When it’s summer and ‘babymoons’ or other holidays for pregnant women may be on the horizon, it’s natural to think about safety. Just how safe is it to travel by air, road, or sea when you’re pregnant?

Is travelling during pregnancy safe?

Travel is considered safe in a pregnancy if you take the right precautions and follow your doctor’s advice and general medical guidelines. Pregnancy should not be treated like a disease or a compelling reason to stay at home on bed rest (unless medically advised); you can live your life to the full! Being active in pregnancy (safely) can be psychologically and physically beneficial, as our obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr. Shree Datta advises on our Pregnancy course, is thoroughly encouraged by doctors, and can benefit you and your baby.

Now, starting with air travel, when is it safe to fly in pregnancy?

Occasional air travel is safe in an uncomplicated pregnancy; it doesn’t increase your risk of miscarriage. When you are pregnant, the safest time to fly is before 37 weeks if you are carrying one baby and the pregnancy is straightforward. From 37 weeks of pregnancy, you could go into labour at any time, which is why many women choose not to fly, and most airlines won’t let you! Quite hard to get travel insurance after your 37 weeks as well! If you’re having twins and your pregnancy is straightforward, it’s before 32 weeks, and you probably know that’s because multiples increase your chance of delivering early.

So, you booked your holiday, you’re on the plane, what are the common issues that can arise?

Common issues that can arise on planes when you're pregnant include nausea or motion sickness, swelling, and nasal congestion. You can avoid nausea and motion sickness by closing your eyes or focusing on a point in the distance, eating lightly, and drinking plenty of water. Try asking for a seat over the wing, where the ride tends to be smoothest. Staying hydrated is also a good way to deal with swelling, though you should also travel in loose-fitting, breathable clothing and shoes. To reduce swelling in your feet, stretch and rotate them regularly.

Flying for over four hours (long-haul) slightly increases your risk of blood clots, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). To avoid DVT, stay as active as you can on the plane and wear special (graduated elastic compression) stockings to help prevent blood clots. You are at highest risk of DVT just after you’ve had your baby, but a DVT can occur at any time during your pregnancy, including the first three months, so it is important to see your midwife early in pregnancy if you’re planning a trip. DVT can be serious because the blood clot may break off and travel into the bloodstream until it gets lodged in another part of the body, such as the lung. This is called a pulmonary embolism and can be fatal, though it is very rare in pregnant women.

Pregnancy rhinitis, or nasal congestion in pregnancy, is common whether or not you are in the air because of the major hormonal shifts that happen, particularly in the third trimester. Allergy medications like loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) are generally considered safe for use during pregnancy, as are nasal steroid sprays like budesonide (Rhinocort). Benadryl is another medication suggested for nasal congestion, and it may help you get better sleep, though as with all medication in pregnancy, it’s best to speak with your midwife or doctor about anything you plan to take.

Speak to the doctor, midwife, or airline if you worry.

So that’s flights, but how about taking long drives somewhere nice? How safe are long car journeys when you are pregnant?

As long as you wear a seatbelt and the car’s in good working order, driving is generally very safe. Again, pregnancy—when uncomplicated—shouldn't get in the way of you living your life to the fullest!

A drive should be something you enjoy, especially if it’s your holiday. How can you prepare for a good trip while pregnant?

Keep air circulating in your vehicle, drink lots of water, and schedule pitstops every 90 minutes so you can stretch your legs and keep moving. A clean car is essential, as good hygiene is important in pregnancy. Remember that, according to the NHS, road accidents are among the most common causes of injury in pregnant women. If a woman has to take a long drive while pregnant, you should never travel alone and share driving responsibility with a companion.

What about a ferry trip or cruise while pregnant? What should I check before travelling?

It is important to speak to the ferry or cruise company you want to book with, as they will likely have restrictions. Remember that you could be spending several days on the water with no obstetrician and gynaecologist on board and no quick access to a hospital. Even if you and your doctor are fine with this, a cruise or ferry company may not be agreeable! If you do take a cruise or very, always do your research. Make sure a doctor or nurse will be available at all times and that your scheduled stops are places with modern medical facilities in case you need medical attention. Always check if the tap water is safe to drink. Talk to your doctors about any medication you plan on taking in case of sickness. And that is true of any medication you want to take in pregnancy; always check with your doctor before taking it.

Can I fly or take a road trip or cruise while pregnant?