Making Travel Plans

avalovesart · May 2011

I just found out I'm pregnant yesterday! My husband and I are both so excited. I'm sure there's probably already a post out there with something like what I'm about to ask, but -- you gotta admit -- there are so many posts to sort through!

Well, my question is about travel. My husband and I both like to travel and take trips several times a year -- sometimes just road trips 3-4 hrs away, sometimes roadtrips 15-20 hhrs away, sometimes domestic flight trips, and sometimes overseas flight trips. I've heard various thoughts on traveling while pregnant...

When is the best time to travel? What should I be careful of? What should I plan for? Is it safe to fly?

My biggest concerns are a long roadtrip with my sister in 3 weeks (when I will be about 7-8 weeks pregnant, and possibly have morning sickness) and a trip my husband and I want to take to Hawaii in the fall.

Thanks everyone!! xoxo

noryang · May 2011

I'll be moving back to the United States from overseas at about 11-12 weeks. I'll be in a plane for something like two days - and other than being miserable - it's not a problem. There are no restrictions on flying (assuming a healthy preganancy with no complications) until the 3rd trimester.

Gernally speaking, I think that there are few, if any, travel restrictions until that 3rd trimester. I did see someone post a restiction at 24 weeks for cruise ships but I don't really know more than that.

The best source of information for YOU would be your doctor.

jonnygurl76 · May 2011

check with your Dr about flying--mine told me no flying after 24 weeks and i am not high risk at all.

the road trips should be fine as long as you feel well and stay hydrated and have use of a bathroom as often as you will need it and you will need to stretch your legs every so often.....but check with your Dr.

domesticatedhuman · May 2011

Depending on how you feel there is a pretty good chance that you will get motion sick being in cars. I have NEVER been motion sick from driving (can read, sleep, whatever no issues) but since I've been pregnant forget about it! If I am not driving I feel like I am going to hurl at any second constantly. It takes all my focus and concentration to not spew chunks even for a few blocks drive. It doesn't seem to go away or get better during the drive, it's constant and really hard to deal with.

If I am not driving right now, I am not going anywhere! It affects everyone differently, but I wouldn't plan on any road trips until you know how you react.

Meow71 · May 2011

I drove to disneyland, about six hours from my house, at about 12 weeks preg. i had morning sickness my whole preg, but i got an rx for zofran that helped a lot. i couldnt go on any rides of course and i was really tired the whole time. it wasnt completely horrible though.

id ask you doctor about zofran and keep it on hand just on case.

The best time to take a vacation (babymoon), like hawaii you are saying, is mid second tri. around 20-24 weeks is when you feel your best. morning sickness has usually passed, although you might get car/motion sickness, and you are not too fat and uncomfortable yet.

I def wouldnt travel more than a couple hours away after 34 weeks. you never know what could happen. preterm labor, pre E, tons of stuff. Always have a plan in case something happens, like know where hospitals are, etc.

Sept1799 · May 2011

You are pretty much due the same day as I am. This is my second pg and with the first one I was sick from the begining to the end. I would not even think about going away to Hawaii. But that being said every pg / person is different. I would think you would be ok to travel with your sister, although you might be sick or may not be.

I would ask your doc about your Hawaii trip in in the fall. The health of your pg is always the deciding factor. Along with any possible illness you could get on the plane or from other tourist.

I know that my last pg I was planning a cruise in Jan (due in May) and my doc really didn't want me to go becuase of all the illness out there. He thought it was not the best idea. He didn't like me being confined. Also if you are on a plane for a long period (again I don't know where you live) you have to make sure you get up and WALK around. Even in long car trips.

Good luck and discuss with yoru doc

MayKay12 · May 2011

I would try to plan most of your trips for second tri when you feel the best. I just flew to San Diego when I was 9/10 weeks and I have severe morning sickness. I was ok on the plane, but the entire trip was not that great since I felt so terrible the whole time. I stayed inside for most of it. If your morning sickness isn't that bad, or only for a small part of the day you should be ok. Maybe you'll be one of the lucky ones and not get it at all.

The beginning of 3rd tri might be ok to travel too. Toward the middle of 3rd tri with DD I couldn't sit anywhere cramped for a long period of time.

sportsmomma · May 2011

Like others have said, 2nd tri is best just for comfort/energy purposes.

The one thing I'd like to add that was somewhat mentioned before it to be sure you get up and move around every hour or so regardless of it's a car trip or plane trip or at least be sure to keep your legs active to prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis which pregnant women are more succeptible to. It's very rare, but can be life threatening to you, so just be sure to get enough fluids and move around every hour or so. Other than that you should be good!

I'm planning at least three trips (one 4-hr car ride, other 2 are plan rides of 2-3 hrs) during this pregnancy and really looking forward to them. Also I have to travel for work by both car and plane during this time and my family is 3 hours away so I'll get plenty of car/plane time! My doctor also said to ask for a patdown instead of going through x-ray scanners if they have those at the airports you are going through.

Happy & safe travels!

[Deleted User] · May 2011

The user and all related content has been deleted.

Want a personalized experience?

Making Travel Plans

Re: Making Travel Plans

Choose Another Board

Search Boards