Traveling during pregnancy can be completely safe and even enjoyable with the right preparation. Whether you are planning a road trip, boarding a plane, or heading out on a babymoon, this episode covers everything you need to know to stay healthy and comfortable while traveling. Learn about the best time to travel, what to expect from airline policies, and how to minimize swelling and reduce your risk of blood clots. Learn practical tips for packing, dressing, and planning. Plus, find out how to safely navigate airport security, support your immune system, and prepare for the unexpected so your trip goes as smoothly as possible.

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Traveling can be a challenge, even when you are not pregnant. Whether you are taking a road trip, hopping on a train, or flying across the country, there are ways to make your journey more comfortable and stay healthy while expecting. In most cases, travel during pregnancy is completely safe. Unless you have complications or restrictions from your doctor, like being placed on bed rest, there is no reason to feel stuck at home. Travel is often a regular part of life, whether for work, visiting family, or taking a vacation. If this is your first pregnancy, it can be a perfect time to enjoy a trip before your family of two becomes a family of three. Once your baby arrives, travel will still be possible, but it does come with a few extra considerations and a lot more gear.

The Optimal Time to Travel

If the timing of your travel is flexible, the second trimester is usually the best time to plan a trip. This is often considered the most enjoyable phase of pregnancy. If you experienced morning sickness, it typically fades by around week 13. Hormones begin to stabilize, and most expecting mothers experience increased energy and start to feel more like themselves.

The second trimester also precedes the physical discomfort and fatigue that often intensify in the third trimester. As your belly grows, it can become increasingly difficult to find a comfortable position, especially on longer trips. Toward the end of pregnancy, you might feel more hesitant to travel far from home, especially if it means being away from your care provider or the place where you plan to give birth. Sometimes travel is unavoidable and outside of your control. But if you are planning a vacation or a babymoon and can choose your dates, the second trimester is the sweet spot.

Is Air Travel Safe?

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has an official committee opinion stating that, in the absence of obstetric or medical complications, pregnant women can fly safely, observing the same precautions for air travel as the general population. ACOG does state that because severe air turbulence cannot be predicted and the subsequent risk for trauma is significant, should this occur, pregnant women should be instructed to use their seatbelts continuously while seated. The seatbelt should be belted low on the hipbones, between your belly and pelvis. 

Radiation During Air Travel

When you fly at high altitudes, like in a commercial airplane, you are exposed to more cosmic radiation than you are at ground level. The Earth’s atmosphere acts as a protective shield that absorbs and deflects much of the cosmic radiation that comes from the sun and other sources in space. The higher you go, the thinner that protective layer becomes, and the more radiation reaches you. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, for most air travelers, the risk to a baby from exposure to radiation is negligible. However, aircrews or frequent flyers may exceed these limits. For those who have occupational exposure to ionizing radiation, ACOG recommends that they be informed about radiation exposure and health risks.

Airport Security Screening

There are two types of scanners you may encounter during airport security, and both metal detectors and full-body scanners are considered safe during pregnancy. Metal detectors use a low-frequency electromagnetic field to detect metal objects. Full-body scanners utilize non-ionizing radiofrequency waves, similar to those used in cell phones, to detect objects concealed under clothing. If you prefer not to go through a scanner, you can request a manual pat-down instead. This might take a few extra minutes, and the pat-down is very thorough, so be prepared for that. TSA will typically have a female agent perform the screening, which may help you feel more at ease.

Airline Restrictions

Some airlines restrict air travel as the due date approaches, and their policies can vary. The primary concern is the possibility of going into labor mid-flight. This is something neither the airline nor most expecting parents want to experience. However, it would undoubtedly make for a memorable birth story.

For example, American Airlines requires a doctor’s note if your due date is within four weeks of your flight. Southwest Airlines advises against flying starting at 38 weeks. JetBlue requires documentation from your doctor if you fly within seven days of your due date. If you plan to travel late in your third trimester, check with your airline in advance to understand their requirements. Even if you are not yet at a restricted time to fly, you may consider asking your doctor for a note stating your due date, just in case the airline gives you trouble.

Travel Notices

If you are traveling to another state or country, you may consider checking the CDC’s travel health notices. These alerts cover things like disease outbreaks, large gatherings or events, and natural disasters. As of July 2025, there are no level three or four warnings in effect, which are the most serious. There are some level one and two warnings with recommendations to practice usual or enhanced precautions for travel within some countries. If you plan to travel to a tropical destination, there is always a possibility of encountering mosquitoes. However, diseases like chikungunya, yellow fever, or dengue tend to concentrate in specific areas. See this episode for more information on the prevention and treatment of bug bites and the evidence on the safety of insect repellent during pregnancy.

