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Is it safe to travel while pregnant?

Before you book your tickets, check that your airline and insurance company will allow you to travel while you’re pregnant - istock
Before you book your tickets, check that your airline and insurance company will allow you to travel while you’re pregnant - istock

The short answer is "yes". Travelling on a flight while pregnant generally won’t pose any harm to your baby.

"Travel during pregnancy is a concern for many women," says Dr Sarah Reynolds, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at the Bedford Hospital NHS Trust.

"But if your pregnancy has no complications then there's no reason why you can't travel safely, as long as you take the right precautions."

When is it safe to travel while pregnant?

Always consult your midwife or GP before your departure if you are planning to travel by plane. Levels of exhaustion and nausea tend to be stronger during the early stage of pregnancy (the first 12-15 weeks), so some women avoid flying during this period. The risk of having a miscarriage is higher during the first three months, regardless of whether you are travelling or not.

Travelling during the final months of pregnancy can be equally exhausting and uncomfortable, so many women find it best to travel mid-pregnancy, between four and six months.

From 28 weeks into your pregnancy, most airlines will require a letter from your GP confirming that you are in good health and have a normal pregnancy as well as your expected date of delivery.

Most airlines will not allow you to fly after 37 weeks of pregnancy, or after week 32 if you’re having twins, as the likelihood of giving birth is higher during this period (whether you’re travelling or not). 

Before you book your tickets, check that your airline and insurance company will allow you to travel while you’re pregnant.

Restrictions around travelling while pregnant vary according to airlines. Some may require medical clearance from your midwife or GP if your due date is less than four weeks after your departure date and complications are expected during your delivery.

A pregnant woman by the sea - Credit: istock
Levels of exhaustion and nausea tend to be stronger during the early stage of pregnancy (the first 12-15 weeks) Credit: istock

What risks are there?

Vaccines

Vaccines using live bacteria or viruses are believed to pose the greatest potential risk to your baby if you get them while pregnant. Inactivated vaccines are safe to receive during pregnancy.

"If you must travel to areas requiring inoculation, you should get your jabs," advises Dr Reynolds. "The risk of catching an infectious disease far outweighs the risk from vaccination."

Live vaccines include:

  • BCG (vaccination against tuberculosis)

  • MMR (mumps, measles, and rubella)

  • Oral polio (part of the 6-in-1 vaccine given to infants)

  • Oral typhoid

  • Yellow fever

If it’s impossible for you to avoid travelling to a country that requires a vaccination, talk to your GP who will be able to outline all the risks and benefits of the vaccines you need.

Zika virus

Zika is spread by mosquitoes and is a serious risk for pregnant women, with evidence showing that it can cause birth defects including microcephaly (a condition where the baby is born with an abnormally small head, which can be associated with abnormal brain development). 

Zika outbreaks have been reported in the following areas:

  • Pacific Islands

  • South and Central America

  • The Caribbean

  • Africa

  • Parts of south and south-east Asia

See the A-Z guide to countries with a high, moderate or low risk of Zika.

It is recommended that pregnant women postpone any non-essential travel plans to areas at high risk of the Zika virus and to consider postponing non-essential travel to areas at moderate risk until after the pregnancy, the NHS says

As always, consult your midwife or GP before making travel plans to countries at risk. Also let your doctors know if you’ve just returned from an area with a high or moderate risk of Zika even if you’ve not been unwell during or after your trip. 

Pregnant women are particularly susceptible to malaria
Pregnant women are particularly susceptible to malaria

Malaria

Pregnant women are particularly susceptible to malaria, which in severe cases, can be life-threatening for both mother and baby. But some anti-malaria tablets are not safe to take during pregnancy, so check with your GP for advice on which are the best options for you.

Generally, if possible, it’s advised that you avoid travelling to countries in the following areas which are predominantly affected by malaria:

  • Africa

  • South and Central America

  • Asia

  • The Middle East

There may also be preventative treatment for malaria available if it’s not possible to cancel your trip or postpone it. The type of treatment will depend on the stage of your pregnancy, the NHS notes

Blood clots

Flying for more than four hours raises the risk of deep vein thrombosis (blood clots), but it is not known whether the risk is greater when you are pregnant.

What about travelling by car or at sea?

Road accidents are the most common causes of injury in pregnant women. Always wear your seatbelt with the cross strap across your chest and with the lap belt across your pelvis and under your baby bump (not across it).

It’s best to avoid long car journeys while pregnant but if you can’t avoid it, you should be sure to make regular stops to get of the car and stretch your body. During the journey, flex your feet and wiggle your toes to keep the blood flowing.

Ferry operators may also refuse to allow heavily pregnant women (usually after 32 weeks) to travel, so check the company policy before booking your trip. Before travelling on a cruise or other longer boat journeys, check that there are appropriate medical services and facilities available on board to address any pregnancy-related issues.

More information

Find more advice on travelling during pregnancy at www.nhs.uk.