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Travel During Pregnancy

As long as there are no identified complications or concerns with your pregnancy, it is generally safe to travel during your pregnancy. The ideal time to travel during pregnancy is the second trimester .  In most cases, you are past the morning sickness of the first trimester and several weeks from the third stage of pregnancy when you are more easily fatigued .

Is it safe to travel during pregnancy?

Traveling by air is considered safe for women while they are pregnant; however, the following ideas might make your trip safer and more comfortable.

  • Most airlines allow pregnant women to travel through their eighth month. Traveling during the ninth month is usually allowed if there is permission from your health care provider.
  • Most airlines have narrow aisles and smaller bathrooms, which makes it more challenging to walk and more uncomfortable when using the restroom. Because of potential turbulence that could shake the plane, make sure you are holding on to the seatbacks while navigating the aisle.
  • You may want to choose an aisle seat which will allow you to get up more easily to reach the restroom or just to stretch your legs and back.
  • Travel on major airlines with pressurized cabins and avoid smaller private planes. If you must ride in smaller planes, avoid altitudes above 7,000 feet.
  • Although doubtful, the risk of DVT can be further reduced by wearing compression stockings.

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the International Air Travel Association recommend that expecting mothers in an uncomplicated pregnancy avoid travel from the 37th week of pregnancy through birth. Avoiding travel from 32 weeks through birth is recommended for women who have complicated pregnancies with risk factors for premature labor, such as mothers carrying multiples.

Risk factors that warrant travel considerations include the following:

  • Severe anemia
  • Cardiac disease
  • Respiratory disease
  • Recent hemorrhage
  • Current or recent bone fractures

Traveling by Sea During Pregnancy

Traveling by sea is generally safe for women while they are pregnant; the motion of the boat may accentuate any morning sickness or make you feel nauseous all over again. There are a few considerations to make your trip safer and more comfortable:

  • Check with the cruise line to ensure that there is a health care provider on board in case there are any pregnancy complications .
  • Review the route and port-of-calls to identify if there is access to any medical facilities if needed.
  • Make sure any medications for seasickness are approved for women who are pregnant and that there is no risk to the developing baby.
  • Seasickness bands use acupressure points to help prevent upset stomach and maybe a good alternative to medication.

International Travel During Pregnancy

Traveling overseas has the same considerations that local or domestic travel has, but it also has additional concerns that you need to know about before making an international trip. The information below is provided to help you assess whether an international trip is good for you at this time:

  • It is important to talk with your health care provider before you take a trip internationally to discuss safety factors for you and your baby.
  • Discuss immunizations with your health care provider and carry a copy of your health records with you.
  • With international travel, you may be exposed to a disease that is rare here in the United States but is common in the country you visit.
  • Contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at (800) 311-3435 or visit their website at www.cdc.gov to receive safety information along with immunization facts related to your travels.
  • Diarrhea is a common concern when traveling overseas because you may not be used to the germs and organisms found in the food and water of other countries. This can lead to a problem of dehydration .

Here are some tips to avoid diarrhea and help keep you safe:

  • Drink plenty of bottled water
  • Used canned juices or soft drinks as alternatives
  • Make sure the milk is pasteurized
  • Avoid fresh fruits and vegetables unless they have been cooked or can be peeled (such as an orange or a banana)
  • Make certain that all meat and fish has been cooked completely; if you are unsure, do not eat it

Travel Tips During Pregnancy

Whether you are going by car, bus, or train, it is generally safe to travel while you are pregnant; however, there are some things to consider that could make your trip safer and more comfortable.

  • It is essential to buckle-up every time you ride in a car. Make sure that you use both the lap and shoulder belts for the best protection of you and your baby.
  • Keep the airbags turned on. The safety benefits of the airbag outweigh any potential risk to you and your baby.
  • Buses tend to have narrow aisles and small restrooms. This mode of transportation can be more challenging.  The safest thing is to remain seated while the bus is moving. If you must use the restroom, make sure to hold on to the rail or seats to keep your balance.
  • Trains usually have more room to navigate and walk. The restrooms are usually small. It is essential to hold on to rails or seat backs while the train is moving.
  • Try to limit the amount of time you are cooped up in the car, bus, or train. Keep travel time around five to six hours.
  • Use rest stops to take short walks and to do stretches to keep the blood circulating.
  • Dress comfortably in loose cotton clothing and wear comfortable shoes.
  • Take your favorite pillow.
  • Plan for plenty of rest stops, restroom breaks and stretches.
  • Carry snack foods with you.
  • If you are traveling any distance, make sure to carry a copy of your prenatal records.
  • Enjoy the trip.

Want to Know More?

  • How to Treat Jet Lag Naturally During Pregnancy

Compiled using information from the following sources:

1. Planning Your Pregnancy and Birth Third Ed. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Ch. 5. William’s Obstetrics Twenty-Second Ed. Cunningham, F. Gary, et al, Ch. 8.

2. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Air Travel and Pregnancy (Scientific Impact Paper No. 1), https://www.rcog.org/uk, May 22, 2013.

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can you travel 8 weeks pregnant

Pregnant travelers can generally travel safely with appropriate preparation. But they should avoid some destinations, including those with risk of Zika and malaria. Learn more about traveling during pregnancy and steps you can take to keep you and your baby healthy.

Before Travel

Before you book a cruise or air travel, check the airlines or cruise operator policies for pregnant women. Some airlines will let you fly until 36 weeks, but others may have an earlier cutoff. Cruises may not allow you to travel after 24–28 weeks of pregnancy, and you may need to have a note from your doctor stating you are fit to travel.

Zika and Malaria

Zika can cause severe birth defects. The Zika virus is spread through mosquito bites and sex. If you are pregnant, do not travel to  areas with risk of Zika . If you must travel to an area with Zika, use  insect repellent  and take other steps to avoid bug bites. If you have a sex partner who lives in or has traveled to an area with Zika, you should use condoms for the rest of your pregnancy.

Pregnant travelers should avoid travel to areas with malaria, as it can be more severe in pregnant women. Malaria increases the risk for serious pregnancy problems, including premature birth, miscarriage, and stillbirth. If you must travel to an area with malaria, talk to your doctor about taking malaria prevention medicine. Malaria is spread by mosquitoes, so use  insect repellent and take other steps to avoid bug bites.

Make an appointment with your healthcare provider or a travel health specialist  that takes place at least one month before you leave. They can help you get destination-specific vaccines, medicines, and information. Discussing your health concerns, itinerary, and planned activities with your provider allows them to give more specific advice and recommendations.

Plan for the unexpected. It is important to plan for unexpected events as much as possible. Doing so can help you get quality health care or avoid being stranded at a destination. A few steps you can take to plan for unexpected events are to  get travel insurance ,    learn where to get health care during travel ,  pack a travel health kit ,  and  enroll in the Department of State’s STEP .

Be sure your healthcare policy covers pregnancy and neonatal complications while overseas. If it doesn’t get travel health insurance that covers those items. Consider getting medical evacuation insurance too.

Recognize signs and symptoms that require immediate medical attention, including pelvic or abdominal pain, bleeding, contractions, symptoms of preeclampsia (unusual swelling, severe headaches, nausea and vomiting, and vision changes), and dehydration.

Prepare a  travel health kit . Pregnant travelers may want to include in your kit prescription medications, hemorrhoid cream, antiemetic drugs, antacids, prenatal vitamins, medication for vaginitis or yeast infection, and support hose, in addition to the items recommended for all travelers.

During Travel

Your feet may become swollen on a long flight, so wear comfortable shoes and loose clothing and try to walk around every hour or so. Sitting for a long time, like on long flight, increases your chances of getting blood clots, or deep vein thrombosis. Pregnant women are also more likely to get blood clots. To reduce your risk of a blood clot, your doctor may recommend compression stockings or leg exercises you can do in your seat. Also, see CDC’s Blood Clots During Travel page for more tips on how to avoid blood clots during travel.

Choose safe food and drink. Contaminated food or drinks can cause travelers’ diarrhea and other diseases and disrupt your travel. Travelers to low or middle income destinations are especially at risk. Generally, foods served hot are usually safe to eat as well as dry and packaged foods. Bottled, canned, and hot drinks are usually safe to drink. Learn more about how to choose safer  food and drinks  to prevent getting sick.

Pregnant women should not use bismuth subsalicylate, which is in Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate. Travelers to low or middle income  destinations  are more likely to get sick from food or drinks. Iodine tablets for water purification should not be used since they can harm thyroid development of the fetus.

After Travel

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If you traveled and feel sick, particularly if you have a fever, talk to a healthcare provider immediately, and tell them about your travel. Avoid contact with other people while you are sick.

More Information

CDC Yellow Book: Pregnant Travelers

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Is it safe to fly while I'm pregnant?

Layan Alrahmani, M.D.

Yes, just like other kinds of pregnancy travel , flying while pregnant is safe as long as you're not too close to your due date and don't have any medical complications.

Talk with your healthcare provider before you book your flight to discuss any potential issues and get their go ahead. Know that almost every airline won't let women who are past 36 weeks pregnant fly – and sometimes that's even earlier for international travel.

As long as you and your baby are healthy, you shouldn't have any trouble in the pressurized cabin of a commercial airliner. (Just remember to keep your seat belt on while you're seated – it should sit under your belly and low on your hips.) You don't need to worry about the screening machines at the airport, either. They won't harm your baby.

Your ob-gyn or midwife may be able to help you find a provider at the destination you're visiting in case you need medical attention while you're away. You'll also want to verify what your health and travel insurance policies cover regarding emergencies abroad and flight cancellations, in the event that something happens or you need to cancel your trip.

