Tips for traveling abroad while pregnant

February 23, 2024

Every year, millions of babies are born in the U.S.¹, so it’s not a surprise that many women wonder about the safety of traveling abroad while pregnant and the potential risks involved.

It’s recommended by the CDC to consult with your doctor before traveling. Generally, if you have a healthy pregnancy without serious risk factors or complications, traveling abroad can be safe. However, it is always good to have a backup plan in case things don’t go as expected. Consider purchasing travel medical insurance to ensure you have the necessary coverage for any unexpected medical expenses or emergencies that may arise during your international trip.

Whether you had a trip planned before discovering your pregnancy or you're simply traveling during this special time, UnitedHealthcare Global medical director, Dr. Amit Arwindekar, has curated some valuable tips to help you travel well and stay comfortable while you're away from home.

Is there a "best time" to travel during pregnancy?

Most experts say that if mom and the baby are healthy, travel is generally safe until the 36th week of pregnancy. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the best time to travel is between weeks 14 and 28. During this time, any morning sickness you may have experienced is usually gone, and it's not too hard to get around.

Things to do before you go^2,3

Take a few steps before you leave to make sure your trip is safe and enjoyable:

1. Prepare a travel health kit. Pack all necessary prescription medications, prenatal vitamins and lots of fluids to stay hydrated. Don’t forget to bring OTC treatments for headaches (Paracetamol or Acetaminophen is advised for pregnant travelers), stomach medication such as Famotidine, mosquito prevention and sunscreen.

It is recommended to always carry a copy of relevant personal information or a document listing your name, age, your due date and last menstruation date. It is also a good idea to have your doctor’s name and contact information and a description of any allergies or medical conditions at hand.

2. Buy travel medical insurance. When choosing your travel insurance, it is important make sure that it covers complications in pregnancy as not all travel insurance plans provide this coverage. 

A product like SafeTrip International Travel Medical Plus will cover complications arising from pregnancy while being on your trip and can help you find qualified medical attention nearby if you need it. Plus, UnitedHealthcare Global professionals can connect with your doctor at home and can help handle payment at the time of service, so you won't have to wait until you get home to submit your paperwork for reimbursement. On top, this plan will give you the confidence that you are covered in case you need to reschedule or cancel your trip due to some arising health issues or bad weather.

Traveling to your destination (and getting around safely while you're there)

Most airlines let pregnant women fly until week 36, but some have an earlier cutoff, so be sure to check for restrictions before your day of departure. On a long international flight, your feet may swell, so wear comfortable shoes. Choose an aisle seat so you can get up more easily to walk around every hour or so. Once seated, fasten the seat belt below your belly and do leg exercises regularly.

If you're going on a cruise, check with the cruise line to find out if they have any restrictions for pregnant women. For safety reasons, most will allow you to sail only up to the 24th week of your pregnancy, and you may need a medical certificate from your doctor stating that both you and your baby are fit to travel, along with the estimated date of delivery.

Traveling by train or bus can be challenging when you're pregnant. Trains and buses often make sudden movements, so be sure to hold onto handles or seat backs on your way to the restroom. Whenever you're in a car, buckle up. Fasten the belt below your belly and place the shoulder belt across the center of your chest.

Stay hydrated and eat well

It’s important for everyone to stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet but even more so when you are traveling while pregnant. Follow a few tips from our medical director Dr. Amit Arwindekar to make the most of your vacation:

• Eat fresh fruits and vegetables only if you can peel them or wash them in clean water
• Don't eat raw or undercooked meat or fish
• Don't drink unpasteurized milk or eat soft cheeses (like brie) that are made with unpasteurized milk

Additional tips to consider when traveling to countries with less developed infrastructure:

• Eat only thoroughly cooked food served hot
• Avoid food that has been sitting at room temperature
• Drink only canned or bottled water and other beverages
• Avoid iced drinks that may contain contaminated water

When you're out and about, carry healthy snacks and bottled water in your daypack so you won't be tempted by possibly contaminated street food.

The dehydration traveler's diarrhea causes can be a big problem for pregnant women. If you get diarrhea, drink plenty of fluids, but avoid taking diarrhea treatments that contain bismuth (including Pepto-Bismol or Kaopectate), which are not recommended for pregnant women.

Zika and malaria: A word of caution

Zika infections can cause severe birth defects, so the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends pregnant women should avoid traveling to areas with a risk of Zika. Learn more about Zika and pregnancy.

During pregnancy, malaria can be more severe than it is in women who aren't pregnant. The mosquito-borne disease can increase your risk for premature birth, miscarriage, and stillbirth, so pregnant women should avoid travel to areas with malaria.

Above all, make the most of your trip

Traveling abroad when you're pregnant may require a little extra planning. Don't overdo it. Take plenty of breaks. Stay hydrated. Add a SafeTrip travel medical insurance and travel protection policy to your trip for the extra confidence knowing you are covered against unexpected medical expenses and itinerary changes. This way, you can have fun and take all those pregnancy photos in special places which can serve as a lifelong memory.

Sources:

1: https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2023/12/state-population-estimates.html#:~:text=Provisional%20NCHS%20data%20from%202022,well%20below%20levels%20last%20decade.
2: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/pregnant-travelers
3: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/traveling-while-pregnant-or-breastfeeding#:~:text=The%20American%20College%20of%20Obstetricians,spontaneous%20abortion%20or%20premature%20labor.