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Most women can safely travel well into the pregnancy, albeit with proper preventive measures such as maternity insurance taken into consideration. Furthermore, you should be aware of the safest time to travel, how you can travel, and the destinations, activities, and medications to avoid.
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Are you an expectant mother planning for pregnancy abroad? Wondering what you can and cannot do while traveling during pregnancy? Want to know more about maternity health tips and the importance of maternity insurance?
This Pacific Prime article will provide you with all the scoop on what to expect during pregnancy abroad, the ways to stay healthy while traveling, and all the things you need to know before traveling.
When Expats Should Travel During Pregnancy
If you are pregnant and need to travel, generally, the safest time for you to travel is during the second trimester (weeks 13-26). This is the time when you will feel your best, as the physical symptoms from the first trimester progressively disappear.
Most expectant mothers avoid traveling during the first 12 weeks due to nausea and vomiting, and the general fatigue and frustration that comes along with it.
Furthermore, there is a higher risk of miscarriage during the first three months of pregnancy, regardless of whether you’re traveling or not. Thus, we advise you to consult with your doctor before traveling, especially if your pregnancy is high-risk.
Ways Pregnant Expats Can Travel
There are two modes of transportation that are considered safe for pregnant expats to travel, which are by air and by car.
Be sure to take extra care of yourself, and plan well ahead. More often than not, it’s a good idea to take your maternity notes with you in case you need medical help.
Traveling by Air
Some of you may already know that flying is the safest way to travel. Traveling by air will not be dangerous for you and your baby, but you may want to consider a few things before booking your flight:
- Some airlines will not let you fly towards the end of your pregnancy, as the chances of getting into labor are higher after week 37 (or week 32 if you’re carrying twins)
- After week 28 of your pregnancy, airlines may ask for a letter from your doctor regarding your due date, and whether or not you have any complications
- Flights longer than four hours carry a small risk of blood clots or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) due to lower cabin pressure. Drink plenty of water, and try to move around every 30 minutes if possible. Buying a pair of support stockings from the pharmacy will also help reduce leg swelling
- If possible, arrange with the airline for a bulkhead seat or a seat near an exit for extra legroom. Booking an aisle seat is also ideal for trips to the toilet
- Fasten your seatbelt under your bump and across your lap
Traveling by Car
In reality, it’s best to avoid long road trips if you’re pregnant. But if that is absolutely unavoidable, here’s what you can expect and prepare before going on the road:
- General fatigue and nausea are recurring themes during pregnancy, so be sure to drink water regularly, as well as eat natural energy-rich foods like fruits and nuts
- Fasten your seat belt with a cross strap between your breasts, and the lap strap across your pelvis under your bump. Avoid wearing the lap strap across your bump, as a sudden movement could cause your placenta to separate from your uterus
- Do some mini exercises by flexing and rotating your feet and wiggling your toes to increase blood circulation. Wearing support stockings on long journeys (more than four hours) can increase blood flow as well
- Or make frequent breaks for toilet visits and to stretch your legs
- If you are the one driving (if you really have to), adjust the seat as far back from the steering wheel as possible while still maintaining a safe and comfortable driving posture
High-Risk Pregnancies and Travel
Pregnant women with the following conditions are not advised to travel. This list may not encompass all the conditions, however, so be sure to discuss your health history with your doctor before traveling.
- Multiple pregnancies
- Vaginal bleeding
- Cervical problems, or “incompetent cervix”
- First pregnancy over the age of 35
- History of blood clots
- History of gestational diabetes
- History of high blood pressure
- History of premature labor
- History of infertility
- History of miscarriage
- History of ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy that develops outside the womb)
- Severe anemia
Activities to Avoid as a Pregnant Expat
If you’re the adventurous type, there are a few activities that expectant mothers should avoid, which include:
- Water-skiing: Taking off the skis and gear could force water into the vagina
- Scuba diving: The changes in blood gases may harm the baby. Snorkeling, and scuba diving (less than 18 meters or 60 feet) are considered safe. Do check with your doctor first, of course
- Horseback riding: The motions of horse riding involve a high risk of placental abruption (separating the placenta from the uterus). Falling from the horse, or getting kicked by a horse is highly dangerous for your baby, as it can result in death
- Mountain climbing and other high-altitude activities: The oxygen level in the air is low at heights over 3,000 meters, which may be insufficient for the baby, adding the risk of developing altitude sickness
- Saunas and hot tubs: High body temperature can harm the baby
Types of Food to Avoid as a Pregnant Expat
Generally, pregnant expats looking to travel abroad should avoid all types of uncooked food, seafood, cheeses, and ice.