When is flying while pregnant not safe?

There are some situations when it's not safe to fly while you're pregnant, including if you:

  • are having signs of a possible miscarriage , such as cramping, pain, or bleeding
  • have cervical insufficiency (an incompetent cervix)
  • have preeclampsia
  • have vaginal bleeding
  • are under observation for preterm labor
  • have premature rupture of membranes (PROM), which means you're leaking amniotic fluid or your water has broken but you're not yet in labor

Your healthcare provider may also recommend you not fly if you:

  • are carrying twins or higher multiples after 28 weeks
  • have intrauterine growth restriction
  • have a history of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy
  • have placenta previa or another placental abnormality
  • have any chronic medical condition, such as diabetes or high blood pressure
  • have a history of blood clots
  • have any other conditions that put your pregnancy at extra risk

How late in pregnancy can you fly?

Most airlines won't let pregnant women fly after 36 weeks – if you're planning to get on a plane sometime during your third trimester, check with your airline on their specific pregnancy travel policies before booking your flight.

If your bump makes it look like you're more pregnant than you are , airline employees may ask you to provide a note from your OB or midwife stating you've been cleared to fly, as well as how many weeks pregnant you are. In most cases, it's no problem at all to get this letter from your healthcare provider – just be sure not to wait until the day of travel to ask for it. That's the last bit of travel stress anyone needs!

Tips for flying when pregnant

These tips will help you and your baby stay safe and comfortable on your next flight:

  • For the smoothest ride, request a seat in the middle of the plane over the wing. (This is the area where you're least likely to get airsick too.)
  • For more legroom, try to get a seat in the bulkhead or pay for an upgrade. Stretch your legs and flex your feet as often as possible to minimize swelling.
  • Choose an aisle seat so you can get up easily to go to the bathroom or walk around and stretch – which you should do at least once an hour (every half hour is even better). Pregnant women who sit still for long periods have a higher risk of developing deep vein thrombosis .
  • Wearing compression socks can also help you avoid clots because they keep the blood moving in your legs.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as your feet may become swollen when flying. Opt for loose clothing to stay as comfortable as possible too.
  • Drink lots of fluids (especially water) to avoid the dehydrating effects of dry cabin air. It's best to avoid carbonated drinks when flying – gas expands at higher altitudes and that effect can be uncomfortable.
  • Go to the bathroom frequently, especially before the plane begins its descent. You don't want to be stuck in your seat with a full bladder during the time it takes to land and taxi to the gate.
  • If you're prone to nausea, ask your healthcare provider if you can take prescription anti-nausea medication .
  • Don't be afraid to ask a flight attendant or other passengers who appear able to help you lift your carry-on into the overhead bin.
  • Be sure to pack some healthy snacks and a bottle of water in case you have any unexpected delays on the ground or in the air.

Flying during COVID-19

As long as you're fully vaccinated against COVID-19, it's okay to travel, which includes flying, according to the CDC. If you're not vaccinated, the CDC says you should delay or avoid travel unless it's absolutely essential. Pregnant women who get COVID-19 are at a higher risk for severe illness and hospitalization, as well as preterm birth and other poor pregnancy outcomes. (This is why major health organizations are recommending that women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or are planning on becoming pregnant get the COVID-19 vaccine .)

If you have any questions about flying during COVID-19 or the COVID-19 vaccine, talk to your healthcare provider. They can help you make the best decisions for you and your baby's health.

Was this article helpful?

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BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies .

ACOG. 2019. Air travel during pregnancy. Committee Opinion No. 746. https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2018/08/air-travel-during-pregnancy Opens a new window [Accessed October 2021]

ACOG. 2016. Travel during pregnancy. FAQ055.  http://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Travel-During-Pregnancy Opens a new window  [Accessed October 2021]

March of Dimes. 2016. Travel during pregnancy.  http://www.marchofdimes.org/pregnancy/travel-during-pregnancy.aspx Opens a new window  [Accessed October 2021]

Morof, D.F. 2015. CDC. Travelers' Health, Chapter 8, Advising Travelers with Specific Needs, Pregnant Travelers.  http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2016/advising-travelers-with-specific-needs/pregnant-travelers Opens a new window  [Accessed October 2021]

CDC. 2021. Covid-19: Pregnant and Recently Pregnant People. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/pregnant-people.html Opens a new window [Accessed October 2021]

CDC. 2021. International Travel During Covid-19. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel-during-covid19.html Opens a new window [Accessed October 2021]

Terry Ward

Terry Ward is a freelance travel, health, and parenting writer who has covered everything from flying with toddlers to why you should travel with your kids even when they're too young to remember it. She lives in Tampa, Florida, with her husband and their young son and daughter, and enjoys camping, sailing, scuba diving, skiing, and almost anything else done in the great outdoors.

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What to expect when traveling in each trimester of pregnancy

Summer Hull

So you're pregnant? Congrats! It's an exciting time but also one in which many aspects of your life will begin to change, including travel. While you'll quickly need to understand the airline industry's rules for flying while pregnant , there are some more personal tips I'd like to share with you based on my experience traveling throughout the first, second and third trimesters of both of my pregnancies.

A few truths about pregnancy

Picky, starving moms need to travel with snacks.

I didn't know I was pregnant when I took the first flight of my second pregnancy. I was on a mileage run from Houston to Los Angeles, and by the time we landed, I was super tired, kinda grumpy and oh-my-so-hungry.

Then began a mad search for food. Luckily, Counter Burger was open and serving up sweet potato fries and burgers. Out of habit, I went for the veggie burger but I quickly regretted my decision, which left me far from satisfied with ground-up veggie mush.

In the early stages of pregnancy, your normal travel habits of going a little hungry for a while, or making due with what's around, may not work well.

Throughout your pregnancy, travel with water to stay hydrated and snacks to stave off hunger pangs and keep you going through travel delays. If you're feeling particularly food sensitive, research the food options at your destination ahead of time. I virtually lived on chicken noodle soup for a whole week early in my pregnancy and then, for a couple of days, all I wanted were hush puppies. I know how to get those items at home but when you are on the road, you either need to do more research or be more flexible -- which is sometimes easier said than done.

Related: 4 tips for planning travel while planning a pregnancy

Research and make choices about inflight radiation and other risks

I'm not an expert, but because I fly often, I have given some thought to inflight radiation exposure , especially during the early stages of pregnancy.

For pregnant flight attendants and pilots, the Federal Aviation Administration recommends a limit of 1 mSv during pregnancy, with no more than 0.5 mSv per month. I don't fly as much as an airline employee, but it doesn't take much research to learn that the amount of radiation you (and your gestating baby) are exposed to in the air varies dramatically from route to route. The highest-level routes are typically longer, higher-altitude polar routes. Here's some information from NASA about polar flights and radiation .

Every expectant mother should discuss the risks of flying during pregnancy with her doctor before getting on a plane. For me, nine months was a tiny moment in my traveling life, so I was OK adjusting my behavior a bit out of an abundance of caution. However, I didn't adjust to the point of never leaving my house. We still flew when I was pregnant, but I was judicious about when and where I would fly.

Check your health insurance policy

If you aren't familiar with your medical insurance coverage for when you travel, brush up on those facts now. Look at in-network and out-of-network benefits, as well as coverage for procedures for medical emergencies in other countries, if relevant. Most likely, if you do have coverage for treatment in other countries, you will still be on the hook to pay for your care up front and then submit for reimbursement from your health insurer. Plan accordingly and plan for the unexpected. If your baby decides to arrive early, for instance, check to make sure your insurance would cover possible extended and expensive care in an intensive care unit in a hospital away from your home.

Be sure to check what your health insurance coverage provides if you deliver at another facility later in your pregnancy. I once had an insurance plan that specifically did not cover out-of-network deliveries after 36 weeks, so that is something you would want to know before venturing away from home late in pregnancy.

Consider travel insurance

Trip insurance can be helpful if you are traveling while pregnant. Read the plan's fine print to determine what might be covered and whether you are covered if you already knew you were pregnant when you purchased the plan. Typically, a normal pregnancy or normal delivery would not be covered but if there are unexpected complications with the pregnancy, then related trip-cancellation or trip-interruption coverage may kick in on certain plans in certain situations.

Here are some travel insurance providers to check out: Allianz Travel Insurance, Travel Guard and Travelex Insurance . You can also compare a variety of plans at a portal like SquareMouth .

Here are some articles that will help you brush up on your travel insurance knowledge:

  • The best travel insurance policies and providers
  • What is independent travel insurance and when is it worth it?
  • When to buy travel insurance versus when to rely on credit card protections
  • Is credit card travel insurance sufficient on its own?
  • Why I buy travel insurance

Traveling in the first trimester

Traveling in the first trimester can range from "no big deal" to "I think I'm going to die from misery right this very instant." Symptoms in early pregnancy can vary widely and can change by the day. A flight in your first trimester may be no different from any other flight you've ever taken or it may feel like you are flying with the worst hangover of your life.

Unless you are very high risk or have other extenuating medical issues, your doctor will probably give you the green light to travel in early pregnancy. Feeling extra tired, nauseous and queasy doesn't make for the perfect travel experience, so here are some tips to make travel easier:

Pick an aisle seat and move about the cabin

When you do hit the skies early on, choose a seat where you will be the most comfortable, likely an aisle seat so you can get to the restroom easily. I also recommend getting up to walk around and stretch your legs. (Here are tips for credit cards that will defeat basic economy and let you get a seat assignment in advance.)

