Obstetrical Care
Travel During Pregnancy
It is generally safe to travel during pregnancy by plane or car until you are 34 to 36 weeks as long as you are not at risk for early delivery or do not have other complications.
It is recommended to avoid travel to areas that have Zika or malaria. COVID-19 travel restrictions and recommendations should also be considered. Please, check the CDC website for the most up-to-date list of areas to avoid.
Pregnant women are at risk for blood clots forming in their legs when they travel. To decrease your risks, stop every couple hours on a long drive to walk around and move your legs. If you are flying, try to get an aisle seat. Make sure you get up and walk in the aisle every couple of hours. Wearing compression socks/tights can also be helpful. Additionally, make sure to wear your seat belt. Once your belly starts to grow, place the seat belt below your belly.
Airline travel can also be very dehydrating, so make sure to drink plenty of water, ideally 80 oz per day. If you are traveling to a place with unsafe tap water, avoid the tap water and drink bottled water.
Most airlines require a letter to be able to fly if you look quite pregnant. You can get that from your provider at your visit prior to going on your trip. Consider airline insurance in case you need to cancel your trip for medical reasons.
It is recommended to avoid travel to areas that have Zika or malaria. COVID-19 travel restrictions and recommendations should also be considered. Please, check the CDC website for the most up-to-date list of areas to avoid.
Pregnant women are at risk for blood clots forming in their legs when they travel. To decrease your risks, stop every couple hours on a long drive to walk around and move your legs. If you are flying, try to get an aisle seat. Make sure you get up and walk in the aisle every couple of hours. Wearing compression socks/tights can also be helpful. Additionally, make sure to wear your seat belt. Once your belly starts to grow, place the seat belt below your belly.
Airline travel can also be very dehydrating, so make sure to drink plenty of water, ideally 80 oz per day. If you are traveling to a place with unsafe tap water, avoid the tap water and drink bottled water.
Most airlines require a letter to be able to fly if you look quite pregnant. You can get that from your provider at your visit prior to going on your trip. Consider airline insurance in case you need to cancel your trip for medical reasons.
