What You Need to Know Before Traveling Abroad While Pregnant

There’s no doubt you deserve a vacation — you’re carrying a baby, after all. But if you plan to head abroad then there are a few precautions worth taking before you set off, so all you need to do when you arrive is relax. Here are six things you need to know before heading abroad while pregnant.

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   It’s best not to go too far away

While we see the appeal of escaping to a foreign country, the shorter the journey, the better. Travelling can be especially tiring during pregnancy and it may be difficult to get comfortable in your seat. For this reason, a two or three-hour trip (maximum) is best — you’ll be far away enough to notice the difference but won’t spend too much time getting there in the first place.

2. Try and travel in your second trimester

Many women will agree that the best time for travel is the second trimester. Not only will you have got past the morning sickness phase, but you’ll also have more energy than you will in the third trimester.

3. Most airlines won’t let you fly after 28 weeks…

Be sure to check your airline’s policy before you book your flights. This will give you time to prepare any necessary documents and prevents any nasty surprises later down the line.

Although 28 weeks is a rough cut-off point, policies do vary from airline to airline. For example, JetBlue prohibits customers from traveling if their due date is within the following seven days, while American Airlines require you to be cleared by a special assistance coordinator within four weeks of your due date.

No matter how weeks along you are, get a dated letter from your doctor clearing you to fly. Staff have the right to stop you from boarding if they think your health is at risk or if you could put other passengers at risk — a letter will reduce the chances of this happening.

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4. … and most cruise lines won’t let you board after 24 weeks

Most ships do not have the right equipment to deal with premature births safely, so women must be no more than 24 weeks along at any point during the trip.

However, if you’re in your second trimester and don’t suffer from motion sickness, a cruise offers plenty of opportunities for sightseeing and relaxation.

5. Your insurance needs to cover your pregnancy

You may already have a travel insurance policy in place, but it may not cover your pregnancy. Discuss your pregnancy and any conditions with your provider and find medical care providers in advance that are part of your insurance plan. This will help avoid huge medical bills if you need treatment while abroad.

6. Now’s the time to take it easy

Pregnancy is hard work and is accompanied by a whole host of changes, so take advantage of being away from everyday life. Whether you want to relax by the pool, curl up with a good book, or simply spend quality time with your partner, away from everyone else, use your time abroad to make the most of it.