Room service come to the rescue

In my first trimester of my second pregnancy, I went on a trip with my daughter and parents to New York City to see the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and I was met with another challenge. I was at the point in my pregnancy when I needed food immediately upon waking or I was going to get queasy. Since I was staying in a hotel room with my young daughter, this meant room service. I also had granola bars and fruit on hand, but that was not enough to really do the trick some mornings. Had my husband been there, he could have gone in search of a warm bagel and juice, but since he wasn't on this trip, we had to improvise. Thanks goodness Marriott elite status helped defray the cost of most of the breakfast!

can you travel 8 weeks pregnant

Take it easy when you need to

Once you are further along in your pregnancy and you actually look pregnant, you will sometimes get a little sympathy or, at least, empathy while traveling. Strangers may offer to help with your bag and people may have more patience with you if you're moving slowly. However, in the first trimester nobody can tell you are pregnant, and no one is going to feel sorry for you. If you act queasy on the plane, you will pretty much be treated like you have Ebola, and any other issue or ailment will pretty much not interest anyone. I once told the flight attendant I was pregnant when she was giving me the eye about looking queasy.

Take care of yourself, don't overdo it and know when to say enough is enough. You may be used to very busy travel days, but now find yourself needing a nap during your first trimester, and that's OK. Listen to your body and adjust accordingly.

Traveling in the second trimester

You have probably heard that the second trimester is generally the easiest of the three trimesters for most expecting moms. You usually aren't as sick and or as tired as in the first trimester, and you aren't as large, uncomfortable and exhausted as in the third trimester. From roughly weeks 13 to 27 of a pregnancy, your activity and comfort levels are often good, and this means that it can be a great time to travel. Couples that like to take "babymoons" (one last couples trip before the baby arrives) often try to schedule them in the second trimester.

Related: The best babymoon destinations for every month of the year

The beginning and end of the second trimester are quite different

You will probably enter the second trimester not really looking pregnant, and end it looking quite different. This means that you may feel very different at the beginning and end of the second trimester. The second trimester is when lots of belly growing happens and this can mean that some types of travel will be more uncomfortable toward the end of these few months of pregnancy than at the beginning.

can you travel 8 weeks pregnant

Consider where you are comfortable traveling

A very personal and important decision to make during the second trimester is to determine if there are certain restrictions you will place on yourself in terms of where you're comfortable traveling. Some types of travel will ban women from traveling during the second trimester. For example, many cruise lines will not allow a woman to book a cruise if she will enter her 24th week of pregnancy (or later) while on the voyage.

Royal Caribbean's policy bars pregnant women from sailing at and after the 24th week. It was developed in concert with the Cruise Lines International Association endorsement of the American College of Emergency Physicians Health Care Guidelines for Cruise Ship Medical Facilities .

Many consider unborn fetuses to be viable if born beginning around 24 weeks (though that age threshold is getting earlier and earlier). This means that a baby born at 24 weeks gestation would have anywhere from a 50% to 70% chance of survival outside the womb if (and only if) there is immediate access to advanced medical care. A cruise ship clearly doesn't have an advanced neonatal care unit on board, so presumably the policy is related to why cruise lines draw the line for pregnant passengers.

I personally draw the line for travel at 23 or 24 weeks when talking about destinations that don't have the same level of advanced medical care as the United States -- or long flights or a flight path that could hinder prompt access to advanced medical care if I happened to unexpectedly go into labor. The Maldives is an example of somewhere I would not want to travel in this instance because there would be significant delays in obtaining medical care on these remote islands.

Plan big, but not too big

The second trimester is a great time to squeeze in a pre-baby trip or two since you will probably feel relatively like to your pre-pregnant self much of the time. We went to Aruba when I was 14 weeks pregnant and it was a fantastic trip. I had lots of energy and a normal appetite. Flying was not uncomfortable because my belly was still pretty small and the only real adjustment was to make sure I had a somewhat larger bathing suit before the trip.

At 23 weeks, I traveled to Spain and still felt pretty energetic and "normal." I will admit that the flight in economy wasn't super comfortable since I did have a belly that was hindering curling up in positions that usually help me sleep on the plane, but our time on the ground in Spain wasn't really impacted at all by the pregnancy other than missing out on the Spanish wine.

The great thing about both of those trips was that they were at my own pace. This meant that if I didn't feel like doing much one afternoon, I could take it easy. Even though you may feel great in the second trimester, you can still tire more quickly than normal, so be sure to limit your vacation activities to those you can manage. There are also activities that some doctors might advise against by the second trimester like thrill rides, scuba diving or horseback riding, so double-check any restrictions before planning more adventurous outings.

can you travel 8 weeks pregnant

Traveling in the third trimester

Pregnancy isn't an illness or disease. For many families, it's just a normal phase in a woman's life before a new baby joins the family. Assuming things are going well, it's not a time when you have to cancel all travel. However, once the third trimester rolls around, travel can get a more complicated and does eventually have to stop.

The beginning and end of the third trimester are quite different

Changes come even more quickly in the third trimester. You enter the third trimester about 28 weeks pregnant and end it with a newborn. This means that types of travel that are possible at 27 and 28 weeks pregnant may be inadvisable, or even prohibited, at 37 and 38 weeks pregnant.

Select destinations and activities carefully

In the final months of pregnancy, some activities are probably going to be more comfortable and enjoyable than others. For example, swimming and spa time may be exactly what you need.

I give strong preference to visiting beach and resort destinations in the final trimester. Trust me when I say that few activities are as comfortable in the third trimester as floating in the water! We went to The Phoenician (a Marriott property) in Scottsdale, Arizona, when I was about 31 weeks pregnant and even with my big belly, it was the perfect mix of spa, swimming and fun activities for our 5 year old before both our lives changed.

can you travel 8 weeks pregnant

You are going to get uncomfortable

Maybe this isn't universal and there are some magical creatures out there who never feel uncomfortable during pregnancy, but every mom I know eventually hit a point in her pregnancy when she wasn't comfortable. For many, this means that sitting for an extended time in a small airline seat, standing in long lines or trekking around in the heat to explore a city all day eventually become pretty miserable activities.

No one can tell you when you will hit that point, but it will likely happen in the third trimester. For me, my back started giving me a bunch of trouble at around week 30 or 31. I was incredibly grateful there were no more flights scheduled during that pregnancy beyond that point.

If you are going to fly during the later weeks of your third trimester and have the ability to secure a more comfortable seat up front, or at least one with extra legroom so you can stretch out, it may well be a good investment in your comfort. I brought a tennis ball with me when I flew so I could give myself a bit of a "back massage" against the airplane seat.

can you travel 8 weeks pregnant

Bring your own pillows

Sleep becomes a challenge in the third trimester for many women and a pillow fort of sorts becomes a necessity to get some good shut-eye. Many pregnant moms find that using some sort of body pillow or pillow arrangement helps to keep their bellies supported and comfortable at night. You can't assume that the hotel will have similar pillows, so bring your own if they become essential to good rest in your third trimester. I had no shame in hauling my pillow fort with me on our last road trip at eight months pregnant.

See if you are allowed to fly

Even if your doctor OKs it, many airlines have rules about women flying in the third trimester. Check out airline rules for traveling while pregnant for complete details, but generally speaking, most U.S. airlines don't have many flight restrictions until the last month of pregnancy. However, many international airlines do have restrictions and documentation requirements beginning at 28 weeks. If you are pregnant with more than one baby, the restrictions kick in even earlier.

Decide when to stop traveling

I'm all for traveling while pregnant but, realistically, most women will want to stop traveling at some point in the third trimester. I would imagine by about 36 or 37 weeks, most women will probably decide to stay closer to home. I went on a road trip about three hours from home at 35 weeks and then called it quits for the rest of the pregnancy. There's still a whole new world of travel waiting once a new baby joins the family .

can you travel 8 weeks pregnant

Bottom line

There is usually no reason to stop traveling when you're expecting. During my last pregnancy, I went on 12 trips, 28 flights, visited four countries and I'm very glad I had the opportunity to stay that active. I'm also glad that I grounded myself from flight after 31 weeks and from road trips at 35 weeks because those were the right decisions for my comfort level.

Travelling in pregnancy

With the proper precautions such as travel insurance, most women can travel safely well into their pregnancy.

Wherever you go, find out what healthcare facilities are at your destination in case you need urgent medical attention. It's a good idea to take your maternity medical records (sometimes called handheld notes) with you so you can give doctors the relevant information if necessary.

Find out more about getting healthcare abroad .

Make sure your travel insurance covers you for any eventuality, such as pregnancy-related medical care during labour, premature birth and the cost of changing the date of your return trip if you go into labour .

When to travel in pregnancy

Some women prefer not to travel in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy because of  nausea and vomiting and feeling very tired during these early stages. The risk of  miscarriage is also higher in the first 3 months, whether you're travelling or not.

Travelling in the final months of pregnancy can be tiring and uncomfortable. So, many women find the best time to travel or take a holiday is in mid-pregnancy, between 4 and 6 months.

Flying in pregnancy

Flying isn't harmful to you or your baby, but discuss any health issues or pregnancy complications with your midwife or doctor before you fly.

The chance of going into labour is naturally higher after  37 weeks (around 32 weeks if you're carrying twins), and some airlines won't let you fly towards the end of your pregnancy. Check with the airline for their policy on this.

After week 28 of pregnancy, the airline may ask for a letter from your doctor or midwife confirming your due date, and that you are not at risk of complications. You may have to pay for the letter and wait several weeks before you get it.

Long-distance travel (longer than 4 hours) carries a small risk of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis (DVT)) . If you fly, drink plenty of water and move about regularly – every 30 minutes or so. You can buy a pair of graduated compression or support stockings from the pharmacy, which will help reduce leg swelling.

