Travelling While Pregnant

Many women travel during pregnancy, whether for business or pleasure.

In general, travelling while pregnant can be safe; however, pregnancy is a time where there are additional risks and challenges, often due to the changes in physiology of the woman and her unborn baby. 

It is important that you consult a doctor, nurse or health care provider, or visit a travel health clinic to discuss your travel plans preferably six weeks before you travel.

Timing of travel

  • The safest time to travel is between 18 and 24 weeks in the second trimester; most common obstetric emergencies occur in the first and third trimesters.
  • The decision to travel should be made in consultation with your health care provider. Discuss the purpose of travel, destination, perceived risk, underlying medical and/or pregnancy-related complications and available medical care in other countries when making your decision to travel.
  • Make sure that you review your travel health insurance policy and the coverage it provides. Most policies do not automatically cover pregnancy-related conditions or hospital care for premature infants.

Vaccines and pregnancy

  • Generally, it is advised that pregnant women avoid live vaccines (e.g., measles, mumps and rubella); however, inactivated vaccines are considered safe (e.g., hepatitis B).
  • The decision to get vaccinated while pregnant must be evaluated on an individual basis with your health care provider.  Factors such as destination, duration of travel and the risk of contracting the disease, amongst others need to be considered.

Malaria and pregnancy

  • Malaria could cause major health problems for a mother and her unborn baby.  A pregnant woman may want to consider avoiding travel to areas where malaria transmission occurs.
  • If travel cannot be avoided, special care should be taken to protect yourself from mosquito bites and anti-malarial medication should be taken to prevent infection. Consultation with a health care provider will allow you to discuss which medications are appropriate during pregnancy.
  • Pregnant women should seek medical attention immediately if malaria is suspected.

Transportation risk and pregnancy

Wear a seatbelt fastened at the pelvic area, below the abdomen, while seated whether travelling by plane, car, or train.

  • Air travel
    • Pregnant travellers can normally travel safely by air. In the absence of medical or obstetrical complications, pregnant women can safely fly up to 36 weeks gestation.
    • Most airlines restrict travel in late pregnancy or may require a written confirmation from a physician. Check with the airline regarding their requirements before booking your flight.
    • Pregnant women are generally more susceptible to developing blood clots known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The risk of DVT can be reduced by wearing compression stockings, frequently walking around the cabin, practising lower leg movement and keeping hydrated.
  • Motion sickness
    • Certain medications used to treat nausea and vomiting during pregnancy can also be effective in relieving motion sickness. If you think you might experience motion sickness during your trip, speak to your health care provider about the use of these medications.

Environmental and recreational risks during pregnancy

  • High altitude
    • It is recommended that pregnant women avoid altitudes above 3,650 metres (12,000 feet). For high-risk pregnancies and women in a late stage of their pregnancies, this is reduced to 2,500 metres (8,200 feet).
    • Women with pregnancy-related complications should avoid unnecessary high-altitude exposure.
  • Scuba diving
    • Scuba diving should be avoided while pregnant.

Personal protective measures

  • Food-borne and water-borne diseases
    • Pregnant women need to be especially cautious with food and water protection due to the increased severity of many food-borne and water-borne illnesses in pregnancy and risk to the unborn baby (e.g., toxoplasmosis, listeriosis and hepatitis E):
      • Practise safe food and water precautions.
      • Avoid drinking any water that has not been purified.
      • Avoid using iodine for water purification for long periods of time because this could cause the fetus or newborn to develop thyroid problems.
      • Avoid unpasteurized dairy products as well raw or undercooked meat.
      • If you develop persistent travellers’ diarrhea, consult a health care provider as soon as possible. Avoid using bismuth subsalicylate (e.g., Pepto Bismol®) to treat diarrhea.
  • Insect- and animal-related illnesses
  •  Person-to-person infections
  •  Pack a Travel Health Kit

Monitor your health

  • Seek medical attention immediately if you develop symptoms while travelling such as vaginal bleeding, passing tissue or clots, abdominal pain or cramps, contractions, if your water breaks, excessive leg swelling or pain, headaches or visual problems.
  • If you develop symptoms after you return to Canada, you should see a health care provider.
  • Describe your symptoms to your health care provider and let him or her know about your recent travel.

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