If you're relatively healthy—and not at risk of complications like preterm labor, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or placenta previa —then you're usually OK to travel up until 36 weeks, though some OB-GYNs may prefer you stay closer to home near the end should you encounter any complications or in case your baby comes sooner than expected. High-risk patients—and especially those with pregnancy-induced hypertension , diabetes, sickle-cell disease—may be advised not to fly after 24 weeks—or not at all.
Unfortunately, the coronavirus pandemic does pose more risks for pregnant people. Because of this, you'll want to limit your exposure and follow CDC travel recommendations to stay healthy. That said, the CDC has put out new guidance for traveling if you're fully vaccinated aka two weeks after your last shot. While travel is mostly OK, you'll definitely want to talk to your health care provider about your specific situation, what's safe and what's not, and whether or not you should get the COVID vaccine while pregnant.
By Melissa Mills April 13, Save Pin FB More. An image of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. Credit: Getty Images. Be the first to comment! You should ask if you are covered outside the United States. If not, you may be able to buy travel health insurance. Be prepared to carry a copy of your health record with you outside the country.
Also, before leaving home, locate the nearest hospital or medical clinic in the place you are visiting. Travelers in developing countries can get sick if they eat raw or undercooked food or drink local water. Serious illnesses, such as hepatitis A and listeriosis , also can be spread by contaminated food and water. These diseases can cause severe complications for a pregnant woman and her fetus.
When traveling in developing countries, the best way to avoid illness from food or water is to follow these tips:. Zika virus was first found in Central, North, and South America, but now there are cases of Zika virus infection throughout the world. The virus can spread to humans:. Zika virus infection generally causes no symptoms. When it does cause symptoms, they may be mild and include fever, rash, joint pain, and red and itchy eyes. Babies born to women infected with Zika virus are at risk of serious birth defects, including microcephaly.
Microcephaly can lead to lifelong problems, such as seizures, feeding problems, hearing loss, vision problems, and learning difficulties. There is no vaccine to prevent Zika virus infection and there is no treatment. You can reduce your chance of becoming infected if you cannot avoid areas where Zika virus is spreading by:. Also, use a condom every time you have sex if your male partner lives in or travels to areas where Zika virus is spreading.
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.
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.
Stretch and move your legs regularly while seated. Consider wearing support stockings for the duration of the flight. A pregnant woman's circulation is already under strain — the lower cabin pressure inside a plane can theoretically increase the risk of blood clots. Drink plenty of water to reduce the risk of dehydration. Keeping up your fluid intake will also reduce the risk of DVT. If the flight is smooth, walk up and down the aisles every half hour.
If the flight has turbulence, stay in your seat, but flex and extend your ankles frequently. If you are feeling short of breath or light-headed, ask one of the flight attendants to give you breathing oxygen. Car travel and pregnancy If travelling by car: Make frequent breaks to stretch your legs and visit the toilet.
Always wear a seatbelt. Fasten the lap sash across your lap and under your bump, fit the shoulder sash above your bump and between your breasts. Avoid wearing the lap sash across your bump as a sudden jolt could cause your placenta to separate from your uterus.
If you are sitting in the front passenger seat, move your seat well back from the dashboard to reduce airbag impact in case of a collision. If you are driving, have your seat as far back from the steering wheel as possible, while still being able to drive safely and comfortably. It may help to tilt the steering wheel downwards, away from your belly.
If you are involved in a collision, however minor, see your doctor. If you have contractions, pain or bleeding after an accident, see a doctor as soon as possible. Let them know if you have a rhesus negative blood group, as you may need to have an anti-D injection.
Consider joining a roadside assistance program that can help you in case of a breakdown, and always carry a mobile phone. Heat and sun exposure and pregnancy If travelling in hot weather: Carry a water bottle with you and drink water frequently. Stay in the shade or inside during the hottest part of the day. Protect your skin by wearing loose-fitting clothing, a hat and sunscreen. Avoid rushing or overexertion — plan your activities and give yourself plenty of time.
Overheating during pregnancy If you feel weak and dizzy, light-headed or even slightly nauseous, it may be a sign that you are overheating and dehydrated. Remember: to seek shade or go inside, drink a glass of cool water and lie down to bring down your temperature by using a fan, placing a cool, wet cloth on your forehead and the back of your neck, or running cool water over your wrists.
Sporting activities and pregnancy Certain sporting activities carry an increased risk to your unborn baby. Activities to avoid include: Water-skiing — coming off the skis could force water into the vagina. Scuba diving — the changes in blood gases may harm your baby. Snorkelling is fine and scuba diving to depths of less than 18 metres 60 feet is reasonably safe, but check with your doctor first.
Saunas and hot tubs — raising your body temperature can harm your baby. Horseback riding — the motion of horseback riding carries a risk of placental abruption separating the placenta from the uterus.
Falling from or being kicked by a horse carries a high risk of trauma to your baby, or even death. High-altitude activities such as mountain climbing — at heights over 3, metres, the oxygen level in the air is low. You will not receive a reply. For enquiries, please contact us. Related links.
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