Being pregnant doesn’t mean you’re trapped at home for nine months. You can still take vacations, visit loved ones, and go on business trips—with some rules, that is.

Depending on where you’re going, how you’re getting there, and where you are in your pregnancy, there are some important factors to consider. It can be hard to keep all the information straight.

We want to make it simple for you. Here are the key things to know before you embark on your journey.

The Dos: 8 Things to Do When Traveling During Pregnancy

1. Do make sure you’re within the safe time to travel

“Generally speaking, in most uncomplicated pregnancies, it’s safe to travel until you’re close to full term,” says Karen Creed, M.D., FACOG, an ob-gyn with Women’s Health Associates Group in Atlanta, GA. “Usually the best time to travel is between 14 and 28 weeks, when you’re feeling better physically, morning sickness is usually resolved, and it’s easier to sit for prolonged periods of time.”

Most airlines allow you to fly domestically up to 36 weeks, notes Dr. Creed. “In most cases though, I advise stopping domestic air travel at 34 weeks and international travel at 28 weeks. And I advise against driving to your trip’s destination when you’re more than two hours away at 36 weeks.” Her reasoning? You could go into labor at that point in your pregnancy—and you’ll want to be close to home, your doctors, and your hospital or birthing center.

If you’re flying, check with the airline about their particular policies or stipulations. For international flights, the pregnancy cutoff may be earlier. Going on a cruise? You may not be able to board after 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy. Some airlines and cruise lines may require you to have a letter from your doctor stating how far along you are and that it’s okay for you to travel.

2. Do see your ob/gyn before you go away

Before your trip, you’ll want to get the green light from your doctor. “It’s best to have a checkup prior to traveling to make sure they advise it’s safe at that particular time for your specific pregnancy and circumstances,” says Dr. Creed. 

“With some pregnancy complications, it may be advised not to travel or to cut off traveling at earlier dates,” she adds. One such complication is placenta previa, where the placenta covers the cervix and can result in sudden unexpected hemorrhaging, explains Dr. Creed. You’ll also need to stay put if you’re on bed rest or have certain issues with your cervix.

At your visit, ask your doctor about any concerning symptoms to look out for when you’re away, such as vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, or preterm labor. Have them advise on when you should seek medical help in your vacation locale. 

Your doctor can also double-check if you’re up to date with your vaccinations, such as your flu, RSV or COVID-19. And if you’re traveling abroad, they’ll see if you need other specific vaccines. For example, for some countries, you might need a hepatitis A and B vaccine, or a Tdap (which protects against whooping cough, diphtheria, and tetanus). For a list of recommended vaccines for travel and any travel health advisories, check out the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s traveler’s health page. 

3. Do scope out your medical care options 

Get the lay of the land before you leave. You’ll want to find out where you can go if you need urgent medical care.

“I would identify and be aware of the closest hospitals to where you’re staying in case of an emergency,” advises Dr. Creed. “And, if you’re traveling in your late second or third trimester, check to see if they have a labor and delivery ward, because not all of them do.” 

Medical clinics, urgent care walk-ins, local doctors, and nearby pharmacies are also good to pinpoint beforehand. If you’re staying at a hotel, they may have doctors on call who can treat you in case you need it. Most major cruise ship lines have medical facilities on board, so you have access to at least one doctor and nurse at all times. 

4. Do find out about any health risks at your destination 

Some places have spreading diseases that can pose harm to you or the baby. “If possible, avoid areas where malaria or the Zika virus is present,” cautions Dr. Creed. 

Getting infected with the Zika virus, which is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito, puts a fetus at risk of serious brain and eye defects. It may also cause neurodevelopmental abnormalities. Unfortunately, there’s no Zika vaccine to prevent the illness, nor is there any medicine to treat it. Some countries that can be Zika-prone are Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, France, and India.

Also transmitted by mosquitoes, malaria can have adverse effects on both mom and fetus. This includes maternal anemia, premature delivery, and low-birth-weight infants. Countries with a risk for malaria include the Dominican Republic, Belize, Costa Rica, Peru, and Venezuela. 

