A Full Guide to Traveling While Pregnant

Just because you are expecting, does not mean you are home-bound. 

Of course talk to your Doctor about your specific situation and pregnancy.  Only do what you feel comfortable with doing.  You and your Doctor know your body best.  

Full disclosure, you do not NEED to go on a BabyMoon or travel while pregnant.  For some it can be wonderful, but for others it can be the last thing they feel up to.   Also, of course there is the topic of finances and time off before baby arrives.  Some parents unfortunately do not get paid time off, or very minimal paid time off after the birth of their child.  Not only that, but the cost to have a baby and provide care for the baby can be overwhelming.  Only do what you feel comfortable with.  If you do feel you would like to go on a Babymoon, know that it does not have to be ultra extravagant.  You can go to a nice hotel in your own town or city for a night.  You could drive somewhere just for the weekend.  Do what feels right and comfortable for you.  

Traveling while pregnant can be a much needed break.  A time to pause and enjoy where you are before a huge life change.  It can be a time to slow down and celebrate your amazing body for all it is doing. This can also be a special time to travel and bond with your partner and other children before they have a new sibling.  

I went on two trips while pregnant: Amsterdam for 7 days when I was 4 months pregnant, and Montreal for 3 days when I was 7 months pregnant.  

In all honesty, I probably would not have gone to Amsterdam right after my first trimester.  I had a lot of morning sickness and fatigue, and would have loved to just take a two day long nap in my bed.  I had already booked the trip before I became pregnant though, so I went.  It turned out to be a fun and memorable trip.  I also really needed the mental break from working as I had a lot of pregnancy brain fog. It was right at my turning point at the end of my first trimester where I started eating actual food again, and not strictly plain toast and ginger candies. I still had a sensitive stomach, but luckily for me Amsterdam loves carbs, and that’s exactly what my stomach wanted.  

I went to Amsterdam with one of my good friends.  We created a very relaxed itinerary and made sure to take lots of rest and snack breaks.  We were staying in her family’s apartment, so it made it easy to keep groceries and feel a little more comfortable.  

Though we were taking it slow, we were still able to see a lot within our week there.  We went to the tulip gardens, took two boat tours, and tried out different restaurants and cafes.  It was the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure for that stage in my pregnancy.  

By my third trimester, I barely had the energy to get through the work day, let alone travel the world.  In the end, my partner and I decided to do a short getaway to Montreal because we did not get a chance to do a honeymoon, and being our first child, we knew it would be valuable to have time away just the two of us before we became a family of three.  

We went to Montreal in August.  Though the weather was gorgeous and not nearly as hot as at home, I could not handle any amount of heat at that point.  We ended up sticking to a schedule of the following:

• Going out and about the city in the morning - eating lunch

• Emily takes a cold shower back at the hotel and naps all afternoon in air conditioning with her pregnancy pillow….while husband goes out on his own and explores

• Then Emily emerges after 4pm when it is cooler out and we grab dinner, and walk around after dark.  

This is far from how I normally travel, but I listened to my body and it was exactly what I needed.  

I didn’t feel like I missed out either.  We still got to see some sights in the mornings, try some amazing food and mocktails, and I was able to get a prenatal massage and float in a pool (truly magical).  

What I learned from traveling pregnant:

1. Minimize your itinerary.  Do not feel bad if this trip isn’t up to your usual adventures.  

2. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes…I know you want to look cute, but pregnant in the summer is TOUGH!

3. Stay well fed and hydrated.  Carry snacks and drinks with you everywhere you go.  

4. Always consult with your Doctor before traveling pregnant

5. This is not the time to “rough-it”.  This is the time to book a comfortable hotel bed with air conditioning, and maybe a massage.  

6. Floating in a pool while heavily pregnant feels AMAZING.  

7. Wear compression socks while flying and while walking/standing for long periods of time. 

8. Listen to your body!

What to pack while traveling pregnant:

• Comfortable lightweight clothes or layers - you get hot easily 

• Compression Socks

• Extra underwear and liners 

• Pregnancy pillow - if you have the space

• Comfortable walking shoes 

• Hat and mineral sunscreen - pregnancy can make you more sensitive to the sun

• Water bottle and snacks

• Pregnancy approved medications - prenatal vitamins, anti-nausea bands, Tylenol, ginger candies

• Travel pillow - can be nice to sit on if you are having lower back pain  

Safety Measures:

When traveling pregnant, it is a good idea to always have access to medical care.  Save your Doctor’s phone number on your phone incase you don’t have internet access to look it up.  Consider purchasing travel health insurance so you can access medical facilities where you are traveling. 

When planning your trip, consider pregnancy related health concerns - such as locations with Zika virus, traveling during covid and flu season, access to clean tap water, and any other health issues specific to your pregnancy.  

For me, I didn't feel comfortable traveling solo during this time. I felt more relaxed having someone I knew with me incase I needed any help - or to carry my luggage. Again, do what feels comfortable for you.