Traveling Overseas While Pregnant: Your Essential Guide

Traveling Overseas While Pregnant can be a wonderful experience, but it requires careful planning and awareness to ensure the health and safety of both you and your baby. With the right preparation, you can confidently navigate international travel during pregnancy and enjoy your journey. This guide provides essential information and practical advice for traveling overseas while pregnant, helping you make informed decisions and prioritize your well-being.

Before You Go: Planning for a Safe Trip

Before booking any international travel, it’s crucial to consider several factors to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.

Check Airline and Cruise Policies: Airlines and cruise operators have specific policies regarding pregnant travelers. Some airlines may restrict flying after 36 weeks of pregnancy, while others have earlier cut-offs. Cruise lines might have similar restrictions, often around 24–28 weeks of gestation, and may require a doctor’s note confirming your fitness to travel. Always check with your chosen airline or cruise line well in advance to understand their regulations and avoid any last-minute complications.

Understand Zika and Malaria Risks: Certain destinations pose health risks that are particularly concerning for pregnant women.

Zika Virus: The Zika virus is known to cause severe birth defects. It spreads through mosquito bites and sexual contact. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises pregnant women to avoid traveling to areas with a risk of Zika. If travel to these areas is unavoidable, strict mosquito bite prevention measures are essential, including using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing. If your partner has traveled to a Zika-risk area, using condoms throughout your pregnancy is recommended.
Malaria: Malaria is another serious concern for pregnant travelers. It can be more severe during pregnancy and increases the risk of premature birth, miscarriage, and stillbirth. Traveling to malaria-risk areas should be avoided if possible. If essential travel is necessary, consult your doctor about malaria prevention medication suitable for pregnancy. Mosquito bite prevention is also critical in malaria-prone regions.

Schedule a Pre-Travel Healthcare Appointment: Ideally, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider or a travel health specialist 4-6 weeks before your planned departure. This consultation is vital for:

Destination-Specific Advice: Discuss your itinerary and planned activities to receive tailored advice and recommendations.
Vaccinations and Medications: Determine necessary vaccines and safe medications for your destination, considering your pregnancy.
Health Concerns: Address any pre-existing health conditions or pregnancy-related concerns with your healthcare provider.

Carry Your Immunization Records: Always bring a copy of your official immunization records with you when traveling internationally. This is important for your health records and in case of any medical needs during your trip.

Plan for Unexpected Events: Preparation for unforeseen circumstances is crucial for a smooth and safe trip.

Travel Insurance: Ensure your healthcare policy covers pregnancy and neonatal complications overseas. If not, invest in travel health insurance that includes these coverages, and consider medical evacuation insurance.
Healthcare Access: Research and identify healthcare facilities at your destination in case of emergencies.
Travel Health Kit: Pack a comprehensive travel health kit with essential medications and supplies.
STEP Enrollment: Enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive important safety alerts and facilitate assistance in emergencies.

Recognize Warning Signs: Be aware of signs and symptoms that necessitate immediate medical attention while traveling, including:

Pelvic or abdominal pain
Bleeding
Contractions
Symptoms of preeclampsia (unusual swelling, severe headaches, nausea and vomiting, vision changes)
Dehydration

Prepare a Comprehensive Travel Health Kit: In addition to standard items, pregnant travelers should include:

Prescription medications
Hemorrhoid cream
Antiemetic drugs (for nausea)
Antacids
Prenatal vitamins
Medication for vaginitis or yeast infection
Support hose (compression stockings)

During Your Trip: Staying Healthy on the Go

Once your journey begins, focus on maintaining your health and comfort throughout your travels.

Prioritize Comfort and Movement on Flights: Long flights can lead to swollen feet. Wear comfortable shoes and loose clothing. Walk around every hour or so to promote circulation and reduce swelling. Prolonged sitting also increases the risk of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis), which pregnant women are already more susceptible to. Consult your doctor about using compression stockings or leg exercises to minimize this risk. Refer to CDC’s guidelines on preventing blood clots during travel for more detailed advice.

Choose Safe Food and Drinks: Food and water safety is paramount to prevent traveler’s diarrhea and other illnesses, especially in low or middle-income countries.

Safe Food Choices: Opt for hot, cooked foods and dry or packaged foods.
Safe Drink Choices: Bottled, canned, and hot drinks are generally safe.
Avoidance: Pregnant women should avoid bismuth subsalicylate, found in Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate. Iodine tablets for water purification are also not recommended due to potential harm to the fetal thyroid.

Learn more about safe food and drink practices to minimize health risks while traveling.

After Your Trip: Post-Travel Health Awareness

Upon returning home, monitor your health and seek medical attention if needed. If you feel unwell, particularly with a fever, consult a healthcare provider immediately and inform them about your recent international travel. Avoid contact with others if you are feeling sick to prevent potential spread of illness.