was definitely nervous too (especially because I had had lots of nausea), but it turned out just fine. I would say just be sure to take it as easy as you can -- travel in very comfy clothes, bring any snacks you might need (in my case, soda crackers helped soothe my tummy), and give yourself plenty of time to get from point A to point B (in case of any extra or emergency bathroom stops). :) And since the flight is long, be very sure to drink lots of water to stay hydrated.

And then enjoy the fact that your little bean is a world traveler at such a young age! (I flew quite a bit when I was pregnant, and I must say my daughter is an excellent traveler now that she's "on the outside".) :)

Good luck!!

Hi N. - You should ask your doctor to make sure - but I am pretty sure that it's safe to travel. When I was 11 weeks pregnant I flew to the Bahamas and vacationed there for a week. It was a mostly relaxing vacation (minus the hot tub of course!) but I found it to be wonderful!
Enjoy your trip - don't be nervous - remember everything that you feel - your baby feels too. Congratulations! Good luck with your pregnancy! ENJOY!!

Hi!
I traveled for work a lot to Europe through both of my pregnancies and I think the best rule is if you feel good then go! Pregnancy is not an ailment butvthe most natural thing your body can do. LIsten to your body and it will tell you if you should go. I traveled to Milan into my 8th month and I felt great!!! But, its not for everyone.... follow your instincts.

S., mum of Marlon 8 years and Wilder 5 years....

Most would probably tell you it's fine. Did you know there is more radiation one way to Europe than in a full set of xrays? Nobody would every xray you while pregnant except in an emergency so I can't imagine why it would be ok to fly.

I travelled from NY to AZ for a business conference when I was 12 weeks pregnant. I checked with my doctor and she said that it would be fine. Just drink lots of water (stick with bottled water since you're travelling abroad), eat healthy and get rest. I think the best time to travel within a pregnancy is during the first trimester (as long as you don't suffer from morning sickness). I know people who travelled when they were well into their 2nd trimester and suffered no problems. Just check with your OB first. Enjoy Europe!

Hi N.,
Yes, you can travel. I had to travel when I was 10 weeks pregnant. Make sure you drink lots of water and during the flight take time to walk around when it is safe. Have a great trip. Hopefully nausea wont set in. Good luck.

Hi N.,

I traveled to Australia when I was 5/6 weeks pregnant, i actually found out when i was there... and flew back to NY at around 8/9 weeks. It was a long flight - - like 24 hours, but everything was fine... drink plenty of water, small snacks and walk around when you can... and sleep! i also wore those special socks that help with circulation. But always check with your OB if you have concerns, if nothing else to put your mind at ease.

J.

My experience has been that it has been very stressful traveling even within the states for the last few years.

Check with your doctor to make sure you are healthy enough to travel.

Also check with your health insurance company to make sure you are covered and what you are cover for out side of the USA as many policies no longer cover out side of the USA. But know you can buy health insurance to cover you for the time you are traveling.

If you decide to go, have a great time....

I am no physician,just a nurse and a mom,but I think it is 100% ok for you to travel unless you are considered high risk and are already having complications.

I think a lot of women have these misconceptions about what they are allowed to do during their pregnancy.You should be able to do everything you were doing before with just a few minor changes based on your situation.Like no alcohol,changes in meds, maybe a better diet if needed, additional vitamins.

The most common misconceptions about pregnancy are that you cannot travel and that you should not exercise which is wrong.As far as flying women and their doctors are probably trying to avoid any chance of blood clots.This can happen on a long flight regardless if you are pregnant or not.Your doctor can give you some suggestions on what you could do on a long flight such as getting up to move around more often. This is usually a concern for women who are much further along than 8 weeks.

Good luck and have a nice trip!
H.

I went to Italy when I was 7 months prego. You will be fine! Just watch what you eat as best as you can. Treat it as a "Baby Moon"...its might be the last chance at really travel alone with your hubby. before you know it all of your vacations will be at Disney World!

Have fun!

Hi N.
Congrats on new pg.
My advice is to ask your OB-Gyn, he knows all about you, and baby too. You can tell him about plans. With some mine said, go & enjoy with others mine said don't like the idea, and with the twins mine said no way. It also changes with the timing so simply ask.
God bless you and that new baby too.
K.
SAHM of 4, married 38 years.