So, you’re pregnant, and you have a trip planned. How different is it from traveling when you’re not pregnant? It’s actually mostly the same, but with some nuances. Now, you have to accommodate the life growing inside you, which is causing all these changes in your body. I’m currently pregnant with my first baby (I’m 38 weeks!), and I traveled during my first, second, and third trimester. Through pain and nausea, I’ve learned a lot along the way, and I’ll share what I learned so you can make yourself as comfortable as possible while traveling safely. Remember that you know what’s best for you and your baby.
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#1 First, check with your provider to make sure you’re clear to travel
-no matter which trimester you’re in. Let them know where you’re headed, whether you’re flying, going on a cruise, or a road trip. Based on your condition, they can give you the green light.
For me, the only way out of Guam is by plane. Since my pregnancy was low-risk at the time, my doctor said that for short flights lasting only a few hours, the latest I could fly was 34 weeks. For transoceanic flights, it was 32 weeks. I’d also recommend double-checking with your airline or cruise line about their cutoff. If you’re traveling late in your pregnancy, some airlines require clearance from your provider.
#2 Which trimester is best to travel in?
In my experience, the first trimester was the worst. I found out I was pregnant on the day of my flight, and I was dizzy, nauseous, and hangry the entire time. I can’t say I was a joy to travel with majority of the time. But I couldn’t even enjoy the trip. All I could think about was lying in my own bed at home.
By the third trimester, I was starting to get fatigued—especially if I was out and about all day. I couldn’t last as long, and even though I had the best appetite for travel, I couldn’t eat too much without getting acid reflux or heartburn which was so annoying to deal with.
So, the best trimester to travel is the second one. I was no longer nauseous and tired. I had renewed energy to go out and enjoy the world. Soif you’re planning your babymoon, schedule it during your second trimester.
#3 If you’re traveling by air, I highly recommend wearing compression socks.
When you’re sitting for hours on end, a lot of that extra blood flowing through your body can pool in your feet and calves, causing them to swell—especially at high altitudes.
And while you’re at it—
#4 I recommend loose footwear or open sandals for traveling.
I usually like to wear sneakers while traveling, but the one time I wore them on a plane, it was painful once I got off because my feet and ankles were swollen. I love my pink Birkenstocks—they’re light, waterproof, provide arch support, and I can wear them with socks on the plane.
#5 Make sure to take breaks if you have a full day planned.
You’ll realize that your stamina throughout the day won’t last as long as it did before pregnancy, no matter which trimester you’re in. Don’t push yourself, and don’t feel bad if you’re not able to do everything you want to do. You’re growing a family member inside you and you’re still traveling— those are two beautiful experiences you get to enjoy at the same time.
#6 Do your research on any questionable food and ask your provider if they’re safe to consume.
Because you might be tempted to try exotic foods, like me. However, your best bet is to be conservative and skip anything questionable.
When I was in Tokyo, I craved sushi. While in the U.S., they generally recommend pregnant women avoid sushi but it could really depend on the establishment you buy it from. Like you wouldn’t buy it from a gas station. But It’s actually common for pregnant women in Japan to eat sushi. If you think about it, the standards there are much higher than where I live, so I was able to indulge. I just stayed away from high-mercury fish like tuna. There are exceptions like this when eating certain foods, but it’s generally safest to be cautious.
#7 If you’re traveling during the summer, wear breathable clothes and carry a fan with you to avoid overheating.
The moment I entered my third trimester, I started experiencing hot flashes. I traveled during the heat of summer in Tokyo and Seoul, and I found that it’s actually much cooler to cover your skin and wear cotton or linen than to wear dri-fit shirts and shorts. So, pack your breathable clothes and those cute linen dresses! Also, bring a hand towel to wipe yourself. In Tokyo and Seoul, they had these cooling wipes and I wrapped one around my neck, which helped so much. I didn’t care how weird it looked.
#8 Travel with a partner.
This may or may not be obvious if you love traveling solo. But when you’re pregnant, it’s soooo much easier to have a travel partner. It’s so much simpler when you have someone to help carry your bags, assist you up and down the stairs, ensure you’re hydrated, and watch over you. It’s safer for both you andbaby.
#9 Pack any necessary vitamins and medications in a convenient pillbox.
In my pillbox, I include prenatal vitamins, vitamin B6, and Unisom if I get nauseous. I also pack Dulcolax for constipation, especially if I’m not getting enough fiber from food, and Tums for heartburn. Also, bring a water bottle and mix in some electrolytes if you feel you’re not drinking enough water throughout the day.
#10 This one’s for my ladies with thick thighs. Wear biker shorts underneath or apply an anti-chafing balm if you’re wearing a dress or a skirt.
Your thighs will rub and chafe against each other, which doesn’t feel great. I use Body Glide Anti-Chafe Balm for Her, and this will help you so much if you expect to walk around all day.
#11 Pack a belly band or kinesiology tape.
As my baby bump started growing, I began to feel pain in my ribs and the bottom of my belly at the end of the day because of the new weight I was carrying. So, I recommend using a belly band or belly tape for support. You will feel so much better, and you won’t experience as much back pain because you have that extra support. My belly band is from Amazon, and I also have this kinesiology tape from Frida Mom, too.
#12 Capture photos of your baby bump!
You’ll love reminiscing about these memories and sharing them with your baby as they get older. Who knows, maybe you’ll travel back to the very same spot, but this time with your baby in this world, allowing you to share the moment in a new way.
Enjoy your trip and take it easy!
I hope you will continue to have a happy and healthy pregnancy. Even with all this advice, remember that you know what’s best for you and your baby.
So travel safe and If you’re wondering what else to pack for your trip, I have a set of travel packing lists you can use as a reference for packing for one month, one week, and weekend trips. Just don’t forget to include the other items I mentioned in this video, too. Click here to sign up and download my checklists.
Take care mama! I’ll talk to you soon! 🙂
TL;DR
- Consult your provider before traveling to ensure it’s safe.
- The best trimester to travel is the second, as you’ll likely feel more energetic and less nauseous
- Wear compression socks during flights
- Choose comfortable, loose-fitting footwear.
- Manage your stamina by taking breaks and not pushing yourself too hard.
- Research exotic foods and prioritize safety, avoiding high-mercury fish.
- Stay cool in hot weather by wearing breathable clothing and carrying a fan.
- Always travel with a partner for added support.
- Pack necessary vitamins and medications in a pillbox.
- Consider an anti-chafe balm if you wear skirts or dresses.
- Use a belly band or kinesiology tape for support as your belly grows.
- Capture photos of your baby bump to cherish the memories!