Babymoons are all the rage, and we fully support getting away before your little one arrives. Still, there are facts you should know about traveling while pregnant. Check out our doctor-recommended tips from AdventHealth Medical Group OB/GYN at Littleton.
Get Your Pregnancy Travel in by 36 Weeks
Whether by airplane or car, it’s best to complete any pregnancy travel by 36 weeks for a single pregnancy or 32 weeks for a multiple pregnancy; women generally experience higher discomfort and risk of going into labor at this stage in the third trimester.
Some airlines restrict flight travel for women as early as 28 weeks. Check your airline's policy on pregnancy and traveling, as some may require a medical certificate, and others may have additional restrictions.
Take Breaks When Traveling While Pregnant
For many reasons, it’s important for expecting mothers to take breaks while traveling by car or plane. Getting up to stretch can help increase blood flow, prevent stiff muscles and joints, and even reduce the risk of blood clots, for which pregnant women are at a higher risk.
We recommend taking breaks to rest, stretch and walk around every two hours—if not more frequently—during pregnancy travel. If you're flying, pick an aisle seat so it's easier to get up and walk around. If driving, preplan where you'll make stops along the route.
Prioritize Your Safety
No longer are the days when you can simply hop in a car and go. You'll need to consider some safety tips for pregnancy travel. For starters, book your trip between 14 and 28 weeks. Women tend to feel their best and experience fewer complications during this time.
"When traveling by car, position your seatbelt so the buckle is low below your belly and on your hip bones," says Lauren Kauvar, MD, a AHMG Littleton obstetrician with AdventHealth Medical Group at Littleton OB/GYN. “Make sure the shoulder strap is off to the side of your belly, not across the center.”
While away from your normal routine, consider your nutrition and hydration. Always have water close by. Stay hydrated, pack healthy snacks, wear comfortable clothing and keep food safety in mind if you're not cooking meals while traveling.
Get Clearance Before Pregnancy Travel
Before booking that flight or reserving a room, check in with your Littleton obstetrician or midwife. Suppose you have a health condition that puts you at high risk of traveling while pregnant. In that case, your prenatal provider might have specific recommendations to limit travel to earlier on in your pregnancy or suggest other modifications to your travel plans.
"If you're planning to travel during your third trimester, I generally advise staying within a 300-mile radius of home because of potential problems such as high blood pressure, phlebitis, and false or preterm labor," Dr. Kauvar says. "Women with conditions such as preeclampsia, premature ruptured membranes or a history of preterm labor are advised not to travel away from home."
In such cases, you may want to consider a staycation within the South Denver area.
Have a Pregnancy Travel Emergency Plan
If you're traveling while pregnant, having an emergency plan is essential in case you experience an unexpected health change miles from home. Before you leave, check that your health insurance is valid at different hospitals or other states and whether your plan will cover a newborn should you deliver while away.
If you have minor symptoms or questions while traveling, call the AdventHealth Medical Group OB/GYN at Littleton nurse line for phone recommendations. But it's critical to know which symptoms could mean something more serious and get to the nearest emergency room for an evaluation. These symptoms include:
- Contractions
- Severe pelvic abdominal pain
- Severe vomiting or diarrhea
- Signs and symptoms of preeclampsia (visual disturbances, severe swelling, high blood pressure)
- Symptoms of a blood clot (painful and swollen extremity — usually affecting the legs)
- Vaginal bleeding
- Water rupture
Get Personalized Advice on Traveling While Pregnant
For most women, traveling while pregnant is safe. But it's always important to keep your prenatal provider updated on your plans and prioritize your (and your baby's) whole health before hitting the road.
Learn more about the whole-person health services and support we offer moms to be at AHMG OB/GYN at Littleton. To schedule an appointment with one of our obstetricians, call our office at 720-922-6240.
