Baby On Board: Traveling While Pregnant

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

Some suggest that the key to conceiving is getting away, but now that you’re pregnant, jet-setting may not be on your list of things to do. First of all you may not feel like traveling and secondly you may be concerned about the effects traveling will have on your baby.

Still, you may have a job or family obligations that make travel (of some sort) a requirement. And, experts assert that while travel can be perfectly safe, there are some pointers and precautions that you’ll likely want to take.

1. Talk To Your Doctor: Consult with your doctor or midwife about any medical concerns he or she may have with regards to travel and upcoming tests you may need to work around.

2. Plan Around Your Schedule: It’s likely in your best interest to plan you excursions around your prenatal tests which include the following: chronic villus sampling (CVS) conducted between 10 and 12 weeks; amniocentesis, between 15 and 18 weeks; multiple marker screening, around 15 to 20 weeks; ultrasound, between 16 to 20 weeks; glucose screening test (GCT), around 24 to 28 weeks; and group B strep screening, around 35 to 37 weeks, as well as your Rh immunoglobulin shot at 28 weeks if you’re Rh-negative. You should also wait for the results before taking any long journeys.

3. Collect Documentation Of Your Medical History: Prior to setting out on your journey, experts suggest compiling a list of names and number to contact in case of emergency, as well as gathering copies of your medical records and history. The information should include your due date, risk factors, blood type, medications you are currently taking, and any you are allergic to. And, make sure to keep this info with you at all times during your trip, especially if you’re traveling alone.

4. Have An Ample Supply Of Your Medications On Hand: Take all your prescribion medications, prenatals, and even some “allowable” over-the-counter remedies with you in substantial supply, especially if you’re traveling to a place where you can’t be sure if what you need will be readily available.

5. Look Into Your Health Insurance Policy: Find out if your policy covers pregnancy complication during travel, especially to your specific destination. If the answer is no, you may want to look into adding some additional coverage on.

6. Invest In Travel Insurance: Note that there are special travel policies that cover expenses if you miss al or part of your trip or have emergency expenses while on the road. Also make certain that the policy covers pregnancy complications and emergency medical transport.

7. Be Prepared For The Unexpected: You may want to consider joining an auto club that offers road assistance in case of emergency. Make sure to have numbers for airlines, hotels, and other incidental itinerary items on hand in case you have to notify parties of a change in plans and to confirm or reschedule flights. And, make sure you have your cell phone and that it’s charged, especially if you’re traveling alone.

8. Look Into Airline Policy If You’re Traveling In Your Third Trimester: While rules may vary, many airlines won’t allow pregnant women to fly during the last week or month of their pregnancy, at least not without a note from their doctor or practitioner. And, most medical and healthcare providers frown upon it too past the 36-week point, unless it’s absolutely mandatory.