Travel vaccinations when you're pregnant

Most vaccines that use live bacteria or viruses aren't recommended during pregnancy because of concerns that they could harm the baby in the womb.

However, some live travel vaccines may be considered during pregnancy if the risk of infection outweighs the risk of live vaccination. Ask your GP or midwife for advice about specific travel vaccinations. Non-live (inactivated) vaccines are safe to use in pregnancy.

Malaria tablets

Some anti-malaria tablets aren't safe to take in pregnancy so ask your GP for advice.

Zika virus is mainly spread by mosquitoes found in some parts of the world. For most people it's mild and not harmful, but can cause problems if you're pregnant.

If you are pregnant, it is not recommended to travel to parts of the world where the Zika virus is present, such as parts of:

  • South and Central America
  • the Caribbean
  • the Pacific islands

Check before you travel

It's important to check the risk for the country you're going to before you travel.

Find out more about the Zika virus risk in specific countries on the Travel Health Pro website

Car travel in pregnancy

It's best to avoid long car journeys if you're pregnant. However, if it can't be avoided, make sure you stop regularly and get out of the car to stretch and move around.

You can also do some exercises in the car (when you're not driving), such as flexing and rotating your feet and wiggling your toes. This will keep the blood flowing through your legs and reduce any stiffness and discomfort. Wearing compression stockings while on long car journeys (more than 4 hours) can also increase the blood flow in your legs and help prevent blood clots.

Tiredness and dizziness are common during pregnancy so it's important on car journeys to drink regularly and eat natural, energy-giving foods, such as fruit and nuts.

Keep the air circulating in the car and wear your seatbelt with the cross strap between your breasts and the lap strap across your pelvis under your bump, not across your bump.

Road accidents are among the most common causes of injury in pregnant women. If you have to make a long trip, don't travel on your own. You could also share the driving with your companion.

Sailing in pregnancy

Ferry companies have their own restrictions and may refuse to carry heavily pregnant women (often beyond 32 weeks on standard crossings and 28 weeks on high-speed crossings ). Check the ferry company's policy before you book.

For longer boat trips, such as cruises, find out if there are onboard facilities to deal with pregnancy and medical services at the docking ports.

Food and drink abroad in pregnancy

Take care to avoid food- and water-borne conditions, such as stomach upsets and travellers' diarrhoea . Some medicines for treating stomach upsets and travellers' diarrhoea aren't suitable during pregnancy.

Always check if tap water is safe to drink. If in doubt, drink bottled water. If you get ill, keep hydrated and continue eating for the health of your baby, even if you're not hungry.

Find out about a healthy diet in pregnancy , and foods to avoid in pregnancy .

Page last reviewed: 17 August 2022 Next review due: 17 August 2025

Flying While Pregnant? Check Out the Policies on 25 Global Airlines

can you travel 8 weeks pregnant

In the absence of obstetric or medical complications, occasional air travel during pregnancy is generally safe, according to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology  (ACOG). Like other travelers, pregnant women should use seat belts while seated. 

Most commercial airlines allow pregnant women to fly up to 36 weeks of gestation, with some restrictions on international flights. 

ACOG does not recommend air travel for pregnant women with medical or obstetric conditions that may be exacerbated by flight or that could require emergency care. It advises checking flight durations when planning travel and that the most common obstetric emergencies occur in the first and third trimesters.

Once aboard a flight, conditions including changes in cabin pressure and low humidity, coupled with the physiologic changes of pregnancy, do result in adaptations, including increased heart rate and blood pressure, reports ACOG. And those traveling on long-haul flights face the risks associated with immobilization and low cabin humidity. This can cause issues such as lower extremity edema and venous thrombotic events.

ACOG recommends preventive measures to minimize these risks, including the use of support stockings, regular movement of the lower extremities, avoid wearing restrictive clothing and encourage regular hydration. It also advises against consuming gas-producing foods or drinks before a flight.

Other ways for pregnant women to be comfortable on their flights include: booking a bulkhead seat for more legroom; reserving an aisle seat for easy access to lavatories and to walk; elevating your legs on a carry-on bag to avoid swelling and cramps; and wearing a layered, comfortable outfit for changing cabin temperatures.

Airlines around the world have different rules and regulations on when and how long pregnant women can fly. Below are the policies from 25 airlines around the world.

The French flag carrier does not require pregnant women to carry a medical certificate for travel during pregnancy. It recommends avoiding travel in the final month of pregnancy, as well as during the first seven days after delivery. The airline also recommends expecting mothers seek their doctor's opinion before traveling.

India’s flag carrier allows expectant mothers in good health to fly up to and including their 27th week of pregnancy. After 27 weeks, if the pregnancy is anticipated to be a normal delivery, an expectant mother will be accepted for travel up to the 35th week, but a medical certificate confirming the mother is fit to travel is required by an attending obstetrician and dated within three days of travel.

Air New Zealand

For single, uncomplicated pregnancies and clearance from a doctor or midwife women can take flights more than four hours up to the end of their 36th week. For flights under four hours, it's up to the end of the 40th week. Women pregnant with twins can fly more than four hours up to their 32nd week and less than four hours until the 36th week.

The airline recommends that women past their 28th week carry a letter from a doctor or midwife that says you are fit for travel, confirming your pregnancy dates and that there are no complications.

The airline's medical team must offer clearance for women experiencing the following: a complicated pregnancy, such as placenta previa or bleeding; a multiple pregnancy; a history of premature labor; or have begun the early stages of labor. 

Italy's flag carrier has no travel restrictions for expectant mothers during the first eight months of pregnancy. But if traveling within the last four weeks of pregnancy, expecting multiple births, or having a complicated pregnancy, medical clearance is required. Completion of a Medical Information Form, MEDIF , prior to travel and signed by both the passenger and doctor is required.

Alitalia advises pregnant not to fly seven days prior to and seven days after giving birth, or if there is a risk of a premature birth or other complications. It will make staff available to escort pregnant women from the airport check-in counter to the boarding gate. Staff onboard the flight will help stow carry-on luggage. Seats can be pre-assigned and women cannot sit in an exit row.

All Nippon Airways

The Japanese carrier requires women within 15 to 28 days of their due date to fill out and carry a medical information form . Women within 14 days of their due date are required to have a medical form and travel with a doctor. The form must indicate there are no complications of pregnancy, that the passenger has no health problems preventing them from flying and the due date. It must be completed by a doctor and submitted no more than seven days prior to departure.

American Airlines

The Fort Worth-based carrier has different rules for international and domestic flights. If a due date is within four weeks of a flight, you must provide a doctor’s certificate stating that you’ve been recently examined and you’re fit to fly. For domestic flights under five hours, pregnant women won’t be permitted to travel within seven days (before and after) their delivery date. Those who need travel within this timeframe will need approval from a physician and help from a special assistance coordinator . The pregnant woman's physician will be required to fill out a passenger medical form before a flight. A special assistance coordinator will send the form directly to your physician.

Clearance from a special assistance coordinator is required for international travel or travel over water. Within four weeks of a due date also requires a physician's note stating that you’ve been examined within the past 48 hours and you’re fit to fly. And seven days before or after delivery also requires a passenger medical form to be completed by your physician.

British Airways

The U.K. carrier does not allow pregnant women to fly after the end of the 36th week if you are pregnant with one baby or the end of the 32nd week if you are pregnant with more than one baby. While it isn't mandated, British Airways recommends all expecting mothers carry a confirmation from a doctor or midwife, such as a letter or certificate, in addition to your pregnancy record. It should be written within seven days prior to travel and confirm your approximate due date, that you're fit to travel and that there are no complications with your pregnancy.

Cathay Pacific

 Hong Kong's flag carrier requires that women with pregnancies after 28 weeks carry a medical certificate, dated within 10 days of travel that states the following: 

  • single or multiple pregnancy
  • estimated week of pregnancy
  • expected due date 
  • certifying you are in good health and the pregnancy is progressing normally, without complications
  • that you are fit to travel

The airline accepts pregnant women with uncomplicated single pregnancies to travel up to 36 weeks and uncomplicated multiple pregnancies up to 32 weeks.

Delta Air Lines

The Atlanta-based carrier does not impose restrictions on flying for pregnant women, so a medical certificate is not required to travel. But the airline will not waive ticket change fees and penalties for pregnancy. The airline recommends that those flying after their eight month should check with their doctor to be sure travel is not restricted.

The U.K.-based airline has no restrictions for pregnant passengers traveling up to the end of the 35th week of single pregnancies and the end of the 32nd week for multiple pregnancies.

Pregnant women can travel up to their 29th week without a medical certificate. After that, they require a certificate or letter signed by a qualified doctor or midwife that states whether the pregnancy is single or multiple, is progressing without complications, includes an estimated due date, that you are in good health and there's no known reason to prevent you from flying. Pregnant passengers are not allowed to fly after the 32nd week of a multiple pregnancy, and after the 36th week of a single pregnancy.

This Abu Dhabi-based carrier allows women with single or multiple pregnancies to travel during the first 28 weeks without a medical certificate. For single pregnancies between 29 and 36 weeks, a medical certificate is required. After 37 weeks, pregnant women will not be allowed to travel. For multiple pregnancies, a certificate is required between the 29th and 32nd week; after that, women will not be allowed to travel.

The medical certificate must include the following: 

  • Be issued and signed by a doctor or midwife
  • Written on a clinic/hospital letterhead and/or stamped by the doctor or midwife
  • State that the guest is fit to fly
  • State if the pregnancy is single or multiple
  • State the number of weeks of pregnancy and the Expected Date of Delivery 
  • Easily understood and written in Arabic or English. Other languages are accepted but must be verified by Etihad Airways' check-in staff

The original medical certificate shall be accepted for the whole journey (originating, return and stopover flights), provided the above validity criteria is met for each sector. And it is valid for three weeks from the date of issue.

