Travelling while pregnant: the right time, and the right habits

Good news if there's a trip on the horizon: travelling while pregnant is generally safe. A babymoon, a work trip, visiting family — none of it is off the table just because you're expecting. There's a comfortable window that suits it best, and a handful of simple habits that make the journey easier on your body. Get those right and you can pack your bag without a knot in your stomach.

When to go: the second trimester wins

If you have a choice of dates, the second trimester (around 14 to 28 weeks) is usually the sweet spot. The early nausea and heavy tiredness of the first trimester have often eased, and the bulk and fatigue of the final weeks haven't arrived yet — so you feel more like yourself and move more easily. It's not that travel is off-limits at other times; it's simply that this middle stretch tends to be the most comfortable for a trip.

Flying: keep moving, wear the belt low

Many airlines accept pregnant passengers up to around 36 weeks, and often ask for a certificate after roughly 28 weeks — so check the airline's policy before you book, as it varies. On board, the real thing to manage is staying still for too long, which can affect the circulation in your legs. Get up and walk the aisle regularly, keep well hydrated, consider compression stockings, and wear the seatbelt under your bump, low across the hips. Small, frequent movements are what keep a long flight comfortable.

By car: the seatbelt, worn the right way

In the car, the three-point seatbelt stays essential — the question is only how you wear it. Put the lap strap low, under your bump and across your hips, never over the top of it, and run the diagonal strap between your breasts and to the side of the bump. On longer drives, stop roughly every two hours to get out, stretch and walk a little, which does your back and your circulation a favour. The belt isn't a risk to your baby; worn properly, it's exactly what protects you both.

Before you leave: a short checklist

A little planning smooths the way. If your pregnancy is being followed as higher-risk, ask your midwife or doctor before booking. Pack your maternity notes, look up where you'd get care at your destination and check that your travel insurance covers pregnancy. Some destinations need extra thought — areas with Zika or malaria, for instance, warrant medical advice beforehand. And the everyday basics still apply: stay hydrated, don't run yourself into the ground, and build in rest.

Also worth reading: The hospital bag: the checklist that takes the stress away · Contractions: how to recognise real labour (and the 5-1-1 rule)

This article is for information only and has been reviewed by the Mama4care team. It does not replace medical advice: for any question about your health or your baby's, talk to your midwife, doctor or paediatrician. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.