If you are enjoying a healthy pregnancy, plane travel is likely to be safe. The second trimester is probably the best time to fly. You're likely to be over morning sickness. Later, your expanding belly could make airport maneuvers more challenging.
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The second trimester (weeks 13 to 26) is the best time to travel as the risk of pregnancy complications is the lowest. Travel by air, sea, road or rail are all possible, including international travel, although some types of travel may be restricted towards the end of your pregnancy.
As long as you're having a healthy pregnancy (and your baby is not due too soon), car trips are likely fine. Still, it's always best to check with your doctor to make sure your trip won't conflict with any prenatal visits.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says the safest time for a woman to travel is in the second trimester of her pregnancy, from 14 to 28 weeks.
During a healthy pregnancy, occasional air travel is almost always safe. Most airlines allow you to fly domestically until about 36 weeks of pregnancy. Your ob-gyn can provide proof of your due date if you need it. If you are planning an international flight, the cut-off for traveling may be earlier.
Pregnant women can fly in most cases. Travel during first and second trimesters is generally safe. Third trimester travel may require medical clearance. Pregnant women should stay hydrated and move regularly.
During a healthy pregnancy, occasional air travel is almost always safe. Most airlines allow you to fly domestically until about 36 weeks of pregnancy. Your ob-gyn can provide proof of your due date if you need it. If you are planning an international flight, the cut-off for traveling may be earlier.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says the safest time for a woman to travel is in the second trimester of her pregnancy, from 14 to 28 weeks. This is the time when you will feel your best. You are also at the lowest risk for spontaneous abortion or premature labor.
High Elevation TravelPregnant people should avoid activities at high elevation unless they have trained for and are accustomed to such activities; those not acclimated to high elevation might experience breathlessness and palpitations.
Complications such as hypertension, preterm labor, and premature rupture of membranes often come without warning and can occur quickly requiring medical attention. If you are 36 weeks or further we do not recommend any travel farther than two hours from home by car. Air travel after 36 weeks is not recommended.
“Rides that can be safe are those where there is no excessive spinning or drop from a height,” notes Dr. Masghati. “A slow spinning carousel ride can be deemed safe, or railroad rides or rides that don't involve sudden drops in height.”
For some pregnant women, flight turbulence and the motion during takeoff and landing can cause nausea and vomiting. The first and last trimesters are the highest risk periods during pregnancy. Some airlines won't let you fly past 36 weeks, but most don't have restrictions during the first few months of pregnancy.
Malaria is another serious disease carried by mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, and nausea and vomiting. While you are pregnant, you should not travel to areas where there is risk of malaria, including Africa, Asia, and Central and South America.
It's best to plan your trip in your second trimester, between 14 and 28 weeks into your pregnancy, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Another reason the aisle seat is superior for pregnant travelers is that it's crucial to get up and walk around. Blood clots are a risk for all air travelers, but that risk increases with pregnant travelers. Walking around can help the blood flow and lessen the chances of a blood clot while flying.
If you're pregnant and traveling before your 36th week, you can travel on a United flight without medical documentation. If you've reached your 36th week or after, you'll need an obstetrician's certificate — the original and two copies — stating that you're fit for air travel.