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Pregnancy and travel

Prenatal care - travel

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Description

Most of the time, traveling while you are pregnant can be safe and enjoyable. However, it is still a good idea to talk to your health care provider before you plan your trip. Also, check with the CDC for any current pregnancy and travel advisories.

Information

Most of the time, it is fine to travel while pregnant. As long as you are comfortable and safe, you should be able to travel. It is still a good idea to talk to your provider if you are planning a trip.

When you travel, you should:

Get medical care right away if you have:

Do not take over-the-counter medicines or any non-prescribed medicines without talking to your provider. This includes medicine for motion sickness or bowel problems.

Travel by Land

When traveling by land:

Travel by Air

When traveling by air:

Travel by Sea

When traveling by sea:

Foreign Travel

Talk to your provider if you are planning a trip out of the country. Plan ahead to allow time for any vaccines or medicines you may need. When you travel, take a copy of your prenatal care record with you.

High Altitudes

Traveling to high altitudes, like the mountains, may cause problems during pregnancy. Higher altitudes have lower air pressures and less oxygen. Your body and your baby will have to adjust. It is best for all pregnant women who live at low altitudes to avoid traveling over 6,000 feet (1,800 meters) during pregnancy.

If you live at a high altitude, it is safe for you to stay there. Your pregnancy will adapt to the lower oxygen levels.

References

Anderson S. Advice for women travelers. In: Sanford CA, Pottinger PS, Jong EC, eds. The Travel and Tropical Medicine Manual. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 14.

Bernstein HB, Lee M-J. Maternal and perinatal infection in pregnancy. In: Landon MB, Galan HL, Jauniaux ERM, et al, eds. Gabbe's Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 57.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Pregnancy. www.cdc.gov/pregnancy/index.html. Updated September 27, 2022. Accessed January 20, 2023.

Mackell SM, Borwein S. The pregnant and breastfeeding traveler. In: Keystone JS, Kozarsky PE, Connor BA, Nothdurft HD, Mendelson M, Leder, K, eds. Travel Medicine. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 22.

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Review Date: 11/21/2022  

Reviewed By: LaQuita Martinez, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emory Johns Creek Hospital, Alpharetta, GA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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