It’s natural to be nervous about travelling while pregnant. However, your experience can be surprisingly stress-free if you prepare in advance. All you need to do is take a few extra steps while you’re planning your holiday. See my recommendations below, and enjoy having some time to relax before your little one arrives. We went to Majorca when I was 8 weeks pregnant, which I know seems early on, but if you’ve been pregnant you would know that this is one of the riskiest time in pregnancy. We had already booked this holiday before even deciding to try for Theodore
See your doctor beforehand to address any concerns.
Even if your pregnancy has been smooth so far, seeing your doctor will put your mind at rest. They’ll be able to identify any underlying issues, advise you on the best way to handle your travel plans, and help you prepare for your trip if need be. They will also let you know if they think it’s unsafe for you to travel.
Travel in the second trimester
This is not compulsory, but most people (including the NHS) agree that the second trimester is the ideal time to travel while pregnant. All the new hormones from the first trimester will have calmed down, but the exhaustion you’ll feel in the third trimester won’t have set in yet.
On the contrary, you’ll have gained your energy back and will have developed the classic pregnancy glow. Perfect for those bikini selfies…
Pack your travel insurance policy and a letter clearing you to fly
Travel insurance is a must. You don’t normally have to declare your pregnancy unless you have any illnesses or medical conditions caused by being pregnant. Holidaysafe’s pregnancy travel guide recommends checking with your insurer and reading all the terms and conditions carefully.
You’ll also need to ask your doctor to write a letter declaring you fit to travel, only if you’ve reached 28 weeks. Airlines often require these letters by this stage in your pregnancy — always check when you book.
Consider other ways of travelling
If you can think of nothing worse than sitting on a plane for hours, why not try a train ride or a road trip instead? You’ll still be able to get a good distance away from home, but you won’t have to worry about making it to the airport on time. You’ll also be able to take pit stops if you travel by road. Personally I wouldn’t go anywhere with an plane ride longer than 3 hours whilst pregnant, but it totally depends on how you cope with flying!
Top tip:
No matter how you travel, make sure you secure your seatbelt underneath your bump, not across it, to prevent the baby being harmed by any sudden movement.
Take it slow
Listen to your body. If you’re happy to explore your destination then make the most of it, but don’t go rushing off trying to see as much as you can — pick a few places and savour the time you spend getting to know your way around.
On the other hand, if you need to spend some time relaxing by a pool or a hotel fireplace, then do it. The only right way to spend your holiday is by doing what’s best for you. I personally did a whole tonne of relaxing, I let Bradley play in the pool with our friends daughter, whilst I was on ‘safety watch’ (definitely sleeping…). I also decided not to go in the sea, both because I don’t like the sea, and I’m always worried about getting water infections.
Don’t be scared to indulge
Pregnancy is hard work and you deserve a break! Now is the time to book that fancy hotel room, enjoy a pre-natal spa treatment, and sit back and do nothing. My feet began to swell near the beginning of my pregnancy, so I decided to have a foot treatment with those little fishes!
Do you have any pregnant travel tips? Let me know in the comments, it’s always handy to know a little more!
