Pregnancy travel
If you’re thinking of going abroad, you should look into travel insurance that will cover your pregnancy, as well as insure your newborn, in case they arrive early while you’re away. If you’re travelling in Europe, it’s also worth going to your local post office to apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which provides emergency medical care. And whether you’re going abroad or having a ‘staycation’, make sure you always have your maternity notes with you.
Flying when pregnant
Before you book any tickets, check with your doctor first to make sure it’s safe for you to fly. If your return journey occurs between your 28th and 32nd weeks of pregnancy, the airline may request a letter from your doctor confirming that you’re fit to fly. Rules on flying when pregnant can vary from airline to airline, so it’s best to check before booking.
Flying when pregnant, or any long car, bus or train journey, slightly increases the risk of getting deep-vein thrombosis (DVT), but the chance of it happening is still very low. Here are some practical tips to help you minimise the risks:
• Wear ‘anti-DVT’ flight socks for any long journey.
• Walk up and down the aisles every hour or so to encourage circulation – but take care to hold on to the seats to steady your balance.
• If you are restricted to your seat, flex your feet up and down regularly throughout your journey.
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated but avoid caffeinated drinks.
Travelling by sea
If you’re travelling by ferry, the advice regarding when you can travel is practically the same as when flying. Although some ferry companies prefer you to seek medical advice if you’re less than 12 weeks pregnant, and to provide a medical certificate if you’re over 28 weeks. So always best to double check with the company you’re booking with.
Preparing and packing
Here are a few key things to remember before you go away:
• Take all your medical notes, insurance policy and EHIC card.
• Carry a list of the names and numbers of your emergency contacts − including your midwife.
• Make a note of the locations of hospitals near to where you will be staying.
• Pack a higher than normal factor of sunscreen and avoid staying in the sun for too long, as your skin is more sensitive during pregnancy.
• Avoid mosquito repellents containing DEET. Try natural alternatives such as citronella oil, it's best to check with your doctor which remedies are safe for use in pregnancy.
• Avoid diving and water sports.
• You may be more likely to suffer from travel sickness, so try travel sickness bands or take crystallised ginger to nibble.
Pregnancy travel by car
You don’t have to go abroad to have a break. But there are still some things to bear in mind if you’re travelling around by car. Many women worry that wearing a seatbelt will squash their bump, and some even believe that pregnant women are legally allowed to drive without wearing one, which is completely untrue and is also dangerous. So always buckle up and make sure that the lap belt lies snugly under your bump and across your pelvis, with the shoulder belt over the top of your bump and between your breasts.
The other common concern is whether airbags are safe. Essentially they are, but you may want to move your seat back from the dashboard or steering wheel (or tilt the steering wheel upwards) so that it’s further away from your bump.
If you’ve got a question about travelling during your pregnancy, our team of experienced mums and healthcare professionals can help you find the answers. Call them on 0800 996 1000 anytime, or chat to them online through our one-to-one confidential instant messaging service, Live Chat available 8am to 8pm.