Travelling while pregnant

The famous question that many mothers and mothers-to-be have asked themselves at least once during their pregnancy: can you travel while pregnant? On the whole, the answer is yes — but there are several factors to take into account. Let us look at all of this in more detail…

3 questions to ask yourself

A trip planned well in advance? A little weekend escape to get away from the daily routine? If these holidays are due to take place whilst you are pregnant, you need to ask yourself 3 questions:

• Is the destination safe for me and my baby?
• Is my condition up to coping with the journey and its demands?
• Has my doctor given the go-ahead?

As far as the destination is concerned, it is simply a matter of common sense. Travelling to a foreign country is perfectly possible, but it is important to know whether the country in question is generally stable (in terms of health, political climate, and so on). Some countries carry more risk than others and require certain precautions even from the most seasoned travellers. A pregnant woman is naturally more vulnerable and should therefore avoid taking unnecessary risks. Choose peaceful destinations with excellent hygiene standards and a climate that is neither too hot nor too cold, so that you are in the best possible conditions to make the most of your stay.

Mode of transport

Another question arises: which mode of transport can you take?

The car is not contraindicated until the end of your pregnancy, but the closer you get to your due date, the more you will need to reduce your journey time. The main risk is fatigue, and we know that fatigue can trigger contractions and therefore a premature birth. Avoid this mode of transport if you have several hours of driving ahead.

Flying is an entirely viable option during pregnancy. The majority of airlines accept pregnant passengers up to their 8th month, but it is advisable to ask your doctor for a medical certificate in case you need it before boarding. Pack compression socks and make sure you wear comfortable shoes and clothing. If you are on a long-haul flight, try to walk up and down the central aisle from time to time to keep your circulation going.

The train is arguably the most suitable mode of transport when pregnant. You can move around more freely, visit the toilets easily, and cover long distances without any difficulty. Just make sure you ask for help with your luggage! Travelling while pregnant is therefore perfectly possible — just take all the right precautions so you can enjoy your trip to the full before your baby arrives.