Tips on traveling when you're pregnant

| Healthy You | Women’s Health

Expectant person holds belly while sitting on bench with luggage

If you’re healthy, you’re free to roam until it’s close to your baby’s due date.

Once you find out you’re expecting, you might wonder if you can get in another trip or two before the baby comes. Traveling with little ones can be more challenging — especially with some of the gear you need to pack.

“There’s a lot to think about when you’re pregnant,” says Nathan Amrine, MD, an obstetrician/gynecologist at PeaceHealth in Vancouver, Washington. “It’s good to ask questions early so you have the information you need to make wise choices.”

Generally, if you’re healthy, you can travel during your first two trimesters. The tips below can help you and your baby stay safe and comfortable.

Driving: 

  • Always wear a seat belt.
  • Place the waist belt low on your hips below your belly.
  • During winter months, take off your coat so the belt stays below your belly.
  • Place the shoulder harness over your shoulder, across your chest, and between your breasts. Never tuck it behind you or under your arm.
  • Sit back as far as you can.
  • Give as much room as you can between your baby and the steering wheel.
  • If needed, add pedal extenders to your car to help you sit farther back.

Flying or riding a bus or train: 

  • Choose an aisle seat so you can move more easily.
  • Wear shoes with room. Swollen feet are normal. Swelling should go down within a day or two after traveling.
  • Consider wearing compression socks. 
  • Drink lots of fluids – especially water.
  • Avoid caffeine.
  • Carry nutritious snacks with you.
  • Plan to get up, use the bathroom or walk around every 60 minutes.

Late stages of pregnancy

“Once you’re a few weeks from delivery, it’s usually best to stay put,” says Dr. Amrine. 

Doctors typically recommend sticking close to home starting at 34 weeks. That means not flying. And not driving more than two hours from where you live, unless it’s for an emergency.

“It’s always hard to predict when the baby might come. Staying close to your doctor and where you plan to give birth will give you peace of mind for a safer delivery,” Dr. Amrine says. 

Talk to your doctor or care team for medical advice specific to your situation. 

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portrait of Nathan F. Amrine MD

Nathan F. Amrine MD

Obstetrics and Gynecology
Dr. Nathan Amrine is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology and is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology. Dr. Amrine earned a bachelor’s degree from Central Washington University and a medical degree from Ross University before completing his residency at LSU Health in Shreveport, Louisiana. Dr. Amrine is focused on providing patient-centered care. "It is important to keep the patient and their family and support persons involved during care, so everyone involved knows what is going on, why it is happening, and what to expect. I believe the patient should be fully engaged with the decision-making process so that we can achieve common care goals." Dr. Amrine chose to serve OB-GYN patients to work with families during all phases of life, from pre-pregnancy to birth, through peri- and post-menopause, including both routine health care and for specific gynecology issues that may arise later in life. Away from work, Dr. Amrine is a devoted husband, father of two and the proud owner of two golden retrievers. He is an avid golfer and sports fan, particularly enjoying college and pro football.