The New York-based carrier does not allow pregnant customers expecting to deliver within seven days to travel unless they provide a doctor's certificate dated no more than 72 hours prior to departure stating that the woman is physically fit for air travel to and from the destinations requested on the date of the flight and that the estimated date of delivery is after the date of the last flight.

The Dutch flag carrier recommends pregnant mothers not fly after the 36th week, along with the first week following delivery. For those expecting more than one baby, the carrier recommends consulting with a physician prior to flying. If you have had complications, you always need to have permission to fly from your physician.

Expectant mothers with complication-free pregnancies can fly on the German flag carrier until the end of the 36th week of pregnancy or up to four weeks before their expected due date without a medical certificate from a gynecologist. But the airline recommends that pregnant women beyond the 28th week have a current letter from a gynecologist that includes confirmation that the pregnancy is progressing without complications and the expected due date. The doctor should expressly state that the patient’s pregnancy does not prevent her from flying.

Because of the increased risk of thrombosis during pregnancy, the airline does recommend that expectant mothers wear compression stockings while flying.

Malaysia Airlines

The Malaysian flag carrier requires medical clearance for expectant mothers approaching 35 weeks for international travel or 36 weeks for domestic travel. If medical clearance is required, the MEDIF application form should be completed by a doctor and submitted to the airline through its ticketing offices or travel agents at least five working days before traveling.

Philippine Airlines

An expectant mother who is in normal health and with no pregnancy complications will be allowed to fly after filling out an EMIS form . Pregnant women may be accepted for travel if they are not beyond 35 weeks when they fill out Part One of the EMIS form. Those between 24 and 32 weeks of pregnancy will have to fill out EMIS Form Part 2. And if the expectant mother is below 21 years of age, the consent in writing of the husband, parent or guardian must be secured. For expectant mothers beyond 32 weeks of pregnancy, EMIS Part 3 must be accomplished by the Flight Surgeon or Company Physician, who shall issue the clearance for travel

After the 28th week, women are required to have a certificate or letter from a registered medical practitioner or registered midwife confirming the delivery date, whether it's a single or multiple pregnancy and that the pregnancy is routine.

For flights longer than four hours, women can fly up to the end of the 36th week for single pregnancies and the end of the 32nd week for multiple pregnancies. For flights under four hours, women can travel up to the end of the 40th week for single pregnancies and the end of the 36th week for multiple pregnancies. The carrier requires medical clearance  if there are pregnancy complications or it's not a routine pregnancy.

Qatar Airways

 No doctor's note is required for women traveling through their 28th week of pregnancy. Expectant mothers can fly between week 29 and week 32 with a doctor's note and a pregnancy with no complications. Those with a multiple pregnancy will need a doctor's note and a  Medical Information Form (MEDIF) . Between weeks 33 and 35, women will need a doctor's note and a MEDIF. The airline does not accept women in their 36th week and beyond.

 The low-cost Irish carrier allows expectant mothers to fly up to their 28th week of pregnancy. After that, the airline requires women to have a ‘fit to fly’ letter from their midwife or doctor. For an uncomplicated single pregnancy, travel is not permitted beyond the end of the 36th week of pregnancy, while the cut-off for an uncomplicated multiple pregnancy is 32 weeks. 

Singapore Airlines

For uncomplicated single pregnancies, the carrier restricts expectant mothers from travelling beyond the 36th week of pregnancy; for uncomplicated multiple pregnancies, the restriction is the 32nd week.

For uncomplicated single pregnancies between 29 weeks and 36 weeks, expectant mothers must provide a medical certificate stating the following: (1) fitness to travel, (2) number of weeks of pregnancy and (3) estimated date of delivery. The certificate should be dated within ten days of the date of the first flight exceeding 28 weeks of pregnancy. This certificate will have to be presented at check-in when requested.

Southwest Airlines

The Dallas-based carrier advises expectant mothers at any stage of pregnancy to consult with their physicians prior to air travel. The airline recommends against air travel beginning at the 38th week of pregnancy. It warns that in some cases, traveling by air has been known to cause complications or premature labor. Depending on their physical condition, strength, and agility, pregnant women may, in some cases, be asked not to sit in the emergency exit row.

Turkish Airlines

Turkey's flag carrier allows mothers pregnant with one child to travel between the 28th and 35th week if they have a doctor's report that includes the phrase, “There is no particular reason for the patient not to fly.” For women pregnant with more then one baby, the travel cut-off is the end of the 31st week with a doctor's report. The report has to be no more than seven days from the travel date. 

United Airlines

Any woman in the first 36 weeks of pregnancy will be allowed to travel on the Chicago-based carrier without medical documentation. An expectant mother traveling after the 36 weeks of pregnancy must have the original and two copies of an obstetrician’s certificate, which must be dated within 72 hours of a flight’s departure. The original certificate should be submitted to a United representative at check-in.

Virgin Atlantic

 The London-based airline allows travel without restrictions until the 28th week of pregnancy provided that you're free from complications to that point. The carrier asks pregnant mothers to inform its Special Assistance department so they can offer appropriate inflight health advice. Between the 28th and 36th weeks of pregnancy, a doctor's or midwife's certificate is required, stating that the passenger is safe for travel and the expected due date (32 weeks if carrying multiples in an uncomplicated pregnancy). Beyond the 36th week of pregnancy, travel is only permitted for medical/compassionate reasons and the pregnant passenger is required to be accompanied by a medical escort. This travel is subject to the approval of a Virgin Atlantic doctor.

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Travelling while pregnant

Find useful information and considerations to help you prepare for safe and healthy travels outside Canada while pregnant.

With careful preparation, travelling while pregnant can be safe. The decision to travel should be made in consultation with your health care professional, based on your personal health circumstances.

On this page

Before you go, while you're away, if you need help.

Medical practices, health standards and infection control measures vary from country to country. You may not have access to the same level of care, procedures, treatments and medications as you would in Canada.

You could also be at increased risk of getting an infection and/or developing severe complications from certain infections, which could also affect the fetus.

Before leaving Canada:

  • consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic at least 6 weeks before travelling to get personalized health advice and recommendations
  • check our Travel Advice and Advisories for country-specific information, including about possible health risks
  • know how to seek medical assistance outside of Canada
  • review the policy and the coverage it provides
  • most policies do not automatically cover pregnancy-related conditions or hospital care for premature infants
  • ask your insurance provider about coverage for medical care during pregnancy, giving birth and intensive care for you and your fetus or newborn
  • carry a copy of your prenatal records
  • talk to your health care professional about any additional items you may want to bring that are specific to your health needs

Local laws and medical services relating to pregnancy can differ from Canada. Learn the local laws, and how these may apply to you before you travel.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

Many vaccines can be safely given during pregnancy. Due to a higher risk of more severe outcomes for you and your fetus, some vaccines are recommended specifically during pregnancy, such as tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (DTaP) and influenza.

Don’t take medications you may still have from prior trips. Tell the health care professional about your pregnancy, or intended pregnancy, before filling any prescriptions. The decision to get any pre-travel vaccinations or medications should be discussed with your health care professional.

The decision can depend on:

  • your purpose of travel (e.g., tourism, visiting friends and relatives)
  • your planned destination(s)
  • the length of your trip
  • your risk of getting a disease
  • how severe the effect of a disease would be to you and/or your fetus
  • your planned activities
  • any underlying medical issues and/or pregnancy-related complications

Malaria could cause major health problems for a mother and her unborn baby. A pregnant woman may want to consider avoiding travel to areas where malaria transmission occurs.

Description of malaria risk by country and preventative measures.

If you can’t avoid travelling to an area where malaria is present:

  • some medications to prevent or treat malaria may not be safe during pregnancy
  • take extra care to protect yourself from mosquito bites

Zika virus infection during pregnancy can pose significant risks to your fetus even if you don’t develop symptoms. While pregnant, you may want to consider avoiding travelling to a country or areas with risk of Zika virus.

Latest travel health advice on Zika virus.

If you choose to travel, take precautions to avoid infection with Zika virus:

  • prevent mosquito bites at all times
  • protect yourself from contact with semen, vaginal fluid and blood
  • always use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact while in countries or areas with risk of Zika virus

Learn more about Zika virus and pregnancy:

  • Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy
  • Zika virus: Advice for travellers
  • Pregnancy and travel (tropical medicine and travel)

Monitor your health and be prepared

Emergencies can happen at any time. Know where the nearest hospital or medical centre is while you are travelling and confirm they will accept your medical insurance.

Seek medical attention immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms while travelling:

  • persistent vomiting and/or diarrhea
  • dehydration
  • vaginal bleeding
  • passing tissue or clots
  • abdominal pain, cramps or contractions
  • your water breaks
  • excessive swelling of face, hands or legs
  • excessive leg pain
  • severe headaches
  • visual problems

If you develop these symptoms after your return to Canada, you should see a health care professional immediately and tell them about your recent trip.

Transportation

Always wear a seatbelt when travelling by plane or car. When using a diagonal shoulder strap with a lap belt, the straps should be placed carefully above and below your abdomen. If only a lap belt is available, fasten it at the pelvic area, below your abdomen.

If you have any medical or pregnancy-related complications, discuss with your health care professional whether air travel is safe for you.

Most airlines restrict travel in late pregnancy or may require a written confirmation from a physician. Check this with the airline before booking your flight.

