Sarah was 32 weeks pregnant when her sister announced she was getting married on New Year’s Eve, 800 miles away. “Can I fly?” she asked her doctor anxiously. “My family will never forgive me if I miss this.”
The answer wasn’t a simple yes or no, and it shouldn’t be. Holiday travel during pregnancy requires nuanced planning based on your specific trimester, health status, and destination.
Let’s break down what you actually need to know.
First Trimester (Weeks 1-13): The Exhaustion Zone
The Reality: You’re probably more miserable than you look. Morning sickness, crushing fatigue, and frequent bathroom trips make travel challenging, but from a safety standpoint, this is generally the easiest time to travel.
What’s Safe: Most airlines and healthcare providers consider first-trimester travel low-risk for uncomplicated pregnancies. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), air travel is safe for pregnant women, though some precautions apply.
Your Strategy:
- Book aisle seats for easy bathroom access
- Pack ginger chews, sea bands, and anti-nausea medications your doctor approves
- Stay hydrated. Pregnancy increases your blood volume, and airplane cabin air is notoriously dry
- Carry copies of your prenatal records in case you need medical care away from home
Red Flags: If you’re experiencing bleeding, severe cramping, or have a history of miscarriage, talk to your provider before booking anything.
Second Trimester (Weeks 14-27): The Sweet Spot
The Reality: This is your golden window. Energy returns, morning sickness typically fades, and you’re not yet too uncomfortable to move around easily.
What’s Safe: The CDC recommends that the safest time for pregnant women to travel is during the second trimester. Most airlines allow travel through 36 weeks, though international flights may have stricter policies.
Your Strategy:
- Get up and walk every 1-2 hours to prevent blood clots, as pregnancy increases your risk of deep vein thrombosis
- Wear compression stockings on flights longer than four hours
- Check your destination’s healthcare facilities, especially if traveling internationally
- Verify your travel insurance covers pregnancy-related complications
TSA Concerns: Full-body scanners use non-ionizing millimeter wave technology, which is considered safe during pregnancy. Metal detectors are also safe. If you prefer, you can always opt for a pat down instead.
Third Trimester (Weeks 28-40): Proceed with Caution
The Reality: After 36 weeks, most airlines won’t let you fly, and your doctor probably won’t recommend it, either. The risk of going into labor mid-flight is real, and airplane bathrooms are not designed for childbirth.
What’s Safe: Travel before 36 weeks may be okay for low-risk pregnancies, but check with your provider first. After 36 weeks, stay within driving distance of your delivery hospital.
Your Strategy:
- Carry a letter from your doctor stating your due date and confirming you’re cleared to travel
- Know the signs of preterm labor: regular contractions, pelvic pressure, low back pain, fluid leaking
- Research hospitals at your destination, just in case
- Consider whether your health insurance covers delivery out-of-network or out-of-state
When to Cancel Your Trip:
- If you’re carrying multiples
- If you have pregnancy complications like preeclampsia, placenta previa, or gestational diabetes
- If you’ve had preterm labor in previous pregnancies
- If your cervix has started dilating early
Road Trip Tips for Any Trimester
Flying isn’t your only option. Long car rides come with their own considerations:
- Stop every 90 minutes to stretch and use the bathroom
- Always wear your seatbelt. Position the lap belt under your belly, across your hips
- Keep the shoulder belt between your breasts and to the side of your belly
- Pack extra snacks, water, and any medications you might need
- Avoid remote areas with limited medical access in your third trimester
The Bottom Line
Holiday travel during pregnancy isn’t off-limits, but it requires more planning than your pre-pregnancy adventures. Your second trimester offers the most flexibility, while your third trimester demands caution and proximity to medical care.
Before booking anything, have an honest conversation with your healthcare provider about your specific situation. Every pregnancy is different, and generic advice can’t replace personalized medical guidance.
Planning ahead for your pregnancy journey? Use our pregnancy calculator to estimate your due date and see which trimester you’ll be in during your next big trip.
And if you do decide to skip the family gathering? Your health and your baby’s safety are more important than anyone’s hurt feelings. There will be other holidays.
References
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2023). Travel During Pregnancy. FAQ055. https://www.acog.org/
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Pregnant Travelers. Traveler’s Health. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/pregnant-travelers
- Transportation Security Administration. (2024). Traveling While Pregnant. https://www.tsa.gov/
- Freeman, M., et al. (2004). Air travel and pregnancy outcomes: A review. Journal of Travel Medicine, 11(6), 357-364.
