Am I allowed to go on vacation with a baby in my belly? Yes of course! Even us mamas need a vacation and time to relax sometimes. And the great thing is: you don’t have to miss out on traveling during pregnancy, there are just a few things to keep in mind and off to the #Babymoon … 🙂
Am I allowed to travel during the first weeks of pregnancy?
Actually there is nothing wrong with traveling during early pregnancy. However, if you have a high-risk pregnancy or have already had several miscarriages, you should discuss this with your doctor beforehand. It is best to wait until the 2nd trimester (feel-good trimester), which is generally the best time for pregnant women to travel. The risk of miscarriage decreases, nausea and fatigue disappear and you can move more easily than in the 3rd trimester.
Which destinations are good for pregnant women?
Vacation should be gentle and relaxing for expectant moms. Therefore, adventure or action vacations, round trips and extreme temperature changes are not recommended.
The perfect travel destination for pregnant women:
- short flight time
- average temperatures
This could be, for example, Central European countries. Tropical destinations are not recommended due to the high risk of infection and lack of medical care.
Up to which pregnancy week am I allowed to fly?
Most airlines will take you up to the 36th week of pregnancy. Even after that, it is safe for your baby, but there is a risk of preterm delivery on the plane.
Can I go hiking as a pregnant woman?
Of course you can go hiking as a pregnant woman. Just be aware that the air at an altitude of over 2,000 meters is thinner, and expectant moms often react to this with shortness of breath and circulatory problems.
Is flying during early pregnancy dangerous?
In general, flying in early pregnancy is not dangerous. However, in the first weeks of pregnancy, moms often have to deal with nausea, fatigue, etc. and the risk of miscarriage is high. Therefore, it is not recommended to get on a plane in early pregnancy, because it could be unpleasant for yourself. It is not dangerous for your baby. The situation is different if you have a high-risk pregnancy or have had miscarriages in the past. In this case, you must consult your doctor before the trip! It is best to wait until the 2nd trimester, because that is really the best time to travel. To be exact, between the fifth and seventh month of pregnancy.
The risk of miscarriage decreases and movements are still a little easier than in the 3rd trimester. For this reason, the 2nd trimester is often called the feel-good trimester.
Why you should avoid traveling to tropical countries
As a pregnant woman, you are more susceptible to viruses, bacteria, etc. Therefore, you should avoid tropical destinations, such as Thailand, Bali, Indonesia, etc. For one thing, you would have to take a long-haul flight for such a trip, which you should rather avoid. Pregnant women are generally more susceptible to thrombosis and sitting for long periods of time increases the risk, as the awkward posture disrupts blood circulation. If there is another risk factor besides pregnancy, you should rather not get on the plane. This also applies to long car journeys.
My tip: If you do decide to take a long flight, I recommend wearing compression stockings. Preferably also book a seat with a lot of freedom of movement, so you can move and stretch your legs from time to time. If you can, stand up for a moment every 1-2 hours to get the blood flowing through your body again.
Another reason against tropical countries as a destination for pregnant women is the high temperature. This increases the risk of infection with bacteria. In addition, medical care in such countries is rather poor. Too high a temperature can also often cause circulatory problems in pregnant women.
My tip: Before the trip, check whether you need vaccinations. There are some that are not allowed during pregnancy! Against circulatory problems I recommend magnesium and mineral tablets, which has always helped me well.
Up to which pregnancy week am I allowed to travel?
Most airlines allow you to travel up to the 36th week of pregnancy. The twins or multiple pregnancies even only up to 32.SSW.
Even after that it would be safe for your little one(s), but there is a possibility that the birth will take place on the flight and the airlines want to avoid that. Also, the risk of thrombosis really increases with you being pregnant.
In my second pregnancy, I flew to Puglia myself at 32.SSW for the MOVE IT MAMA shoot! And in the 36.SSW even to L.A. and everything went without problems. Of course, movements are a bit more difficult, but every mom has to decide for herself if traveling is comfortable for her in the last months or if she prefers to relax at home.
Can I go hiking as a pregnant woman?
Extreme climbing tours in the mountains are unsuitable because the risk of accidents is too high. In addition, you must keep in mind that the air is thinner at an altitude of over 2,000 meters, which pregnant women often do not tolerate and react with circulatory problems and shortness of breath. If you want to hike higher then you have to be sure that you have a good general fitness and no previous stress.
My tip: Be sure to start doing abdominal and pelvic floor breathing during pregnancy. This way you will reduce the problem of shortness of breath and give your baby more space in your belly. Strengthened abdominal and pelvic floor muscles will also make the birth easier later on.
My tips for traveling during pregnancy
- Drink enough water (3-4 liters a day)
- Always have snacks with you (e.g. nuts, homemade granola bars, cheese cubes with olives). This will help with bouts of weakness, malaise and food cravings.
- Wear support stockings when traveling
- Always have your maternity passport at hand
- Make sure you get enough exercise. Always get up and walk around on the plane. Try to do a small workout at least 3 times a week even on vacation.
Are you already packing your bags dear mama? A little time off you have earned in any case! If you are happy and refreshed, so is your baby…There is nothing else to say but: Bon voyage!:-)
Keep it moving,
Your Birte.
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