TRAVELING WHILE PREGNANT

With modern ways of smoother and quick traveling, pregnant women can travel by plane, train or car without worries.  Labor or miscarriages can't be induced by taking a trip.  If you were close to either scenario, it could just as easily happen at home.  But when you travel, you should always speak first with your health care provider and ask for the name of a reputable colleague, in the city of your destination, in case of an emergency.

Long hours of travel should be broken up by frequent stops that give you a chance to go to the bathroom (of course), stretch, drink, and get your nourishment.

You shouldn't drive a car unless you still fit comfortably under the steering wheel.  You should wear a lap-shoulder belt throughout your pregnancy, whenever traveling in a car.  The lower part of the lap belt should be as low as possible, under your abdomen.  Never place the belt above your abdomen.  The upper part of the belt should be placed between your breasts.  Even if the car you are traveling in only has a lap belt, use it.  More damage is caused when belt of any kind aren't used.  Boat and air travel is fine also, if you aren't prone to motion sickness.

The current position of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) on air and travel is as follows:  Any woman with an uncomplicated pregnancy can safely travel by air until 36 weeks gestation.  Pregnant women at risk for preterm labor, abnormalities of the placenta, pregnancy-induced high blood pressure, uncontrolled diabetes, or any other condition that could result in an unexpected emergency, should avoid air travel altogether.

ACOG also recommends checking with the individual carrier to see if they might have any specific requirements a pregnant woman should be aware of.

International flights allow a pregnant woman to fly only until 35 weeks gestation.  (That could vary though from airline to airline)

Keep in mind that traveling to foreign countries may expose you to diseases that are not common in the United States (or wherever you are from).  Make sure to speak with your health care provider before reserving your tickets (most especially overseas trips).  There are countries where you need to take special precautions against eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. 

During your 9th month, your safest place is at home.  Babies come on their own time table and may decide to make an appearance early.  You will want to be close to the hospital with your own health care provider present for your big event!

**Disclaimer**  Above is a general description of what is recommended while pregnant.  I am not a doctor.  I just have a lot of experience and have read a lot.  I use very reliable sources before I post information.  But I urge you to ALWAYS speak with your health care provider before traveling, or following other medical advice.  They are the trained professionals and they know your specific needs.