Traveling during pregnancy

Traveling during pregnancy is not forbidden, but there are some limitations. Traveling to certain tropical countries is not recommended for pregnant women. It is also important to keep in mind that flying is not safe for all women. Long trips can increase the risk of venous thromboembolic disease. When is it better to postpone your vacation or change your travel destination?

According to the recommendations of the ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists), traveling during pregnancy is safe for most women until the 36th week of pregnancy. After this point, many airlines no longer allow pregnant women to board. After the 28th week of pregnancy, some airlines require a doctor’s certificate confirming that the pregnancy is uncomplicated and specifying the exact pregnancy week. It is advisable to check the requirements of the airline before the flight.

When is traveling during pregnancy not advisable?

If the pregnancy is normal and the baby is developing well, there are no objections to traveling. However, travel is not recommended if there are complications during the pregnancy. Conditions can worsen during the flight, and the woman may need urgent medical assistance. Traveling is also discouraged during a multiple pregnancy, as this is considered a high-risk pregnancy. If preterm labor or preeclampsia is imminent, the pregnant woman should also avoid traveling abroad. This recommendation also applies to women with placenta previa or cervical insufficiency.

Which trimester is the best time to travel?

The best time to travel is between the 14th and 28th week of pregnancy. During this time, pregnant women usually feel the most comfortable and do not experience unpleasant symptoms like swelling or morning sickness. According to previous observations, most complications during a flight occur in the first and third trimesters. These include vomiting, pain, and uterine contractions. It is also important to keep in mind that the risk of preterm labor is higher in the third trimester.

Risk of venous thrombosis in the lower extremities

Pregnancy is a time with an increased risk of venous thromboembolic disease. When combined with a long flight and staying in one position, this risk increases significantly. A good solution is to wear loose pants and comfortable shoes during the flight or long trip. Sometimes, special stockings and the prophylactic use of low molecular weight heparin before a long journey are necessary. Prophylaxis is recommended for flights lasting longer than 4 hours. Pregnant women are advised to stand up and move around in the airplane every hour. Sufficient hydration should also be ensured. When traveling by car, it is important to take regular breaks and change positions to reduce the risk of thrombosis.

Traveling by bus during pregnancy

If you are planning a bus trip through Europe during pregnancy, it is better to postpone these plans until after the birth. Sitting for long periods and staying in one position are not beneficial for pregnant women. There is a high risk of the above-mentioned venous thromboembolic disease. Additionally, buses are often not suitable for pregnant women. A non-functioning toilet, broken air conditioning, and limited space to stretch out the legs do not provide comfort for expectant mothers.

Are exotic travels recommended during pregnancy?

If parents plan to store umbilical cord blood and tissue, they should be aware that some destinations may limit the options for storage or require additional tests. Regarding health aspects, long and distant travels are not recommended due to the risk of thrombosis. The geographical region you are traveling to also plays an important role. It is essential to consider the risk of infectious diseases in the region. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) advises against traveling to countries where there is a risk of Zika virus infection. This infection leads to severe birth defects. Countries with a high risk of Zika infection include states in South and Central America and the Pacific region. It should also be noted that vaccinations may be required or recommended before traveling to some exotic countries. Some of these are safe for pregnant women, while others should be avoided. The risk of vaccination, such as against Hepatitis A, is considered low for the unborn child and is recommended for women traveling to endemic areas for Hepatitis A.

Pregnant women should avoid traveling to countries where vaccines contain live viruses. Routine vaccinations for polio and typhoid are not recommended during pregnancy. The yellow fever vaccine contains live attenuated viruses and is not recommended for pregnant women. However, it is required for travel to certain African and South American countries and should only be administered if travel to endemic areas is absolutely necessary. It should be noted that pregnant women may respond poorly to some vaccinations.

It is best to choose countries with a moderate climate and good medical care. Traveling to tropical countries is not forbidden, but one should keep in mind that high temperatures during pregnancy can be poorly tolerated by some women, and swelling may make intense sightseeing more difficult. Overheating can also lead to dehydration, which is dangerous for both the mother and the child. UV radiation is also a cause of skin changes in pregnant women. Therefore, the expectant mother should always carry a water bottle, a head covering, and sunscreen in hot temperatures.

Any foreign travel should be discussed with the gynecologist in advance. They will inform you about necessary vaccinations and provide the required certificate for the airline. Additionally, an examination of the pregnancy progress by the doctor is recommended before the planned trip. During the trip, the pregnancy record and current examination results should always be carried along.