During long flights, you may be at higher risk of developing blood clots, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The risk of deep vein thrombosis can be reduced by:

  • getting up and walking around occasionally
  • exercising and stretching your legs while seated
  • selecting an aisle seat when possible
  • wearing comfortable shoes and loose clothing

Your health care professional may recommend additional ways to reduce your risk such as wearing compression stockings.

Always stay well hydrated while travelling.

Land travel

The risk of deep vein thrombosis can be reduced by:

  • stopping the vehicle to walk around every couple of hours

Motion sickness

Certain medications used to treat nausea and vomiting during pregnancy may also be effective in relieving motion sickness.

If you think you might experience motion sickness during your trip, speak to your health care professional about the use of these medications.

Environmental and recreational risks

Some activities may not be recommended or may require additional precautions. Discuss your travel plans, including any planned or potential recreational activities with a health care professional.

High altitude

You should avoid travelling to an altitude above 3,658 metres (12,000 feet).

However, if you have a high-risk pregnancy and/or are in the late stages of pregnancy, the highest altitude should be 2,500 metres (8,200 feet).

If you have pregnancy-related complications, you should avoid unnecessary high-altitude exposure.

Keep in mind that most high-altitude destinations are far from medical care services.

Personal protective measures

Food-borne and water-borne diseases.

Eat and drink safely while travelling while travelling. Many food-borne and water-borne illnesses can be more severe during pregnancy and pose a risk to the fetus.

This can include:

  • toxoplasmosis
  • listeriosis
  • hepatitis A and E

To help avoid food-borne and water-borne diseases:

  • before eating or preparing food
  • after using the bathroom or changing diapers
  • after contact with animals or sick people
  • before and after touching raw meat, poultry, fish and seafood
  • if you’re at a destination that lacks proper sanitation and/or access to clean drinking water, only drink water if it has been boiled or disinfected or if it’s in a commercially sealed bottle
  • use ice made only from purified or disinfected water
  • this could cause the fetus or newborn to develop thyroid problems
  • unpasteurized dairy products, such as raw milk and raw milk soft cheeses
  • unpasteurized juice and cider
  • raw or undercooked eggs, meat or fish, including shellfish
  • raw sprouts
  • non-dried deli meats, including bologna, roast beef and turkey breast
  • don’t use bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol®)
  • Information on travellers’ diarrhea

Illnesses acquired from insect and other animals

Protect yourself from insect bites:

  • wear light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
  • prevent mosquitoes from entering your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows
  • use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes can’t be prevented from entering your living area
  • information on insect bite and pest prevention

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. You should avoid contact with animals including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats.

Information for if you become sick or injured while travelling outside Canada.

For help with emergencies outside Canada, contact the:

  • nearest Canadian office abroad
  • Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa

More information on services available at consular offices outside Canada.

Related links

  • Immunization in pregnancy and breastfeeding: Canadian Immunization Guide
  • Advice for Canadians travelling to Zika-affected countries
  • Advice for women travellers
  • If you get sick before or after returning to Canada
  • Receiving medical care in other countries
  • Travel vaccinations
  • What you can bring on a plane

8 Weeks Pregnant

Medical review policy, latest update:, your baby at week 8, at a glance, 8 weeks pregnant is how many months, how big is my baby at 8 weeks, baby's growing fast, baby's got lips, a nose and eyelids, baby is on the move, your body at week 8.

baby size at 8 weeks pregnant

Morning sickness

Eating fruit during pregnancy, pregnancy symptoms week 8, tips for you this week.

What to Expect When You’re Expecting , 5th edition, Heidi Murkoff. WhatToExpect.com, Headaches During Pregnancy , July 2021. WhatToExpect.com, What Sunscreen Is Safe During Pregnancy? , April 2022. WhatToExpect.com, 18 Best Foods to Eat During Pregnancy , April 2022. Mayo Clinic, Fetal Development: The 1st Trimester , June 2022. KidsHealth From Nemours, Week 8 , May 2022. National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, Fetal Development , July 2021. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, How Your Fetus Grows During Pregnancy , December 2021. Johns Hopkins Medicine, The First Trimester , August 2021. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Morning Sickness: Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy , December 2021. National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy , June 2011. UpToDate, Patient Education: Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy (Beyond the Basics) , April 2023. Society for Endocrinology, Relaxin , Jul 2021. American College of Gastroenterology, Belching, Bloating, and Flatulence , January 2022. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Skin Conditions During Pregnancy , July 2022. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Exercise During Pregnancy , March 2022. WhatToExpect.com, Morning Sickness and Nausea During Pregnancy , December 2022. WhatToExpect.com, How Many Weeks, Months and Trimesters in a Pregnancy? , May 2022. WhatToExpect.com, Home Remedies for Pregnancy Morning Sickness , October 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Chinese Gender Predictor , May 2023. WhatToExpect.com, Hot Tubs and Saunas During Pregnancy , October 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Bleeding After Sex During Pregnancy , July 2022. WhatToExpect.com, Melasma (Mask of Pregnancy) , March 2023. WhatToExpect.com, Sensitive Skin During Pregnancy , February 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Baby Registry Checklist: Exactly What to Put on a Baby Registry , April 2023. WhatToExpect.com, Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy (Leukorrhea) , January 2022. WhatToExpect.com, Fatigue During Pregnancy , November 2022. WhatToExpect.com, What to Do About Bloating During Pregnancy , February 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Food Cravings and Aversions During Pregnancy , April 2021.

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As long as she is back up to her birth weight and gaining appropriately then let her sleep!

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can you travel 8 weeks pregnant

The FAA Has Issued a Travel Warning Ahead of the Total Solar Eclipse

I n the event that you’ve been living under a rock these past few weeks, we’re fast approaching the next total solar eclipse, colloquially known as the “Great North American Eclipse.” Set to travel “a narrow path of totality from across 13 U.S. states” on April 8, this eclipse really has the people going. Case in point: when Delta announced it would be operating a path of totality flight , it sold out in less than 24 hours — and for good reason. Totality, the stage of a solar eclipse in which the moon completely blocks the sun, happens once every year or two and is typically only visible from Earth’s poles or the middle of the ocean. 

That said, it might not make for an altogether smooth day of travel for those with plans to do so. In fact, the FAA has released a travel advisory stating as much. “The purpose of this notice is to inform airmen of the possible impacts to air traffic and airports along the eclipse path during the period April 7, 2024, 1000 UTC through April 10, 2024, 0400 UTC,” it reads.

Delta to Offer a “Path of Totality” Eclipse Flight

The long and short of it is that there may be a higher traffic volume than normal anticipated at airports along the path of the eclipse, which may cause delays — particularly during peak times — though fortunately, no better or worse than the delays we’ve come to associate with other high-travel days.

Aircraft, the notice says, should be prepared for “potential airborne holding” — a tactic designed to delay an inbound aircraft — “reroutes and/or Expect Departure Clearance Times (EDCTs) that may be issued for all domestic Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) arrivals and departures.” Further, practice approaches, touch-and-goes, flight following services and pilot training operations at airports might also be “extremely limited” and “possibly prohibited” during the aforementioned time period.

The advisory applies to airports within 50 nautical miles of either side of the path of the eclipse in the United States, so only travelers coming from or going to Texas, Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri and eastern Canada stand to be impacted.

What the notice doesn’t warn against, however, is looking straight at the eclipse (even if the sun is totally covered by the moon) from the plane. For the uninitiated, in the absence of proper eye protection like eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers, you run the risk of burning your retinas by looking at it. So be prepared for a little more congestion than an average Monday, subsequent delays and definitely do not stare directly at the eclipse.

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The post The FAA Has Issued a Travel Warning Ahead of the Total Solar Eclipse appeared first on InsideHook .

The 2017 total solar eclipse

A procrastinator's guide to the solar eclipse: Everything you need to know before April 8

can you travel 8 weeks pregnant

The total solar eclipse that will be visible in Indiana is only a couple of weeks away. If you haven't prepared yet, here are a few things you need to know and still have time to do before the eclipse.

Solar eclipse 2024 time and date

Monday, April 8, 2024, is when a total solar eclipse will be viewable in multiple cities throughout Indiana.

According to  NASA  and  Eclipse2024.org , Hoosiers will be able to watch the total solar eclipse of 2024 at the following times and places.

How to view the solar eclipse safely

Before the eclipse happens, it's important to be informed on when you can look and ensure that you have the right solar eclipse glasses that will protect your eyes.

In general, it is never safe to look a the sun (even through a telescope or camera lens), but during the eclipse, there will be a few minutes where the sun is completely covered by the moon (during the period of totality) where it will be OK, but you still need to be careful.

The article below describes what you need to know about what happens when you look at the eclipse.

Total solar eclipse 2024: What happens if you look directly at a solar eclipse? The answer depends on when you look

When purchasing solar eclipse glasses, it is important to make sure they are legit. The article below details everything you need to know about checking to make sure they will really protect your eyes while viewing the eclipse.

Solar eclipse glasses safety: Are your solar eclipse glasses safe? Here are three easy ways to check

Viewing the eclipse through your phone or DLSR camera can also be dangerous or cause costly damage. This article tells you what you need.

Eclipse photography: No, you can't just point your camera at the sun. Learn how to photograph the solar eclipse

Where to buy solar eclipse glasses

If you're still searching for proper eye protection before the eclipse, this article details a few places to check.

Buy eclipse glasses: Protect your eyes during the total solar eclipse. Here's where to get glasses

What should I wear (other than eye protection) during the eclipse?

Did you know that what you wear while watching the eclipse can actually enhance the viewing experience? The article below details what colors you may want to wear while watching the eclipse.

Eclipse fashion: Here's which colors to wear — and avoid — during the April 8 solar eclipse

Should I worry about my pets during the eclipse?

