Can you travel during pregnancy

While you are pregnant, you should not travel to areas where there is risk of malaria, including Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. If travel to these areas cannot be avoided, your ob-gyn or other health care professional may prescribe an antimalarial drug that is safe for pregnant women.

Even if you are in good health before going on a trip, you never know when an emergency will come up. If you are traveling in the United States, locate the nearest hospital or medical clinic in the place you are visiting. You also may want to check whether they accept your health insurance. You must be a member to view the directory of doctors, but membership is free. See www. After you arrive at your destination, you also can register with an American embassy or consulate.

This may help if you need to leave the country because of an emergency. Complications: Diseases or conditions that happen as a result of another disease or condition.

An example is pneumonia that occurs as a result of the flu. A complication also can occur as a result of a condition, such as pregnancy. An example of a pregnancy complication is preterm labor. Diabetes Mellitus: A condition in which the levels of sugar in the blood are too high. Fetus: The stage of human development beyond 8 completed weeks after fertilization. Hepatitis A: An infection caused by a virus that can be spread by contaminated food or water.

Listeriosis: A type of illness you can get from bacteria found in unpasteurized milk, hot dogs, luncheon meats, and smoked seafood. Malaria: A disease caused by a parasite that is spread through mosquito bites.

Babies with microcephaly may have seizures, developmental delays, mental disability, vision and hearing problems, and problems with balance and movement. Preeclampsia: A disorder that can occur during pregnancy or after childbirth in which there is high blood pressure and other signs of organ injury.

These signs include an abnormal amount of protein in the urine, a low number of platelets, abnormal kidney or liver function, pain over the upper abdomen, fluid in the lungs, or a severe headache or changes in vision. Also called premature rupture of membranes. Radiation: A type of energy that is transmitted in the form of rays, waves, or particles.

Trimesters: The 3-month periods of time in pregnancy. They are referred to as first, second, or third. Zika: A disease caused by the Zika virus, which is spread through mosquito bites. Copyright by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

All rights reserved. Read copyright and permissions information. This information is designed as an educational aid for the public. It offers current information and opinions related to women's health.

It is not intended as a statement of the standard of care. It does not explain all of the proper treatments or methods of care. It is not a substitute for the advice of a physician. Travel is not recommended for women with certain complications, including: Preeclampsia Prelabor rupture of membranes PROM Preterm labor.

If you are planning a long trip, take the following steps to reduce your risk of DVT: Drink lots of fluids without caffeine. Wear loose-fitting clothing. Walk and stretch at regular intervals. Special stockings that compress the legs, either below the knee or full length, also can be worn to help prevent blood clots from forming. Talk with your ob-gyn or other health care professional before you try these stockings.

Some people should not wear them for example, those with diabetes mellitus and other circulation problems. Also, compression stockings can increase the risk of DVT if they are too tight or worn incorrectly.

You also can follow these tips: Wear your seat belt at all times. The belt should sit low on your hip bones, below your belly.

Plan to make frequent stops. Use these stops to move around and stretch your legs. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing that is not too tight. Wear a few layers of light clothing that can easily be added or removed. Eat regular meals to boost your energy. Drink extra fluids. Take water with you. So discuss your health history with your provider or midwife before planning travel:. You may also be advised against traveling to places that may have hazards. The list below may be incomplete.

Talk about your travel plans with your healthcare provider or midwife before planning a trip. Try to plan ahead for any problems or emergencies that could come up before you travel.

Check that your health insurance is valid while you are abroad. Also check to see whether the plan will cover a newborn, should you deliver while away. You may want to think about getting a supplemental travel and medical evacuation insurance. Research medical facilities in your destination. Women in the last trimester of pregnancy should look for places that can manage complications of pregnancy, toxemia, and cesarean sections. If you will need prenatal care while you are abroad, arrange for this before you leave.

Talk with your healthcare provider or midwife to figure out the best way to handle this. Know your blood type and check that blood is screened for HIV and hepatitis B in the areas you will be visiting. Check that safe food and beverages such as bottled water and pasteurized milk are available at your destinations. If flying, ask for an aisle seat at the bulkhead. This gives you the most space and comfort. If morning sickness is a problem, try to arrange travel during a time of day when you generally feel well.

Seats over the wing in the midplane region will give you the smoothest ride. Try to walk every half-hour during a smooth flight. Ferry companies have their own restrictions and may refuse to carry heavily pregnant women often beyond 32 weeks. Check the ferry company's policy before you book. For longer boat trips, such as cruises, find out if there are onboard facilities to deal with pregnancy and medical services at the docking ports.

Take care to avoid food- and water-borne conditions, such as stomach upsets and travellers' diarrhoea. Some medicines for treating stomach upsets and travellers' diarrhoea aren't suitable during pregnancy. Always check if tap water is safe to drink. If in doubt, drink bottled water. If you get ill, keep hydrated and continue eating for the health of your baby, even if you're not hungry. Find out about a healthy diet in pregnancy , and foods to avoid in pregnancy. Page last reviewed: 12 November Next review due: 12 November Home Pregnancy Keeping well in pregnancy Back to Keeping well in pregnancy.

Travelling in pregnancy. Find out more about getting healthcare abroad. When to travel in pregnancy Some women prefer not to travel in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy because of nausea and vomiting and feeling very tired during these early stages. Flying in pregnancy Flying isn't harmful to you or your baby, but discuss any health issues or pregnancy complications with your midwife or doctor before you fly. Travel vaccinations when you're pregnant Most vaccines that use live bacteria or viruses aren't recommended during pregnancy because of concerns that they could harm the baby in the womb.

Non-live inactivated vaccines are safe to use in pregnancy.