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 professional 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.
Is It Safe to Travel While Pregnant?
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 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.
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 comfortable 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 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 would beg you to take, it would be to always pack snacks and water onto the plane and have them in easy reach.
■ Come prepared for comfort. Bring your own neck pillow, pack earplugs and an eyemask, and have electrolytes on hand.
■ Time shifter. This app helps you shift to a different time zone based on your circadian rhythm.
■ Avoid gassy foods and drinks before you fly. Gases expand in-flight, and it’s never fun to have a gassy stomach. (Examples: broccoli, beans, and carbonated soda.)
■ Don’t become dehydrated! Drink fluids before boarding and while flying (here’s where the electrolytes come in). Another helpful way to stay hydrated is by getting an IV the day before. “An IV is a game changer, especially if you have earlier flights,” Sibley says.
■ Bonus! If you travel postpartum, you can book the bulkhead seats with most airlines (based on baby’s age and weight) and request a bassinet. If you financially can, Sibley recommends buying a seat for your baby and bringing the car seat. “If not, sometimes they might have an extra seat and it’s worth an ask,” Sibley points out.
Road Trip Tips
■ Plan to make pit stops regularly. It is essential to get out of the car and stretch every few hours. If you can, make the breaks more fun by purposely planning where you’re going to stop.
■ Bring anti-nausea medicine or peppermint oil. It’s never fun to feel queasy on the road.
■ Research your route. Check where nearby hospitals are located both on the way and once you arrive, just in case.
■ Share what you need. Pregnancy is overwhelming, so set boundaries when you arrive, and don’t be afraid to ask for help!
Your family won’t know what you need unless you tell them. “Make sure you have a space you can escape to and have your own space if you’re sick,” Sibley encourages.
What to Pack
There tends to be a fear surrounding all you have to pack while pregnant, but rest assured—you’re packing normally except for a few extra pills. Here are Sibley’s must-pack items for pregnant travelers: prenatals, element packs, snacks, crackers (great for nausea), and a neck pillow.
Postpartum Travel
■ Try to book hotels or Airbnbs that offer cribs.
■ Bring a bottle washing travel kit.
■ Buy diapers & wipes when you get to your destination. (But be sure to pack a few to get you there and through the first day!)
■ If you can, plan to do laundry or pack bibs to protect baby’s outfits.
■ Don’t wait–travel when they’re little. Sibley says, “The easiest time to travel is when they’re born to 10 months, so book a trip. They sleep all the time, you need it the most. As they start to move around, it’s harder. Go when they’re little.”
■ Baby jet-lag: Keep baby in the sun when the sun is up, then put baby to sleep when it’s dark.
■ Don’t let your fear of traveling with a baby postpartum prevent you from going on adventures. Think of your baby as joining your life instead of slowing you down.
Woohoo, now you’re set to hit the road (or the skies) this holiday season! We hope you soak in these last months of travel before your sweet little one arrives.