Travel during pregnancy

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the safest time for a woman to travel is in the second trimester of pregnancy. This is the time when women feel the best and are at the least risk for spontaneous abortion or preterm labor.

During the third trimester, many health care providers advise staying close to home because of problems, such as hypertension and preterm labor. Generally, women are not allowed to travel by air after 36 weeks for domestic travel, and after 32 weeks for international travel. If you have any pregnancy or medical complications, such as high blood pressure or a multiple pregnancy, you may be advised against traveling during pregnancy.

It's also important to consider potential problems that could arise when considering international travel. You should also weigh the availability of quality medical care in the countries you are visiting, before traveling abroad. The decision on whether to travel and how far to travel at any time during pregnancy should be a joint decision between you and your health care provider.

Healthy tips for traveling while pregnant

• Anticipate complications that could arise before you travel. Confirm that your health insurance covers you while abroad, and that a newborn is covered should you deliver while traveling.
• Women in the last trimester of pregnancy should look for medical facilities that can manage complications of pregnancy, toxemia, and cesarean sections.
• Should you require prenatal care while you are abroad, arrange for this before you leave. Consult your health care provider to determine the best way to handle this.
• Know your blood type and check to make sure that blood is screened for HIV and hepatitis B in the areas you will be visiting.
• Check on the availability of safe food and beverages, including bottled water and pasteurized milk, in your destinations.
• If traveling by air, request an aisle seat at the bulkhead, which provides the most space and comfort. Seats over the wing provide the smoothest ride.
• On a smooth flight, try to walk frequently, and flex and extend your ankles to help prevent deep vein thrombosis.
• When seated during air travel, fasten your seat belt at the pelvis level.
• To counteract the dehydrating effect of the low humidity in aircraft cabins, drink plenty of fluids.