Bumpy Travel- How to safely travel while pregnant

I am both a medical expert and a woman who has been there done that. When my mother offered a trip of a lifetime to Kauai, Hawaii and my sister's work schedule didn't permit traveling earlier in the year we went the last possible week of my first pregnancy. I was 7 months pregnant and preparing for a trans-pacific flight. I also travelled by airplane to my God brother's wedding at merely 6 weeks pregnant.

The advice differs for different stages of pregnancy and here are the tips:

For all stages of pregnancy it is recommended to have medical clearance for travel by your OBGYN or Midwife.

Early Stages of Pregnancy 1-4 months:

Stay hydrated (this means you should urinate each 1-2 hours while traveling) aim for around 100 fluid ounces the day before, of and after travel

Bring snacks to reduce nausea and stabilize blood sugar- crackers, nuts, low sugar granola bars

Walk and stretch once an hour while flying as long as the captain says it is safe

Bring preggy pops or something similar to help with nausea

Pack ginger candies to help with nausea



Mid to Late Stage of Pregnancy 5-7 months:

Stay hydrated (this means you should urinate each 1-2 hours while traveling ) aim for around 100 fluid ounces the day before, of and after travel

Eat a large meal before flying and bring snacks with protein to help stave off hunger

Wear compression hose (up to your knees) to reduce swelling of your feet- (I chose not to do this and suffered the consequences finding myself unable to walk more than 15 minutes while in Hawaii due to the extra humidity that caused swelling)

Walk and stretch once an hour while flying as long as the captain says it is safe

Bring a small lumbar pillow to relieve back pain or sciatica

If you get a severe headache during or after flying go to the nearest medical center to check your blood pressure. This happened to me in Hawaii and I took a Tylenol at night and went to the fire department to check my blood pressure. It was fine but I wanted to be safe, not sorry.


Late Stage of Pregnancy 8-9 months:

Not advisable to travel by airplane