Whether you have dogs, cats or even horses, the article below details everything you need to know about preparing your pets for the eclipse.

Animals and the solar eclipse: Eclipse could cause discomfort for dogs, cats, even horses. How to help them stay calm

Where is the eclipse path of totality?

Ways to watch the solar eclipse in indiana.

If you're looking for ticketed events, you can check the article below to see if these events and viewing parties still have any tickets.

Eclipse events in Indy: Ticketed events, parties in Central Indiana where you can see the April 8 solar eclipse

More to do: Humans and animals both invited IndyHumane's eclipse viewing party

There are also several free events happening in Indy and the article below provides details on those.

Free eclipse events: Free events in Central Indiana that offer views of the April 8 solar eclipse

Where to stay if you're traveling to Indy

Many people are headed to Indiana to view this once in a lifetime total solar eclipse. Several hotels may already be booked, but you may still be able to find a public campsite to stay at while you're in town for the eclipse. The articles below includes all the information you need to know about that.

Campsites for eclipse travelers: DNR: There's still time to book a public campsite to watch total solar eclipse in April

Camp at the IMS: Planning to watch the eclipse at Indianapolis Motor Speedway? What to know about camping

If you're staying in an Airbnb, they'll be distributing eclipse glasses to guests. The article below has more information on that.

Protect your eyes: Airbnb distributes eclipse glasses in Indianapolis, a top destination for eclipse travel

Are your local schools closed for the eclipse?

Many school districts across the country will be closed for this once-in-a-lifetime solar event. The article below details what Central Indiana school districts will be doing for the eclipse.

More: Here's what central Indiana schools are doing on April 8 during the solar eclipse

Katie Wiseman is a trending news intern at IndyStar. Contact her at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @itskatiewiseman .

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  • Pregnancy Development

Gestational Sac and Its Meaning in Pregnancy

Here's everything that a gestational sac can tell you about your pregnancy.

What Is the Gestational Sac?

  • Ultrasound Detection
  • No Ultrasound Detection
  • Empty Gestational Sac

After a home pregnancy test has turned positive and a blood test measuring levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) have confirmed pregnancy , the next proof of pregnancy requires an ultrasound.

When you have your first ultrasound, your doctor may talk about the presence or absence of the gestational sac...but it's okay if you have some questions about what, exactly, that is. You might be wondering when the gestational sac can first be detected, and what it means if it isn't there. OR what happens if a gestational sac is seen, but appears to be empty?

Here are the answers to these, and other, common questions you might have about the role of the gestational sac in your pregnancy.

Photo Illustration by Julie Bang / Getty Images

One of the first signs of pregnancy on an ultrasound is the gestational sac, which encloses the developing baby and contains  amniotic fluid . The gestational sac is found in the uterus. On the ultrasound image, it appears as a white rim around a clear center.

The gestational sac forms around five to seven weeks after the last menstrual period in natural cycles, so it is usually visible between 3 and 5 weeks gestational age using a transvaginal ultrasound.

When Is the Gestational Sac Seen on the Ultrasound?

After the gestational sac sac first becomes visible, the next positive sign of pregnancy is a yolk sac that develops within it. The yolk sac provides nutrition to the developing embryo until the placenta takes over. It's an important indicator of pregnancy health.

In some cases, a gestational sac will be detected on ultrasound, but a yolk sac is subsequently not found. The yolk sac usually becomes visible on a transvaginal ultrasound between 5 1/2 and 6 weeks gestation.

Along with the gestational and yolk sacs, the fetal pole (the earliest stage of the embryo) is also visible around 6 weeks pregnant. This appears as a linear or oval-shaped structure that sits adjacent to the yolk sac, measuring around 1 to 2 millimeters. At this point it is featureless, but begins to take shape around 7 to 8 weeks when the spine begins to form.

What If a Gestational Sac Is Not Seen on an Ultrasound?

If a gestational sac is not seen on your ultrasound, what does that mean? There are several possible reasons for a lack of a gestational sac. It could be that:

  • Your dates are off . Miscalculated dates are a common reason a gestational sac is not seen and can simply mean that you need a repeat ultrasound later on. Your doctor may compare the finding with your hCG levels (which would likely be lower than expected if you are not as far along in your pregnancy as you thought).
  • You have an ectopic pregnancy . If your hCG levels are normal but a gestational sac is not seen, it may indicate an ectopic pregnancy . However, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology notes that consecutive hCG measurements, taken two to seven days apart to track changes, are necessary for an accurate diagnosis.
  • You have miscarried . If the gestational sac is not seen and your hCG levels are falling, it can indicate an early miscarriage (chemical pregnancy).

An ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency, and often comes with pain or bleeding. If you suspect you are experiencing an ectopic pregnancy, be sure to reach out to an OB-GYN or health care provider right away.

What Does an Empty Gestational Sac Mean?

A yolk sac, which indicates a viable pregnancy, is usually seen within the gestational sac by 35 days gestation. One of the more common types of miscarriages—known as an anembryonic pregnancy, empty sac, or blighted ovum—happens when a gestational sac does not contain an embryo. In other words, an embryo failed to develop.

This type of pregnancy loss occurs early in the first trimester, and often before a person even realizes they are pregnant. Risk factors for anembryonic pregnancy include:

  • Abnormal cell division
  • Chromosomal abnormalities in the fertilized egg
  • Infection, an autoimmune disease, or endocrine disorders in the pregnant person

In most cases, chromosomal abnormalities will cause the person's body to miscarry naturally and without intervention. However, there are some cases in which a dilation and curettage (D&C) is necessary to complete the miscarriage.

This procedure may be desirable for people who want a pathologist to try to find a cause for the miscarriage, for those who feel it will help them cope better with the loss, or for physical or medical concerns raised by a physician. There is also an option for medical management of a miscarriage which involves taking a medication to help your body expel the failed pregnancy.

What Happens If My Health Care Provider Sees an Empty Gestational Sac?

If your provider discovers an empty gestational sac on an ultrasound, they may confirm that your pregnancy is nonviable—in other words, that the pregnancy will not result in the birth of a baby as it is not progressing normally.

Depending on the size of the gestational sac, it might just be too early to determine that the sac is truly "empty." In this case, your doctor will ask you to return for a repeat ultrasound to ensure an accurate diagnosis (which means determining that the pregnancy is either viable or nonviable). 

The Bottom Line

The gestational sac is the first structure a health care prvovider will look for with an early ultrasound. When it is present (between 3 and 5 weeks gestation ), it can be a positive sign. Sometimes, a gestational sac is seen but is found to be empty, and in other cases, a gestational sac is not seen at all.

If you're experiencing pregnancy loss, finding a support system, whether it's friends, family members, a partner, or even a group of others in similar situations, can be beneficial. Talk with a medical professional about your options for mental health care, and remember that you aren't alone.

Normal and abnormal us findings in early first-trimester pregnancy: review of the society of radiologists in ultrasound 2012 consensus panel recommendations . RadioGraphics .

Patience is key: Understanding the timing of early ultrasounds . UT Southwestern Medical Center. .

Yolk sac size and shape as predictors of first trimester pregnancy outcome: A prospective observational study .  J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod .

Role of ultrasound in the evaluation of first-trimester pregnancies in the acute setting . Ultrasonography.

Serial hCG and progesterone levels to predict early pregnancy outcomes in pregnancies of uncertain viability: A prospective study .  Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol .

ACOG practice bulletin no. 191: tubal ectopic pregnancy . Obstetrics & Gynecology.

Ectopic pregnancy . University of Michigan Health.

Accuracy of first-trimester ultrasound in diagnosis of intrauterine pregnancy prior to visualization of the yolk sac: a systematic review and meta-analysis . Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology .

Understanding blighted ovum . Saint Luke's Health System.

Cunningham, F. Gary, and John Whitridge Williams. Williams Obstetrics . New York: McGraw-Hill Education Medical, 2014.

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Here's what happens if Trump can't pay his $454 million bond

Andrea Bernstein

Rachel Treisman

can you travel 8 weeks pregnant

Forty Wall Street, a Trump-owned building, stands in downtown Manhattan. Former President Trump says he can't secure a bond to appeal the $454 million penalty in his civil fraud case. But New York Attorney General Letitia James says she is prepared to seize the former president's assets, including the building at 40 Wall Street, if he is unable to pay. Spencer Platt/Getty Images hide caption

Forty Wall Street, a Trump-owned building, stands in downtown Manhattan. Former President Trump says he can't secure a bond to appeal the $454 million penalty in his civil fraud case. But New York Attorney General Letitia James says she is prepared to seize the former president's assets, including the building at 40 Wall Street, if he is unable to pay.

Former President Donald Trump needs to arrange a $454 million bond to comply with a New York court ruling in less than a week, but the presumptive Republican presidential nominee says he can't find a company to put up the bond.

Trump's lawyers are asking an appeals court to stay the judgment, but the clock is ticking.

How did Trump come to owe the state of New York some $454 million?

Trump ordered to pay over $355M for fraudulent business practices in New York

Trump ordered to pay over $355M for fraudulent business practices in New York

This is the ruling that Judge Arthur Engoron issued last month , after finding that Donald, Eric and Donald Trump Jr., along with Trump Organization employees, engaged in a decade-long conspiracy to lie about the value of their assets.

In New York, if you make money by persistently committing fraud, you owe the ill-gotten portion back to the state. In this case, Judge Engoron determined that Donald Trump made over $350 million more than he should have if he'd been honest and when you add in interest, you get to $454 million.

Why does Trump have to come up with the money now?

Trump doesn't have to actually pay that money now, but he has to get a company to make a guarantee to the court that they will pay the money if he loses his appeal. That's the bond part.

