Traveling While Pregnant: Your Complete Guide

Congratulations, you're expecting! Pregnancy is a truly special time, and it's natural to want to enjoy every moment, perhaps even by taking a well-deserved "babymoon" or visiting loved ones. At Staffordshire Travel Care, located within all 10 Cornwell's Chemists branches across Staffordshire, we understand that travelling while pregnant comes with unique considerations. We're here to help you navigate these, ensuring your journey is as safe and comfortable as possible for both you and your baby.

The Best Time to Travel During Pregnancy

For most women with an uncomplicated pregnancy, the second trimester (roughly weeks 14 to 27) is generally considered the safest and most comfortable time to travel.

• First Trimester (Weeks 1-13):
  You might be experiencing morning sickness, fatigue, and the risk of miscarriage is naturally higher (whether you travel or not). Many women prefer to stay closer to home during these early weeks.

• Third Trimester (Weeks 28 onwards):
  While still possible, travel can become more uncomfortable due to your growing bump, swelling, and increased fatigue. The risk of premature labour also increases as you approach your due date, and many airlines have restrictions on flying after a certain point (often around 36 weeks for single pregnancies, or earlier for multiples).

Always consult with your midwife or GP before planning any travel during pregnancy. They can offer personalised advice based on your individual health and pregnancy.

Key Considerations for Pregnant Travellers

Medical Consultation is Crucial:

• Before you book: Discuss your travel plans, destination, and activities with your midwife or GP.
• Medical Notes: Carry your maternity medical records (handheld notes) with you at all times, especially when travelling abroad. This provides vital information to any medical professionals you might need to see.
• Emergency Plan: Research healthcare facilities at your destination in case of an emergency.

Travel Insurance is Non-Negotiable:

Ensure your travel insurance specifically covers pregnancy-related medical care, including labour, premature birth, and the cost of changing your return ticket if necessary. Do not assume your standard policy will cover this – always declare your pregnancy to your insurer.

Vaccinations During Pregnancy:

This is a critical area for discussion with our travel health specialists at Staffordshire Travel Care.

• Live Vaccines: Most vaccines that contain live bacteria or viruses (e.g., Yellow Fever, MMR, some Typhoid or Cholera) are generally not recommended during pregnancy due to potential concerns for the baby.
• Inactivated Vaccines: Many inactivated (non-live) vaccines (e.g., Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Meningitis ACWY, Rabies) are considered safe and are often recommended if the risk of infection at your destination outweighs any theoretical risks of the vaccine.
• Risk vs. Benefit: If you're travelling to an area where there's a high risk of a serious infection, it's often safer to have a vaccine than to travel unprotected, as many diseases can be far more harmful to your baby than the vaccine itself (e.g., Yellow Fever in high-risk zones).
• Specific Recommendations: Our pharmacists will conduct a thorough risk assessment based on your destination and pregnancy, advising on the safest and most appropriate vaccinations for you.

Avoiding Certain Destinations:

It's generally advised to avoid areas with a high risk of diseases like Malaria or Zika virus when pregnant, as these can pose significant risks to your baby. If travel to such areas is unavoidable, meticulous mosquito bite prevention is essential. Our team can advise on repellents and other measures.

Comfort and Safety During Travel

Flying:

• Airline Policies: Check your airline's specific policy on flying while pregnant. They may require a "fit to fly" letter from your doctor or midwife after a certain stage of pregnancy (often after 28 weeks).
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Pregnancy increases your risk of blood clots. On long journeys (over 4 hours):
  • Get up and walk around every 30 minutes
  • Perform in-seat exercises (ankle circles, foot pumps)
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Consider wearing graduated compression stockings (available at our pharmacies!)
• Seatbelts: Always wear your seatbelt with the lap strap under your bump, across your pelvis.

Car Travel:

• Avoid long, uninterrupted car journeys. Take regular breaks to stretch your legs.
• Ensure your seatbelt is positioned correctly (lap strap under the bump, diagonal strap between breasts).

Food and Water Hygiene:

Be extra vigilant about what you eat and drink to avoid stomach upsets:

• Stick to bottled water if unsure of tap water safety
• Avoid uncooked or unwashed foods
• Note that some common anti-diarrhoea medicines are not suitable during pregnancy

Your Staffordshire Travel Care Consultation

Planning a trip while pregnant requires careful consideration. Don't leave it until the last minute! We recommend booking a consultation with Staffordshire Travel Care at your nearest Cornwell's Chemists branch ideally 6-8 weeks before your departure date. This allows ample time for:

• Vaccinations to become effective
• Any necessary booster doses
• Comprehensive travel health planning

Our expert team will provide a personalised travel health risk assessment, taking into account:

• Your pregnancy stage and health
• Specific travel plans
• Destination risks
• Vaccination needs

To discuss your travel health needs during pregnancy, visit your local Cornwell's Chemists or find out more online:
https://staffordshiretravelcare.co.uk/

We're here to help you travel with confidence, every step of the way.