Planning Ahead with Your Doctor or Midwife

It is a good idea to discuss your upcoming travel plans with your doctor or midwife. They can offer guidance tailored to your specific pregnancy and inform you whether there are any reasons to avoid or limit travel. This is especially important if you have any complications or are considered to be at high risk. This could include carrying twins or multiples, gestational diabetes, placental abnormalities, or if you are at risk for preterm labor.

Ensure that you and anyone traveling with you have your care provider’s contact information. If you are close to your due date, it may be wise to locate a care provider at your destination or, at the very least, know the location of the nearest hospital. If you are traveling to another state or country, it is also a good idea to check how your health insurance will cover you while you are away.

Trip Insurance

If you plan to travel during pregnancy, it may be worthwhile to consider travel insurance. This can help you recover the cost of your trip if an unexpected event occurs and you need to cancel. Some policies also cover health care expenses if you need to see a doctor while you are away from home. While travel insurance is an added cost, it can be less expensive than losing money on nonrefundable flights or accommodations.

Tips to Stay Healthy and Comfortable

When you are traveling during pregnancy, your two main goals are to stay healthy and feel as comfortable as possible. Whether you’re on a short trip or a long journey, the following tips can help you make the most of both.

How Pregnancy Affects Your Immune System

The classic perspective is that pregnancy suppresses your immune system. This suppression is designed to keep your body from rejecting your baby during pregnancy since your baby is foreign. Perhaps a more accurate way to describe it would be that pregnancy suppresses certain aspects of your immune system while enhancing others. The result is that you are more susceptible to bacteria and viruses during pregnancy.

Unfortunately, many forms of public travel involve spending time indoors with large groups of people, which increases the chance of exposure to germs. Ideally, you go into any trip with a strong immune system. While no supplement or superfood can replace the basics, like eating well, getting enough sleep, and staying hydrated, there are some supplements you may consider for short-term immune support during travel.

There is some evidence that vitamin C may help reduce the risk of colds. Echinacea is another common remedy, although a large review found it was not effective at treating colds. However, it may offer a small benefit in preventing them, with a relative risk reduction of 10% to 20%. Elderberry is also widely used as an immune booster. The research on its effectiveness is mixed. However, one study specifically examined elderberry use during international travel. While the group taking elderberry did not get fewer colds, the colds they did get were generally shorter in duration.

In addition to your prenatal vitamin, if you have any supplements that you think may help boost your immune system, start taking them a few days before you travel and pack them with you. As always, consult your doctor or midwife before taking any supplement, even if it is available over the counter.

Disinfecting Surfaces

Airplanes are not thoroughly cleaned between every flight, and high-touch surfaces, such as tray tables, armrests, and seatbelt buckles, can harbor a significant amount of germs. You may consider wiping down any surfaces at your seat with disinfecting wipes. Not baby wipes, but the ones that kill 99.9% of germs. Wiping down every surface with sanitizing wipes is a habit I picked up years ago at my pediatrician’s suggestion, and it has stuck, even when I travel solo. A quick wipe-down is an easy way to cut down your exposure to bacteria and viruses.

Wash Your Hands

One of the most effective ways to stay healthy while traveling is to wash your hands frequently. This is especially important when in public or crowded areas where germs can spread easily. Although hand sanitizers are not as good as washing your hands with soap and water, they can be helpful when you don’t have access to a sink.

Staying Hydrated While Traveling

Staying hydrated is one of the easiest and most crucial things you can do to maintain your health while traveling. Airplanes, air-conditioned environments, and recycled air can all contribute to dehydration. Plus, pregnancy increases your body’s fluid needs.

Although you cannot bring a full water bottle through airport security, you can bring an empty one and fill it at a water station or drinking fountain after passing through security. You can also buy a bottle of water after going through the checkpoint. Keep in mind that it may be an hour or more after boarding before in-flight drinks are offered, so it’s a good idea to have water with you when you board. When the flight attendant comes around, do not hesitate to ask for two glasses of water. Although increased fluid consumption may lead to more bathroom trips, it also provides an opportunity to move around, which is beneficial for circulation.

Planning Travel Food and Snacks

Airport food is notoriously expensive, and it can be challenging to find healthy options. It is a good idea to bring a meal or snacks to ensure you have something nutritious. Whether you’re waiting for in-flight service, facing a delay, or stuck in traffic on a road trip, having something on hand can make a significant difference. You could also grab something to go from a favorite local spot before you leave.

