Traveling in 2nd/3rd tri

slh6363 · May 2013

I am a little confused on the general guidelines for traveling in pregnancy. When does the no travel rule begin and what is the reason? Does this apply to flying, traveling in a car for long periods or both? Is it more of a circulation thing or being away from your OB? I'm trying to figure out vacation plans for this summer and I'm just not sure what to do! What are you planning on doing?

smilejenn · May 2013

I'd consult with your OB. Sometimes their policies vary, and they take your medical history into account when giving you travel guidelines. I drove 8 hours down to the Florida Keys when I was 27 weeks during my first pregnancy without any issue. I was just given the instructions to take breaks often and move my legs in the car to keep circulation going.

inthelost · May 2013

I took a four hour car ride a few days ago and was fine, and will probably go 4-6 hour car rides a few more times before my pregnancy ends. I think it's only towards the end of your 3rd trimester that they tell you to limit your travel (unless you have other medical problems)

thedash · May 2013

I'm due Sept 5. This is my second and I'm attempting VBAC. My doctor told me no flying or car trips over two hours after the 4th of July. I'm actually going to the beach about 7 hours away for the week of the 4th so I guess that will be my last trip!

magdalina.h · May 2013

Ask your dr. After 27w I can't travel more than 2 hrs away because I'm high risk

catycate · May 2013

With my last pregnancy, I flew at 34 weeks. My doc told me I was pushing it, though, and I had no other risks.

cookie2279 · May 2013

For what it's worth, I have been pregnant twice now overseas, posted with the US State Dept (well, my husband is). Their policy worldwide is that you have to fly home when you are 34 weeks pregnant, no later, assuming it is a normal, healthy pregnancy. I think it's not just because that's what OB's will tell you, but also accounts for airline rules. Certain airlines will not accept pregnant women beyond a certain week of pregnancy, dep. on the airline (34 weeks must be the earliest cut-off). If you're driving, I can't help there.

HTH.

VTFutureMrs · May 2013

We will be flying at 30 weeks on a 2 hour flight. We will also be traveling at 35 weeks for a 4 hour car ride. MD says that's fine. She just says for us to take any copies of papers we might need with us in case we deliver in a hospital while we are away.

healthynut · May 2013

Before I had some shortening of my cervix, ,my OB told me not to travel anywhere I wouldn't want to deliver, but that there were no real restrictions. His point was that I wouldn't want to babymoon in Mexico and end up giving birth. Once I had an issues, though, plus a history of preterm labor with my twins, I had to cancel a trip I had planned for a two hour flight at 28 weeks. I'm sure it depends on your pregnancy and your OB.

csspencer · May 2013

I cant travel more than an hour away after 36 weeks. If I'm traveling more than 3.5 hours my OB has be take baby aspirin once a day beginning a few days prior and during the whole trip to help prevent blood clots and take a stretching break every 23 hours. I think every OB has different rules. Btw, I'm not high risk.

AppleMuffins · May 2013

check with your insurance too. if you travel far from home too late in your prenancy and end up going into labor, they won't cover the out of network hospital.

huntjul · May 2013

Consult your OB is the stock answer here, since every woman is different.

I will be flying transatlantic (8-hour flight followed by a 1-hour flight) at 26 weeks for a conference in Ireland.

I will be flying internationally (two 3-hour flights) at 36-37 weeks to go home to the US for delivery.

In both cases I will be wearing support/compression hose, getting an aisle seat, and walking frequently. I don't expect any serious issues, though I do expect to be tired and probably grumpy!

carrotcake06 · May 2013

Talk with your OB. I need to have this convo at my next appt bc of some potential travel at 35w.

W my first, DH went OOT at 37w and my water broke while he was gone. He was able to fly home in time for the birth, luckily!

kje120 · May 2013

I think airlines don't want you flying after 36 weeks because they don't want you going into labor in the air. Ask your OB how late they feel comfortable letting you travel far from home.

I flew at 32 weeks with DS and had no issues at all.

BlessUrHeart29 · May 2013

I'd like to take a 10 hr road trip to the beach at about 30 weeks. I know it won't be comfortable and I'll have to stop to walk around a bunch but as long as everything is still going as well as it is now, then I'm planning to go for it... although I will obviously double check that plan with my OB haha

kcox123 · May 2013

Looks like this is your first. If so, and you are having a normal pregnancy and have no risk factors.. you can freely travel till about 34-37 weeks depending on your OB (some airlines won't allow it past 34 weeks though). Logistically, I wouldn't have been interested in traveling much into my third tri. I just get too uncomfortable. Last pregnancy, I had shortening cervix from 26 weeks on and wasn't allowed to leave town the rest of the pregnancy. I second that poster that said you need to check with insurance too. Mine made it clear to me that any travel after X (I think it was 32 or 34 weeks) would be somewhat at my own risk meaning that they would not cover labor and delivery at an out of network hopsital even if it (as it would obviously be) was an emergency.

BelhurstBride · May 2013

Ditto the recommendations to talk to your doctor.

Mine was okay with me flying to FL at 30 weeks and driving 3 hours (one way) for a bridal shower at 39 weeks.

RedLucia · May 2013

I'd ask your OB.

My OB said no flying starting at 36 weeks. She did not give me restrictions on car travel.

She encouraged me to have a plan for contacting urgent care/ER or an OB while traveling.

mawarren · May 2013

In 5 weeks, I'll be flying to Mexico. I don't see it being a problem. My doctor said he would be concerned about me driving long distance farther along in pregnancy due to the possibility of getting a blood clot.

Svenny1011 · May 2013

We may be flying across the country when I'm 30 weeks for a vacation with the in-laws. I talked to my doctor and she said just no flying after 34 weeks, and that when I do fly to make sure I get up and walk around a lot. I asked specifically about flying, so I don't know much about driving, although I'd think it is the same deal - make some stops and get up to move around a bit. Seems like that would make the long drive a heck of a lot longer though.

Want a personalized experience?

Traveling in 2nd/3rd tri

Re: Traveling in 2nd/3rd tri

Choose Another Board

Search Boards