Here are 6 top tips for travelling when pregnant, to make your break or ‘babymoon’ as relaxing and enjoyable as possible!
- Choose the right destination
- Shorter journeys are often more comfortable in pregnancy. Long-haul flights (over four hours) carry a small increased risk of blood clots (DVT), so if you’re flying long-haul, take extra precautions (see tip 4) and discuss any concerns with your midwife.
- If your nearest airport or UK destination is a long drive away, consider an overnight stop to break up the journey.
- Research your destination before you go – you may feel more relaxed knowing there are shops and medical facilities nearby. Avoid destinations that need vaccinations, or where there’s a risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as Zika virus, malaria or dengue fever.
- Make a plan and use checklists
- Make a list of everything you’d like to take with you, and remember your maternity notes (or a copy).
- Plan regular toilet breaks – choose a route with plenty of chances to use the loo!
- Take a small cushion or pillow to support your back on the journey.
- If you’re flying from 28 weeks, your airline may need a letter from your doctor or midwife, and most airlines won’t let you fly after 37 weeks (or 32 weeks if you’re expecting twins or more). Read my post on flying when pregnant.
- Take it easy
- Choose a holiday where you can rest and relax.
- If you’re sightseeing or shopping, allow plenty of breaks.
- Essentials for the journey
- Pack plenty of snacks and water.
- Take regular breaks.
- During pregnancy, you’re at higher risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) when sitting still on long car journeys or flights. Move around as much as you can and do some simple stretches every hour. When driving, take a break at least every 90 minutes; when flying, walk up and down the aisle when you can. On longer journeys, consider wearing flight socks (compression stockings).
- If your back hurts, try placing a rolled-up towel or small pillow under the back of your bottom and in the small of your back.
- Think about what you’re packing
- To stay as comfortable as possible during your well-earned break, pack:
- comfortable, supportive shoes
- blister plasters
- comfortable, roomy clothes
- a maternity swimsuit
- high-SPF sun cream (your skin is more sensitive during pregnancy) and/or clothes to cover up
- To stay as comfortable as possible during your well-earned break, pack:
- Stick to your safe foods list
- Eating out, buffets and local cuisine can be exciting – but remember that some foods may harm your baby, so stick to your safe foods list! See the NHS list of foods to avoid in pregnancy.
- Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water. Local tap water may upset your stomach, so you may prefer bottled water.
Travelling by car? See my tips for driving when pregnant.
Sources and further reading:
- NHS – Travelling in pregnancy: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/travelling/
- NHS – Sunbeds (sun exposure) in pregnancy: https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/pregnancy/are-sunbeds-safe-to-use-during-pregnancy/
- NHS – Foods to avoid in pregnancy: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/foods-to-avoid/
- RCOG – DVT: Treatment of venous thrombosis in pregnancy and after birth
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