Other things you’ll want to investigate about your destination include: 

• If the tap water is safe or contaminated
• What foods may be dangerous to eat, such as those made unpasteurized milk or food that’s undercooked or served lukewarm
• Climate and air quality conditions: Avoid very hot or very cold places
• The altitude: If you’re not acclimated to a high altitude, you may have breathing issues and experience heart palpitations; the CDC recommends pregnant people not sleep at elevations higher than 12,000 feet above sea level

5. Do look into getting traveler’s insurance

As you prepare for your upcoming departure, you want to make sure you’re covered in terms of medical insurance. Call your health insurance company to find out what kind of coverage you have for your travel location. You may need to purchase additional traveler’s health insurance, especially if you’re headed somewhere internationally. 

6. Do gather any important medical documents

Obtain a copy of your prenatal records, any relevant ultrasounds, a list of your prescriptions, and your due date. Also program your ob/gyn’s number into your phone. If you’re traveling with someone, give them a copy of everything, too, along with your doctor’s contact information.

“It can be unnerving for patients to experience a pregnancy complication and having to seek care from an unfamiliar provider or hospital where they don’t have access to their records,” says Dr. Creed.

7. Do pack your essentials

Be sure to collect any prenatal vitamins, prescriptions, or over-the-counter medications you’ll need while you’re away. “Having nausea, motion sickness, or diarrhea medication that’s safe to take during pregnancy may also be helpful to have on hand,” says Dr. Creed. Talk to your ob/gyn about which to try.

Always bring these items in your purse or carry-on instead of checked luggage, which could get lost. You’ll also want to have them with you in case of long flight delays or layovers.

8. Do wear your seatbelt low

Going on a road trip? Seatbelts should always be worn when pregnant, because it protects the mother from physical injury, says Dr. Creed. But make sure the lap belt is positioned low on your hip bones, under the abdomen, she notes. 

“If the lap belt is going across the abdomen and there’s a car accident, sudden braking, or air turbulence, a belt around the abdomen could cause abdominal trauma,” she explains. “This can be a risk factor for placental abruption (or separation).”

The Don’ts: 3 Things Not to Do When Traveling During Pregnancy

1. Don’t sit for long periods of time during travel

“Pregnant women are at increased risk of developing blood clots in general, such as in the legs or lungs. Long car rides and flights can also increase risk of developing clots,” says Dr. Creed. She recommends taking breaks from sitting every two to three hours to walk and stretch your legs, which can help prevent blood clots.

On a flight choose an aisle seat. This makes it easier to get up and walk around as many times as you want. Plus, it sucks having to climb over your seatmate multiple times to use the bathroom! “Pregnant women often have urinary frequency, so an aisle seat may be more convenient,” says Dr. Creed.

If you can’t get up during a flight but feel stiff, try doing calf raises and circling your ankles in both directions to improve circulation and prevent clots. “Some women may opt to wear compression socks on longer flights if they’re prone to swelling,” Dr. Creed says. 

2. Don’t lift or carry heavy luggage

Lifting heavy objects can increase the risk of injury in pregnant women. Hormonal changes during pregnancy impact joints and ligaments in the spine to accommodate the upcoming baby. These changes can make a pregnant woman more vulnerable to musculoskeletal injury. Plus, changes in body weight and size that happen later in a pregnancy can impact balance, leading to falls.

Check any hefty bags or, if traveling with a companion, ask if they can be in charge of your luggage and put it in the overhead compartment for you. When traveling solo, use airport porter; once on the plane, enlist a flight attendant’s assistance to store your bag. 

3. Don’t engage in any risky activities

Being away and feeling relaxed may make you want to partake in fun activities that can be potentially dangerous for someone who’s pregnant. Riding a motorcycle, going on amusement park rides, scuba diving, and water skiing can all up your risk of accidents, abdominal trauma, and harm to the fetus. Before your trip, talk to your doctor about your planned agenda to check whether activities are safe. 

Overall, it’s better to be safe than sorry when traveling during pregnancy. Preparing and planning accordingly can make your trip smoother and safer. Keeping your ob/gyn in the loop— and following their advice! —will help ensure that you and your baby stay healthy.

Pregnant and Traveling? Healthy Snacks to Pack or Buy

• Nuts

• Veggies and hummus 

• Hard-boiled eggs

• Whole grain crackers with peanut butter

• Low-fat string cheese

Your Pre-Trip Pregnancy Checklist

• Discuss travel plans with doctor

• Check destination for Zika or malaria 

• Assemble medical records if going abroad 

• Make a list of all meds to bring

• Get needed vaccines

• See if hotel has medical services

• Find nearest hospital

• Get nausea, motion sickness, or diarrhea medication that’s ob/gyn-approved