Travel by any route is okay during the first and second trimesters, unless you have had any complications with your pregnancy. Your physician should examine you prior to any travel in the third trimester. Be sure to consult your physician before you make plans to travel out of town during your last trimester of pregnancy. If your pregnancy is considered high risk or if you have had any complications, consult your physician prior to any travel during the course of your pregnancy, regardless of trimester.
Probably the three greatest dangers to travel are automobile accidents, kidney infections and blood clots in the legs.
- ALWAYS wear your seat belts
- Drink plenty of fluids while traveling, enough that you need to urinate every two hours. This will help prevent bladder and kidney infections.
- Blood clots in the legs are especially dangerous, and pregnancy is a time where you are most prone to blood clots. While traveling, move your feet and legs frequently, flexing your calf muscles. Get up and walk for a few minutes every hour or two, especially on long airplane flights. You may want to discuss with your doctor the use of support hose or “TED” hose if you are planning a long car or airplane trip. The advice above about fluid intake is especially important on airplane flights.