Travelling while pregnant is possible and often perfectly fine, but it needs extra planning and, above all, advice from your own doctor or midwife, as every pregnancy is different. This guide explains what to plan for when travelling while pregnant. It is general information, not medical advice. The most important step is to speak to your doctor or midwife before booking or travelling, and to follow their guidance, which takes precedence over any general advice.
Speak to your doctor or midwife first
Before making any travel plans, speak to your doctor or midwife, as they can advise whether travel is suitable for you, taking into account your pregnancy, health and destination. Their personalised guidance is the most important factor, as every pregnancy is different. Consulting your healthcare professional first, and following their advice on whether, when and where to travel, ensures your plans are safe for you and your baby. No general guidance can replace the individual advice of those caring for your pregnancy, so make this your first step.
Consider the timing
The stage of your pregnancy affects travel, and many find the middle months more comfortable, though what is right for you depends on your circumstances and professional advice. There is no single rule that fits everyone. Discussing the timing of any trip with your doctor or midwife, rather than assuming a particular stage is fine, lets you plan around your own pregnancy. Because comfort and any risks vary through pregnancy and between individuals, the best timing is the one your healthcare professional considers suitable for you specifically.
Check airline policies
Airlines have their own policies on flying during pregnancy, which often apply to later pregnancy and may require a letter from your doctor or midwife confirming your due date and fitness to fly. These vary between airlines. Checking your airline's specific policy well before travelling, and obtaining any letter required, ensures you are allowed to fly and have the necessary documentation. Because airline rules differ and can restrict travel in later pregnancy, confirming the requirements in advance avoids being turned away at the airport or facing unexpected conditions.
Sort suitable travel insurance
Arrange travel insurance that covers pregnancy and any related medical needs, declaring your pregnancy and checking what is included, as standard policies may have limits or exclusions around pregnancy and childbirth. Suitable cover is essential. Our guide on whether you need travel insurance explains cover. Ensuring your insurance properly covers you while pregnant, including any medical care you might need, rather than assuming a standard policy suffices, protects you against the high costs and uncertainty of needing pregnancy-related care abroad without appropriate cover.
Research healthcare at your destination
Find out what healthcare and maternity care is available at your destination, and how you would access it, so you are prepared if you need medical attention while away. Knowing this in advance brings peace of mind. Our guide on what to do if you get ill or injured abroad covers seeking care. Researching the healthcare available where you are going, particularly any maternity services, means that should you need care during your trip, you know where and how to get it, which is a sensible precaution when travelling while pregnant.
Consider destination health risks
Some destinations carry health risks that may be of particular concern during pregnancy, such as certain diseases, so check whether your destination is suitable, guided by your doctor or midwife and official health advice. Some places may be best avoided while pregnant. Our guide on travel vaccinations notes checking health risks. Discussing your destination's health risks with your healthcare professional, and heeding official advice, helps you choose somewhere suitable, as certain risks that are minor concerns normally can be more significant during pregnancy and may influence where you travel.
Vaccinations and medication in pregnancy
Be aware that some vaccinations and medications need careful consideration during pregnancy, so any travel vaccines or medicines must be discussed with your doctor or midwife, who will advise what is safe and appropriate for you. Do not take anything without professional advice. Our guide on taking medication abroad covers carrying medicines. Always seeking professional guidance on vaccinations and medication while pregnant, rather than assuming what is fine, ensures your travel health measures are safe for your pregnancy, which is an area where individual medical advice is especially important.
Flying comfortably
If you fly, take steps to stay comfortable and well, such as moving around regularly, staying hydrated, wearing comfortable clothing, and following any advice on reducing the risks of long periods of sitting. Your doctor or midwife can advise. Being mindful of comfort and circulation during a flight while pregnant, and following professional guidance on long journeys, helps the trip go smoothly. Simple measures like moving about and staying hydrated make flying more comfortable, while any specific precautions for your situation should come from your healthcare professional.
Eat well and stay comfortable
Look after yourself during the trip by eating well, following food and water safety to avoid illness, staying hydrated and rested, and not overdoing activity. Comfort and wellbeing matter more than ever when pregnant. Our guide on food and water safety abroad helps avoid illness. Taking extra care of your health and comfort on the trip, including being careful with food and water and pacing yourself, helps you stay well. Looking after yourself sensibly throughout the holiday supports an enjoyable and trouble-free trip while pregnant.
Carry your maternity notes
Carry your maternity notes and relevant medical information with you when travelling, so that any healthcare professional you see has your details if you need care. This is valuable should a situation arise. Having your maternity records and key information to hand while travelling means that if you require medical attention, those treating you can understand your pregnancy and history. Taking your notes with you is a simple, important precaution that helps ensure you receive appropriate care wherever you are, should the need arise during your trip.
Listen to your body
Above all, listen to your body, rest when you need to, do not push yourself, and seek medical advice if anything concerns you. Your wellbeing and your baby's come first, so adapt your plans as needed. Paying attention to how you feel, taking things at a comfortable pace, and getting professional advice for any worry, rather than ignoring it, is the most important thing on a trip while pregnant. Being willing to rest, slow down or seek help ensures you put your health and your baby's first throughout the holiday.
Consider travelling with support
It can be reassuring to travel with a companion who knows about your pregnancy and can help if you feel unwell or need assistance, rather than travelling entirely alone, particularly later in pregnancy. Having support to hand adds peace of mind. Considering who you travel with, and ensuring they are aware of your situation and ready to help, means you are not on your own if something arises. A supportive companion can make travelling while pregnant more comfortable and less worrying.
In short
Travelling while pregnant is often fine but needs extra planning, and above all advice from your own doctor or midwife, who should be your first port of call. Consider the timing, check airline policies, which may require a letter in later pregnancy, and arrange insurance that covers pregnancy. Research healthcare and any health risks at your destination, discuss vaccinations and medication, stay comfortable, carry your maternity notes, and listen to your body. This is general information, not medical advice, so follow your professional's guidance.
Explore more in our Health & Safety Abroad guides.