But to get a bond, you have to put up assets, and in a court filing Monday Trump lawyers said they'd approached 30 companies but that getting a bond was a "practical impossibility," because they'd need a billion dollars in cash, which they don't have.

Trump unable to post $450M bond in New York fraud case, his lawyers say

Trump unable to post $450M bond in New York fraud case, his lawyers say

They submitted an affidavit from an insurance executive who had testified at trial, and whom the trial judge had already discredited.

Trump says he's a billionaire. Why can't he just come up with the money himself?

Trump said during a deposition for this case, taken about a year ago, that he had plenty of cash. He said, "I believe we have substantially in excess of $400 million in cash ." And, he added, it's "going up very substantially every month."

News organizations have estimated that Trump actually has about $300 million in liquid assets — but he already had to set aside $100 million or so to put up a bond to pay the verdict in the E. Jean Carroll civil case . The rest of his money is largely tied up in buildings and golf courses, and while he could sell a property, that can't happen right away. Trump said Tuesday that would be a "fire sale," though he said many times during the trial he could always find a buyer to pay top dollar.

Jury orders Trump to pay $83 million for defaming columnist E. Jean Carroll

Jury orders Trump to pay $83 million for defaming columnist E. Jean Carroll

While Trump's political action committees have spent millions of dollars on his legal fees, they're unlikely to be of help to him in this case because of campaign finance laws .

Trump has accused the judge in the case of trying to take away his rights, posting on social media that any assets he may be forced to sell would be gone even if he ultimately wins his appeal.

That's a concern that any defendant could raise, whether they're liable for $450 or $450 million, says Adam Pollock, a former assistant attorney general in New York.

"But if you want to bond the appeal — stop enforcement of the judgment — you have to put up the full amount," he told Morning Edition . "That's what the law says. And that's a policy decision that Albany has made."

The deadline is Monday. What does Trump do if the appeals court doesn't rule his way?

He can appeal to New York's highest court and ask that court to stay the judgment. If they don't, he can ask a benefactor or he could try and stall some more until he comes into money from the upcoming sale of his social media company, or he could — though it has many disadvantages — declare bankruptcy.

But New York Attorney General Letitia James has been clear: If Trump doesn't pay, she will move to seize his assets.

"If he does not have funds to pay off the judgment, then we will seek judgment enforcement mechanisms in court," she said. "And we will ask the judge to seize his assets."

Trump's noncash assets run to $3 billion, Forbes estimates, so there's plenty of value there. The law limits the AG to seizing properties that were a part of the case, but there's about two dozen of those, everything from the Doral Golf Club to 40 Wall Street to Trump Tower. She's not limited to New York properties, though there are extra steps if she chooses to go out of state.

She could, in theory, send a sheriff or a marshal to enforce the judgment, and that brings on another legal process with many more opportunities for delay.

Can Trump be forced to pay up?

James can begin enforcement of the judgment immediately after the 30-day grace period expires next week, says Pollock. And there are several devices she can use to try to get him to pay.

For one, he says, she could serve Trump a restraining notice that would restrict his spending in other areas until he pays his bond.

"The restraining notice would say: 'Don't spend money, don't fill up your jet at the pump, until you pay the state of New York, or you'll be held in contempt of court,' " Pollock says. "And my impression is that ... Engoran, the judge here in New York, would be quick to hold him in contempt of court."

He says it's theoretically possible that James' could consider settling, especially if Trump were to write a check for something like $250 million. But short of that, he doesn't see any reason for her to proactively lower his bond, especially since she has the tools to go into banks and drain his accounts.

"The entire trial was effectively a roadmap to his financial assets," Pollock adds. "She can now send out a sheriff or a marshal of the city of New York to go walk into a financial institution holding what's known as an execution and empty his bank account short of $3,000, which is the statutory floor."

Pollock acknowledges that Trump has said he doesn't have $450 million in cash. But if he wants to stave off enforcement, "he needs to find a way to raise it."

  • Letitia James
  • court ruling
  • Donald Trump

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COMMENTS

  1. Travel During Pregnancy

    During a healthy pregnancy, occasional air travel is almost always safe. Most airlines allow you to fly domestically until about 36 weeks of pregnancy. Your ob-gyn can provide proof of your due date if you need it. If you are planning an international flight, the cut-off for traveling may be earlier.

  2. When to stop traveling when pregnant

    Download any apps you use for renting cars and accessing boarding passes before you leave so you can easily reschedule things in the event of a last-minute cancellation. If you're flying during your third trimester, be sure to call the airline to check about the cutoff week for pregnancy travel. A note from your doctor that says you're ...

  3. Travel During Pregnancy

    Travel During Pregnancy. As long as there are no identified complications or concerns with your pregnancy, it is generally safe to travel during your pregnancy. The ideal time to travel during pregnancy is the second trimester. In most cases, you are past the morning sickness of the first trimester and several weeks from the third stage of ...

  4. Air travel during pregnancy: Is it safe?

    Answer From Mary Marnach, M.D. Generally, air travel before 36 weeks of pregnancy is considered safe for people who aren't dealing with any pregnancy problems. Still, if you're pregnant, it's a good idea to talk with your health care provider before you fly. Your provider might suggest that you not fly if you have certain pregnancy ...

  5. What To Know About Traveling While Pregnant

    Most people can safely travel by airplane during pregnancy, but talk to your healthcare provider ahead of time to make sure you don't have any medical conditions that could cause a complication ...

  6. Here Are the Rules for Flying When You're Pregnant

    Pregnancy and Flying: Your Trimester by Trimester Guide. As a general rule of thumb, most airlines will allow pregnant people to fly right up until week 36 of pregnancy, but you should absolutely ...

  7. Pregnant Travelers

    Before you book a cruise or air travel, check the airlines or cruise operator policies for pregnant women. Some airlines will let you fly until 36 weeks, but others may have an earlier cutoff. Cruises may not allow you to travel after 24-28 weeks of pregnancy, and you may need to have a note from your doctor stating you are fit to travel.

  8. Pregnancy Travel: Traveling Safely by Air, Car, and Cruise Ship

    Pregnancy travel by car has some of the same risks and rules as traveling by plane, says Nye. "The big problem is blood clots," she says. "If you are in a car and driving long distances, get out ...

  9. Pregnancy Travel Tips: Is It Safe to Travel While Pregnant?

    Stand up and stretch. Pregnant women are at higher risk for developing blood clots, so it's important to avoid sitting still for long periods of time. Wear loose clothes and keep the blood flowing in your legs: Whether you're flying or driving, take breaks to get up, walk around and stretch every half hour or so.

  10. Air Travel During Pregnancy

    Occasional air travel during pregnancy is generally safe. Recent cohort studies suggest no increase in adverse pregnancy outcomes for occasional air travelers 1 2. Most commercial airlines allow pregnant women to fly up to 36 weeks of gestation. Some restrict pregnant women from international flights earlier in gestation and some require ...

  11. Can you fly while pregnant? Pregnancy and flying tips

    Tips for flying when pregnant. For the smoothest ride, request a seat in the middle of the plane over the wing. (This is the area where you're least likely to get airsick too.) For more legroom, try to get a seat in the bulkhead or pay for an upgrade. Stretch your legs and flex your feet as often as possible to minimize swelling.

  12. Traveling While Pregnant or Breastfeeding

    Generally, women are not allowed to travel by air after 36 weeks for domestic travel, and after 28 to 35 weeks for international travel. The decision on whether to travel and how far to travel at any time during pregnancy should be a joint decision between you and your healthcare provider or midwife. According to the CDC, pregnant women with ...

  13. Flying while pregnant? Restrictions & other policies

    Virgin Australia. No restrictions. Travel permitted; requires a medical certificate dated within 10 days of departure date once you reach 28 weeks. For flights longer than four hours, travel is not permitted after 36 weeks of pregnancy (32 weeks if pregnant with multiples), or within 48 hours of normal vaginal delivery.

  14. Flying During the First Trimester: Is It Safe?

    Common Myths About Pregnancy and Air Travel . The first trimester is actually an especially low-risk time to travel during pregnancy.Contrary to popular belief, noise vibration, cosmic radiation ...

  15. 11 Rules for Road Trips and Car Travel While Pregnant

    Dr. Gaither says pregnant travelers should stop "at least every two hours" and get out of the car, stretch, and walk around. This increases blood flow to the lower body which helps prevent ...

  16. What it's like to travel during each trimester of pregnancy

    Changes come even more quickly in the third trimester. You enter the third trimester about 28 weeks pregnant and end it with a newborn. This means that types of travel that are possible at 27 and 28 weeks pregnant may be inadvisable, or even prohibited, at 37 and 38 weeks pregnant. Select destinations and activities carefully

  17. Travelling in pregnancy

    When to travel in pregnancy. Some women prefer not to travel in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy because of nausea and vomiting and feeling very tired during these early stages. The risk of miscarriage is also higher in the first 3 months, whether you're travelling or not. Travelling in the final months of pregnancy can be tiring and uncomfortable.

  18. Flying While Pregnant? Check Out the Policies on 25 Global Airlines

    After 37 weeks, pregnant women will not be allowed to travel. For multiple pregnancies, a certificate is required between the 29th and 32nd week; after that, women will not be allowed to travel. The medical certificate must include the following: Be issued and signed by a doctor or midwife.

  19. Travelling when pregnant

    In the car. It's fine to drive or be a passenger in a car while you're pregnant. It's important to wear a seat belt as you normally would. Make sure the straps don't go over your bump by: placing the lap strap across your hips so it fits comfortably under your bump. placing the diagonal strap between your breasts and around your bump ...

  20. Travelling while pregnant

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