Pregnancy Travel Tips: What to Pack, When to Go & How to Stay Comfy
By Julianna Steen
The Best Trimester to Travel Your overall travel experience really will be impacted by which trimester you’re in when you’re on the move. Granted, you might not have planned your pregnancy around holiday travel, but it’s important to be aware of the most ideal time so you can plan ahead and enjoy it when it arrives. You might be surprised to find that the best trimester to travel is smack-dab in the middle: the second trimester (weeks 14 to 27, or months four to six). “First trimester road trips are harder because you have more nausea,” Sibley recalls. “You’re more tired, need breaks, and snacks. Lots of snacks. It’s survival mode.” If you are traveling in those first few months, be sure to have a travel buddy who will ensure you are regularly fed and stay hydrated. The second trimester is the best time to travel because that’s when you’re finally feeling great again. Plus, your baby bump starts to show, and it’s exciting when strangers notice and are extra kind and act excited for you. Sibley remembers how amazing it was that the universal experience of pregnancy superseded language barriers. Once the third trimester kicks in, sleep gets more difficult. Don’t hear this as saying you shouldn’t travel—think of it more as your heads up to prepare in advance. It’s worth it to, as Sibley puts it, “splurge on a comfort- able bed or comfy place to sleep at night instead of a couch or a [cheap] Airbnb.” Another tip: Get creative with your neck pillow. “I traveled in the third trimester and I brought a neck pillow on every flight to put on my lower back because there’s more weight on your body,” Sibley explains. It’s also wise to wear more comfy shoes. Despite the added challenges, the third trimester can be a sweet time to travel and see family because your baby is so big and will likely be kicking up a storm, making it a special experience to share with family. Consider taking the last few months of
The thrill of the holiday season is real, as is the thrill of the precious new life growing in your womb—but let’s be real, the idea of traveling in said condition can be less than thrilling. Suddenly, a myriad of questions crop up: Are you allowed to fly when you’re pregnant? When’s the best time to go? How do you stay comfortable? and so on and on the questions go. Emily Sibley, a luxury travel advisor, recently had her first child, so the experiences traveling are fresh on her mind. Here are her personal and profession- al viewpoints on traveling—and you might be surprised (and encouraged) by these tips and tricks for traveling with baby-in-tow (or rather, baby-in-womb) this holiday season. Good news! According to the Mayo Clinic, “Generally, air travel before 36 weeks of pregnancy is considered safe for people who aren’t dealing with any pregnancy problems.” In essence, as long as your pregnancy is not considered “high risk,” you should be in the clear to take to the skies or hit the road. If you’re uncertain or concerned, feel free to reach out to your doctor, but know that it’s not usually required. “You don’t need permission from your doctor, but depending on the risk/how your pregnancy is going, you can totally ask your doctor,” Sibley explains. “I asked about postpartum travel.” Note that some airlines might require medical clearance if you are a high-risk pregnancy or if you are x Is It Safe to Travel While Pregnant? number of weeks pregnant. For example, Aeromexico requires medical clearance after 33 weeks and American Airlines within 4 weeks of your due date, while Air Canada, Frontier, and United Airlines require medical clearance after 36 weeks of gestation.
pregnancy as your excuse to say no, stay home, and nest. What’s the Hardest Part of Traveling When Pregnant? We don’t want to gloss right over the tough aspects of traveling pregnant. Travel in and of itself can be exhausting—even when you’re not toting around a growing baby in your tummy. Plus, international flights can feel long and cramped, with sleep hard to come by when crammed into a small confined space. Add in a pregnant belly and comfort can be even harder to come by. Of course, that doesn’t take into account other factors, like international cuisine. “For me, the hardest part of traveling internationally was not always understanding what you’re eating,” Sibley says. There are lists filled with foods and drinks that are not beneficial for pregnant women to consume, whether it be sushi, deli meat, alcohol, and even some kinds of fish and cheeses. When you don’t speak the language, it is much harder to determine what you can and cannot eat. Finding snacks abroad can also be tricky. Tips for Air Travel ■ Aisle seat for the win. Make sure you stand and walk around the plane every few hours. “Air travel can raise the risk for blood clots in the legs,” the Mayo Clinic states. “Moving your legs may help prevent this problem.” You may also benefit from just standing to allow your body to reregulate. If you can’t get up, flex and extend your ankles. “Exit rows are great because you have more leg room if you’re flying standard economy,” Sibley shares. ■ Choose strategic clothing. Avoid tight-fitting clothing, since it tends to hinder blood flow. Compression socks are also wise, because they help with blood circulation. ■ Bring snacks. If there’s one tip Sibley
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