For expectant mothers, suffering from traveler’s diarrhea is no laughing matter. Food poisoning and certain infections can harm the baby and mother.
Listed here are the tips and tricks to safeguard yourself from getting traveler’s diarrhea during pregnancy abroad:
- Avoid buffets, seafood, undercooked meats, and soft cheeses
- Only eat fruits that you have peeled yourself. Avoid leafy vegetables and salads, as they could’ve been washed in contaminated water
- Drink bottled water if you are unsure of the quality of the water supply.
- Avoid ice in general
- Wash your hands thoroughly after going to the toilet, as well as before preparing and eating food
Diseases and Destinations Safety Tips
It’s wise to do thorough research on where you should and shouldn’t visit. Please note that extra care should be taken while traveling to some places in the developing world, as there is a possibility of contracting unusual and harmful diseases that could sabotage your pregnancy.
For example, the Zika virus, which is mainly transmitted by mosquitoes in some parts of the world, is mild and often not harmful to most people. However, it can cause serious birth defects such as microcephaly (a condition where the fetus has an undeveloped brain) if you’re pregnant.
Thus, it is not recommended to travel to certain parts of the world where the Zika virus is prevalent, such as South and Central America, the Caribbean, the Pacific Islands, Africa, and Asia.
Additionally, contracting diseases such as malaria can be detrimental to both the mother and baby, as it’s often associated with miscarriage, premature labor, low birth weight, and severe illness or death. Avoid traveling to malaria-risk areas, as pregnant women are more attractive to mosquitoes.
Travel Medications and Vaccinations Maternity Health Tips
Before traveling to certain countries, you may need to get vaccinated. There are, however, specific vaccinations you shouldn’t have while you’re pregnant, especially during the first trimester.
Vaccines that use live bacteria or viruses (such as mumps, measles, and chicken pox) are not recommended for expectant mothers, since it could harm the baby inside the womb. However, there are some exceptions such as the influenza vaccine, which can be taken safely during pregnancy.
Getting vaccinated against all types of influenza is highly recommended for all expectant mothers, as it can prove to be a very serious illness for both the mother and the baby. Other vaccines such as yellow fever may be carefully received after the first trimester as well.
Anti-malaria medicines such as mefloquine, and chloroquine with the exception of doxycycline can also be safely taken during all courses of pregnancy.
Above all else, do get a thorough consultation with your doctor before taking any type of medicine or vaccination, as some over-the-counter medications can be dangerous.
Get Maternity Insurance with Pacific Prime
Planning to travel abroad during pregnancy? Expecting mothers need to consider maternity health tips, such as when, where, and how they can travel, as well as the destinations, activities, and medication to avoid.
With over 20 years of reputation as a world-renowned international health insurance broker, Pacific Prime and our team of experts specialize in crafting international maternity insurance plans for pregnancy abroad, ensuring they align with each individual requirements and budget.
So if you’re looking to travel abroad during pregnancy, and are looking to secure a comprehensive international maternity insurance plan, you’ve come to the right place. It is our pleasure to assist you with our expertise, impartiality, and service-mindedness.
If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
Enjoyed this article? Check out our other articles here:
International Adoption: Exploring Adoption Options for Expats
Expat Childbirth Classes: Finding Education and Support for Delivery Overseas
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly before 12 weeks pregnant?
Flying during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy is considered risky, as miscarriage can happen during this stage. Some airlines may request for a written confirmation from your doctor regarding your overall health and due date.
Are airport scanners safe for pregnancy?
It’s completely safe to walk directly through the airport security scanners when you’re pregnant, regardless of the type of scanner.
What week should I stop traveling while pregnant?
More or less, you should wrap up your travel before week 36, as most airlines will let pregnant women fly domestically until they are 36 weeks pregnant, and even earlier for international travel.
After obtaining his Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences, International Relations from Mahidol University International College, Veerabhatr has forged his career as a content writer in the travel, lifestyle, and real estate industries, writing in both English and Thai. He now continues to hone his skills as a writer at Pacific Prime, looking to engage and educate the audience by simplifying insurance.
Writer by day, and a DJ by night, Veerabhatr is a staunch music lover, and listens to all spectrums of genres available. He also loves to drink beer (moderately), eat all types of food, go to the beach, and learn about different cultures across the globe. He is also a die-hard fan of football and motorsports.
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