If you’re a traveller at heart and love jet-setting around the world to explore different places, or even if you’re just wanting a weekend away, you may be wondering whether you can still travel now that you’re pregnant.

You’ll be pleased to know that the short answer is - yes! But there are some things you need to know that will help your travelling adventure run smoothly.

First of all, let’s take a look at the best times to travel during pregnancy.

What are the best times to travel during pregnancy?

In the first trimester, you may find that morning sickness and fatigue lessen your excitement for travel. Travel sickness can also make morning sickness worse. The first trimester is also the period where there’s the highest risk of miscarriage and problems in the baby’s development so you will need to be careful to avoid extreme temperatures and vigorous activities.

Most women usually feel their best in the second trimester, which is why it’s a favourable time to travel. This period is considered the safest time to travel as there is a much lower chance of miscarriage and problems developing in the baby.

In the third trimester, you may find that fatigue and a growing baby bump makes travelling too uncomfortable. Most airlines will not allow you to fly after 36 weeks and on some international flights travel may be prohibited as early as 28 weeks.

Here are some things you may want to be aware of before you travel.

Tips for travelling during pregnancy

Plan ahead

While it’s tempting to choose a place with the most stunning beaches and luxury accommodation, make sure to look at the practicalities. For example, how long will it take to get there, what various modes of transport will you use and what are the airline policies?

Be aware of the country’s health hazards

Try to avoid countries where there are a lot of diseases. During pregnancy, protective drugs such as anti-malaria tablets and vaccines are not advised. Find information about the area’s hospitals and any health hazards. What medical facilities do they have and how reliable are they?

Avoid bugs

Pregnancy can lower your immune system, making you more susceptible to infection caused by contaminated food and water. If you are unsure about how drinkable the tap water is, it is best to buy bottled water and use it for drinking and brushing your teeth. Avoid drinks with ice and stay away from salads which may have been washed with the local water. It is also best to avoid fruit such as melon, which may have been injected with water to increase its weight. Look for restaurants where the food is prepared fresh and the standards are high. Wash your hands regularly and be fastidious with your hygiene.

On the road

While you’re on your journey, take regular stops to keep your circulation moving. If you’re on the plane, every so often make sure to walk up and down the aisle, stretch your legs and do some foot and ankle exercises. Keep well hydrated and keep monitoring your temperature. Use blankets and warm clothes if you’re cold and ice-cool drinks and a fan if you’re too hot.

Holiday activities

Some activities are not advisable during pregnancy because they pose risks to your developing baby. Activities to avoid include horse riding and water skiing. Scuba diving is especially dangerous due to the risk of air bubbles forming in the bloodstream and a lack of oxygen. Walking, swimming and hiking are all fine but be careful not to overdo it, and avoid extreme heat. Stay away from saunas and jacuzzis which could be harmful to your baby. If you want a pampering session on holiday, be aware that some oils can be toxic, so do your research first. When you’re pregnant, your skin becomes more sensitive to the sun so be careful to protect yourself from too much sun exposure.

Can I travel during pregnancy?

Yes, up to a point. Unii explains how to travel safely.