First of all, whenever and wherever you go during pregnancy, find out what health facilities are available in your destination in case you need emergency medical attention. It may be a good idea to take your maternity medical records with you so that you can provide relevant information to doctors if necessary.Some women choose not to travel in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy because of nausea, vomiting and feeling very tired in these early stages. The risk of miscarriage is also higher in the first 3 months, whether you travel or not.

Traveling in the last months of pregnancy can be tiring and uncomfortable. For this reason, many women think that the best time to travel or take a vacation is in mid-pregnancy, between 4 and 6 months. However, long-distance travel (longer than 4 hours) carries a small risk of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis (DVT)). If you are flying, drink plenty of water and move regularly every 30 minutes. You can buy a pair of graduated compression or support stockings at the pharmacy to help reduce leg swelling.

It is also important to check the risk status of your destination country before traveling.

When to Travel During Pregnancy?

If you're pregnant, it's generally best to avoid long car journeys. However, if travel is necessary, it's important to take precautions to ensure your comfort and safety.For long trips, make regular stops every 1-2 hours to stretch your legs and move around. This will help reduce the risk of stiffness, discomfort, and blood clots. While in the car, you can do simple exercises like stretching and rotating your feet to keep blood circulating through your legs.Wearing compression stockings during long journeys (especially those over 4 hours) can also help maintain blood flow and reduce the risk of blood clots. Pregnancy can cause fatigue and dizziness, so it’s important to stay hydrated and eat energizing foods like fruit, nuts, and healthy snacks. Keeping air circulating in the car will also help you stay comfortable.When wearing your seatbelt, ensure the lap strap is placed under your bump, not over it, and the cross strap should be positioned between your breasts for added safety.

Always consult with your doctor before traveling, especially if you have any pregnancy-related concerns.

Resource:

https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/travelling/