Traveling during pregnancy

Nine months of pregnancy is a long time. Many parents-to-be therefore consider using this special phase for a vacation together to relax and enjoy time as a couple. Traveling during pregnancy is generally possible. It is important to choose the right time, the right vacation destination and good preparation. Find out here what you should look out for when planning your trip and which travel time is particularly suitable.

From a medical point of view, the middle trimester of pregnancy, i.e. the time between the 14th and 27th week of pregnancy, is considered the best time to travel. During this phase, the unborn child has settled well in the mother's womb and the initial nausea subsides for most women.

Many pregnant women feel particularly well physically between the 4th and 7th month. The baby bump is not yet so big, so nothing stands in the way of excursions and light activities.

If you want to travel in the first trimester of pregnancy, you should definitely consult your gynaecologist about possible risks beforehand. The same applies to the last trimester.

A vacation in the last stage before giving birth is only recommended to a limited extent. This is when the increasingly growing belly becomes more and more of a hindrance, and swelling legs and feet also restrict mobility. If the baby is born earlier, a suitable clinic should be close to the vacation destination.

Every pregnancy is individual. You should refrain from going on vacation if there are medical reasons and your doctor advises against it.

For example:

• in the case of a high-risk pregnancy
• in the case of premature bleeding or contractions
• in the case of an increased risk of premature birth

Discuss your plans, travel time, state of health and destination with your gynaecologist at an early stage. This is particularly important if you have pregnancy problems and are traveling long distances.

Flying is generally considered safe for healthy pregnant women, provided there are no medical objections. Certain restrictions apply to the first and last trimester of pregnancy.

For pregnant women from the 36th week, many airlines prohibit flying, some from the 32nd week. A medical certificate of fitness to fly may be required. Ask your airline or travel agency about the applicable regulations in advance.

To prevent thrombosis, it is recommended that you drink plenty of water and walk up and down the aisle from time to time. As a preventative measure, you should wear support or compression stockings.

Which destination you choose is of course entirely up to you. The adventure doesn't have to take you to the end of the world. A shorter journey is often more pleasant during pregnancy.

It is not advisable to travel to countries with high temperatures and high humidity due to the physical strain.

Vacation destinations in Europe have the advantage that the journey is manageably long and there is no jet lag involved. It is advisable to pay attention to temperature changes. In the summery south, the heat can easily climb towards 40 degrees. This puts a heavy strain on the circulation and the body of pregnant women. Destinations where temperatures remain below a tolerable 30 degrees are ideal.

If you are going on a holiday in the mountains, you should bear in mind that the air gets thinner above 1,800 meters. This can lead to dizziness and oxygen deficiency.

For long-distance travel, it is not only the duration of the long-haul flight that needs to be considered, but also a possible increased risk of infection. Tropical and subtropical countries are less suitable as travel destinations due to the risk of infection with yellow fever, malaria or hepatitis. Vaccinations during pregnancy are only recommended by the Standing Vaccination Commission of the Robert Koch Institute in absolutely necessary cases. Malaria prophylaxis is therefore only possible to a very limited extent for pregnant women. Anyone infected with malaria risks serious consequences that can lead to premature birth or stillbirth.

• Get the okay from your doctor or midwife before you start your journey.
• The maternity passport should always be in your luggage.
• Medical care should be secured locally. Keep the number of a gynecologist to hand in case you experience any symptoms. Emergency contacts always belong in your hand luggage.
• When taking out travel cancellation insurance, make sure you check whether pregnancy complications are covered as a reason for cancellation or interruption.
• Plan more relaxation than exertion and avoid unnecessary stress. Sufficient rest breaks are recommended when traveling.
• Refrain from high-risk sports and activities such as skiing, diving, climbing or rafting.
• Pregnant women should always eat healthily and regularly and drink plenty of fluids. In southern regions, take particular care to drink only boiled water and avoid ice cubes etc. as a precaution. You should also be careful with unpeeled fruit and vegetables, salads and cold cuts.

Mild symptoms such as tiredness, back pain or swollen legs can also occur when traveling and are usually harmless.

However, if you experience severe pain, bleeding or persistent discomfort, you should consult a doctor immediately.

It is best to find out where you can get medical help or a clinic near your vacation destination before you travel. Carry important emergency numbers and the contact details of your doctor with you. And don't hesitate to seek medical advice if you are unsure or worried.

For pregnant women, we recommend travel cancellation or trip interruption insurance as well as international travel insurance if you are vacationing outside of Germany.

Before taking out insurance, check whether pregnancy complications are explicitly included and whether medically necessary repatriation is covered. If in doubt, ask and get advice from the insurance company. This way, you can travel with peace of mind and be sure that you are well covered in an emergency.