Avoid Heavy Lifting

As tempting as it may be to bring multiple suitcases, keep in mind that you should avoid lifting heavy objects during pregnancy. Suitcases have wheels for a reason, and ideally, you pack light enough that you are not struggling to carry or lift them. With airlines charging extra fees for checked bags, it can be tempting to cram everything into a carry-on. When it’s time to lift your heavy bag into the overhead bin, don’t hesitate to ask someone for help. People are usually more than happy to assist a pregnant passenger.

Managing Risks of Swelling and Blood Clots

Several physical changes during pregnancy can contribute to swelling, also known as edema. Your body carries about 50% more blood and fluids than usual. As your uterus grows, it puts pressure on the blood vessels in your pelvis and legs. This slows circulation and can cause blood to pool in your lower body. Pregnancy hormones can also soften the walls of your veins. This makes it harder for them to return blood efficiently to your heart. Swelling can be worsened by consuming salty foods, dehydration, prolonged sitting, and exposure to low-humidity environments, all common conditions that often occur during travel.

The same factors that contribute to swelling also increase your risk of developing blood clots, particularly in your legs. These clots form when blood thickens and clots together. This is great in anticipation of birth to minimize blood loss, but not ideal during long stretches of sitting during pregnancy.

To help reduce swelling and minimize your risk of blood clots while traveling, consider the following tips. The first is to stay hydrated. It may seem counterintuitive, but drinking more water helps your body retain less fluid and reduce swelling. Hydration also supports healthy blood flow.

One of the best things you can do is get up and move. On a plane, sitting in an aisle seat makes it easier to stand, stretch, and walk around. Do not let a window seat prevent you from getting up. Ask your neighbor to move so you can get up and move around, especially on longer flights. If you are on a road trip, plan to stop frequently to get out, walk around, stretch, and use the restroom. If you are traveling by train, take advantage of the flexibility to walk and move about during the ride.

Although you should avoid tight or restrictive clothing, you may consider wearing compression socks or stockings. These apply gentle pressure to your legs, with the strongest pressure at the ankles. Then gradually decrease pressure up the leg, to help encourage circulation and reduce swelling. Try them on before your trip to make sure they fit properly and are not cutting off circulation. Compression wear may help your veins function more effectively.

Dressing for Travel

When you are pregnant, comfort should be your top priority when it comes to travel outfits. If you are someone who usually dresses to impress, it may be time to shift your focus to being comfortable. The good news is that most maternity clothes are already designed with comfort in mind, so you don’t have to sacrifice style to stay cozy.

Layering is a smart strategy, especially when transitioning between different climates or navigating airports, planes, or cars that can be excessively hot or cold. Wear comfortable shoes that are easy to walk in and easy to slip off if your feet swell. If you’re wearing sandals, pack a pair of socks in your bag in case your feet get chilly. Consider the duration of your travel, the activities involved, and the weather at your destination. Dressing in a way that keeps you comfortable will make your entire travel experience much smoother.

Road Trips 

Traveling by car should come with the same precautions, regardless of whether you are pregnant or not. You can wear a seatbelt comfortably while pregnant. ACOG recommends keeping at least ten inches between the steering wheel and your breastbone or angling the steering wheel toward your breastbone, not your belly or head. It is a good idea to allow for extra time for additional pit stops, as frequent urination is common during pregnancy. Plus, getting out of the car and moving around can help prevent swelling.

Entertainment During Travel

Just as with any trip, it’s helpful to plan how you will stay entertained during your travel. Podcasts are perfect for travel, especially when you are driving. It is a good idea to download episodes in advance. That way they are ready to go, especially if your phone will be in airplane mode or without Wi-Fi. You could also grab a book to read. If you want to be productive, this can be a great time to brainstorm baby names, make a list of items for your baby registry, or make notes for your birth plan. If you are in the mood to relax, you could binge-watch that show you have been meaning to catch up on or enjoy a movie or stand-up special. Whether you’re looking to relax, be entertained, or get organized, a little planning can make your travel time more enjoyable.

Planning for the Unexpected

Anytime you travel, there are always things that are out of your control. Weather can change, airlines can delay flights, and you may get stuck in traffic. In some ways, this is an excellent experience in preparation for parenting. While you cannot control these things, you can prepare for them. Allow extra time to arrive at the airport or your destination. Bring snacks if you have an additional wait before enjoying the next meal. You can plan to be more understanding and patient with travel staff or other passengers. Don’t let something small escalate and ruin your whole trip. Stuff happens, and all you can do is make the best of it.

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