Travelling During Pregnancy

Long journeys can be very demanding at the best of times. During pregnancy travelling is especially tiring, and you may need to plan trips carefully to avoid overstressing yourself.

• Break car journeys every two hours and take a short walk
• Make sure your seat belt fits properly; the top strap should go between your breasts and the lower strap under your bump
• You may need a cushion for the small of your back for extra support while driving
• Place your seat as far back as you can comfortably while driving
• If sitting in the passenger seat, move the seat as far back as possible
• Wear loose, comfortable clothes and flat shoes to drive in
• Pace yourself; if you find you are tired or the traffic is terrible, take an extra stop and have something to eat and drink

Airlines usually accept pregnant women as passengers up to 28 weeks but then ask for a note from your doctor saying you are fit to fly. After 36 weeks you will not usually be allowed to fly. Plan any holidays or trips well in advance and try to avoid long haul flights in the second half of pregnancy. Planes can be very cramped and the pressurised cabin can cause swollen feet and discomfort even in non pregnant passengers.

If you are planning a holiday while you're pregnant, remember to check if any vaccinations are needed for the country you want to visit. Many vaccinations are not recommended during pregnancy so double check before you book. Also check out water supplies and hygiene levels in the countries you plan to visit. In some areas of the world you may want to take your own pack of emergency medical supplies. Talk with your midwife, practice nurse or contact a specialised travel centre for more advice.

• Visit our Travel discussion board for tips on travelling both in pregnancy and with young children.
• Read our feature on Breaks before baby arrives