Travel during pregnancy
...tips and guidance to keep you safe.
 So you want to go on honeymoon and you're expecting a baby?
The #1 thing to do now is talk to your doctor about your plans and agree whether travel during pregnancy will be appropriate and safe for you.
As a general rule, traveling while pregnant is completely safe for the whole pregnancy term ... providing the are no complications or concerns. Of course, every woman is different, which is why it's so important to consult your doctor before making any travel plans. General Pregnancy and Travel Factors to Think About
How many weeks pregnant will you be when you plan to travel?
 According to the American College of Obstretrics and Gynaecology, the safest time for combining pregnancy and travel is during the second trimester (that's 18-24 weeks) because that's when you feel most well and the risk of complications is least.
In the second trimester, any morning sickness should be over and the fatigue of the third trimester should not have set in yet!
You'll find lots of helpful information about all the different Stages in Pregnancy here from 5 times mom Lori.
#1 question here is 'Are you planning to holiday at home or abroad?'
Foreign travel is fantastic ... I'm a huge fan, however, you're planning to travel during pregnancy and you need to consider some extra travel risks carefully ...
- Will you need vaccinations to travel to your destination?
 - Is your destination a malaria-endemic area?
- What are the health-care standards in the country / countries you will visit?
- Is the water safe to drink and could the food upset your tummy? Dehydration as a result of vomiting and / or diarrhoea is a very real problem for pregnant women.
- Is your destination at an altitude higher than 3,658 meters or 12,000 feet?
On LandBus, car and train journeys are generally considered to be safe options for pregnant travelers ... but do try to limit journey time to 5-6 hours at the most.  - On car journeys keep your seatbelt fastened, airbag switched on and remember to take regular breaks to keep your circulation going.
- Trains offer the chance to move around, which is generally safe ... do hold onto seatbacks or rails when walking around. Trains often have loos which is great when traveling during pregnancy ... but boy can they be small and unhygienic! Have your own supply of wipes to hand! (It's great practice for being a mom!)
- Buses and coaches worry me the most with regards to pregnancy and travel! The seats tend to be small, as are the aisles and there are no seatbelts. My recommendation is to remain seated at all times when a bus / coach is moving
By Air
Air travel during pregnancy is generally considered to be safe until the eighth month.
As a general rule, you may be able to fly up to 36 weeks on short-haul routes and between 32-35 weeks for long-haul flights, with appropriate certification from your doctor.
You will need to check with the airline you plan to fly with to check their terms and conditions relating to air travel during pregnancy ... before you book!
On Water Sea travel is generally safe and a cruise can be a wonderfully relaxing and romatic holiday during pregnancy.
Read my Tips for Cruise Travel During Pregnancy for lots more helpd and ideas to make your journey safe, comfortable and enjoyable.
And don't forget to pack your sea-bands in case or motion sickness or morning sickness.
I'm not a doctor! You do need to speak to your medical professional about any travel plans you have ... and if you're aware that your pregnancy is 'high/higher-risk' make that call today!
I've found one great article which will give you more information and also advises you on what to include in your pregnancy travel health kit (at the very end of the article!) Read the article here
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