Travelling whilst pregnant:
A guide for mothers to be

Are you pregnant and planning a trip abroad? You and your bump can travel safely and happily with a small amount of extra research before you book. Many women are taking a much needed break and deciding to travel whilst pregnant, which means the ‘babymoon’ has become increasingly popular with pregnant women in the UK.

We wanted to help you to feel prepared before any trip. Our travel guide for mothers-to-be considers when and where to go away, how to fly in comfort and what your travel insurance policy should cover. Read on for your ultimate guide to babymooning! 

• Travelling when pregnant may require more careful consideration. As your baby grows, your body  will go through a multitude of changes, so deciding when to travel will depend on many factors, such as your health, the health of your baby and how far along in your pregnancy you are.
  
  
• Most mothers can travel happily and safely while pregnant. However, it is always best to check with your GP to make sure you are perfectly safe before booking a holiday.
  
• The mid-term of your pregnancy is typically the preferable time to take your trip, as the sickness and fatigue of earlier pregnancy should (hopefully) have subsided, and the baby is at less risk during the second trimester.
  
• It’s always best to check with your carrier to find out their policy on how far in to your pregnancy they will allow you to travel. Different restrictions will be in place depending on whether you choose to travel by plane, boat or coach.
  
• The time of year and the destination that you travel to are up to you. However, it is important to make sure you are comfortable in your accommodation and the climate of your destination. Make sure that you’ll have everything you need throughout the duration of your trip and that the climate of the destination agrees with you.

• Research your destination on the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office website for advice on the healthcare available in the country you’re travelling to.
  
• Avoid places where vaccinations are required prior to travel – use the Fit For Travel Website to check before you book.
  
• If something goes wrong whilst you’re away, it’s always best to contact your travel insurance company for assistance straight away. Your insurer should offer a 24/7 medical assistance service and be able to make sure you receive the most appropriate advice depending on your individual circumstances. In an Allianz Assistance travel insurance policy, we have added reassurance as we have included the 24-hour GP Online Consultation Service, so you can speak to a professional about any concerns you have.

• Be sure to drink plenty of water as flying is dehydrating.
  
• Wear flight socks or stockings, and move around the cabin regularly to reduce the risks of blood clotting.
  
• After the 28^th week of pregnancy, most airlines will request that you provide a letter from your midwife or GP advising that you are fit to fly and confirming your delivery due date.
  
• Most airlines will not allow you to travel after 36 weeks.
  
• Talk to your GP or midwife before travelling if you have any concerns or have had any prior complications during your pregnancy. 

Although you may want to do some activities when you are on your babymoon, it is important not to do anything that could risk yours or your baby’s health. Here are some destinations and climates to avoid when travelling whilst pregnant.

• Very high altitudes (of 3000 metres of above) – save Mount Kilimanjaro for another trip!
• Very hot and humid countries. Use www.holiday-weather.com to check the weather average for your destination before you travel.
  
• Holidays that require a large amount of travel from place to place. Although a multi-stop trip may sound great in theory, spending six hours on a coach to get from one destination to another may not be the most comfortable experience during pregnancy.
  
• Adventure activities that may raise your heart rate – even if you’re a born adrenaline seeker, leave the banana boating, mountain biking and jet-skiing until after the baby is born.