Traveling and flying while pregnant doesn’t have to be a scary concept!
I will go as far as to say that traveling in your second trimester (14 weeks to 27 weeks) is the safest and absolute best time to travel during pregnancy!
Sure, you can choose a ‘safer’ option than heading to a country such as Cambodia, but unless you have a high-risk pregnancy, there is no reason why you can’t travel overseas while pregnant.
This post will give you my first-hand account of second-trimester tips and hints. (You can find my first trimester travel and pregnancy tips here)
Choosing the Right Destination For Second-Trimester Travel
It is crucial to select a destination that you are comfortable visiting while you are pregnant.
Traveling while pregnant doesn’t have to be limiting, but you must feel confident about your baby-moon destination choice.
To help you out we have compiled a list of the best babymoon destinations in the USA as well as a list of the best places to travel while pregnant (worldwide).
Some things to consider as you choose the right destination for you are:
Make a Pre-Trip Doctor’s Appointment
Before booking your holiday, it is essential to check in with your doctor or obstetrician. Listen to their concerns, as they will most likely have some.
Avoid Vaccinations
If your destination requires you to have vaccinations, you might not be able to go, as live vaccines are not allowed during pregnancy.
So, choose a destination where you are not required to get vaccines.
Avoid Malaria Destinations
Going to destinations where Malaria is a major risk is not advisable. As far as I’ve been told by my doctor, none of the anti-malaria tablets are ‘A’ grade safe for pregnant ladies.
Of course, you can take other precautions such as DEET and stay indoors at dusk and dawn, but if you love to have the precaution factor of prevention, this is something to be aware of.
Think About Medical Facilities In Destination
Think about how far along you are and what level of advanced medical care the country you are visiting offers.
If you happen to go to a country such as Cambodia as I did, it will be important to research the hospitals and medical centers and to make a list of some suggestions that you will feel comfortable with if anything does happen on your travels.
Avoid High Altitude Destinations
It is recommended that pregnant women avoid altitudes above 3,658 meters, so leave those destinations located at high altitudes for another day.
Stick to High-Quality Food and Health Standards
If you go to a destination where food and health standards differ significantly from your norm, consider how to keep your growing baby safe.
Play it safe with the food choices and availability at your vacation destination.
Now is not the time to try all the local specialties. It is best to avoid street food and food that has a reputation of causing upset traveler’s bellies.
Or even better, pick a destination with high water, food, and health standards.
Second Trimester Symptoms While Traveling Pregnant
Each person experiences their second trimester of pregnancy very differently from the next.
However, most women generally feel their ‘best’ in their second trimester (14 weeks to 27 weeks), typically the best trimester to travel in.
Do be aware, though, that you will look and feel very different at the start of your second trimester compared to the end.
Your bump will be small initially, but you might still have some leftover symptoms from the first trimester.
Your bump will be very clearly visible towards the end of your trimester. You will probably feel pretty good but may be more uncomfortable on the flights.
So keep these pointers in mind when you choose to travel during pregnancy.
Here are Some Common Second Trimester Symptoms to Keep in Mind
Morning Sickness
Morning sickness should be behind you! I struggled with the first trimester in terms of exhaustion and nausea.
For most women, around week 14, nausea will slowly start easing off!
Energy Levels
Your energy levels should increase, and your hormones will boost you.
You will typically feel more like ‘you’ again in the second trimester of pregnancy.
Your energy levels will be higher; however, you will still get tired if you try to do too much, so it’s best to take it as easy as possible!
Congestion
Congestion is a new symptom that will be poking its head out. I got so congested when I lay down to sleep that I felt like I couldn’t breathe.
I learned to sleep on two pillows to prop my head up and relieve my breathing.
Sleeping Issues
Sleeping becomes increasingly more uncomfortable. As you grow, settling into your regular sleeping positions will become increasingly difficult.
In addition, it is recommended that you sleep on your side and no longer on your back from the middle to the end of this trimester.
Again, pillows will be your friend. I like popping a pillow between my knees for back support, and I also travel with my ‘wedge’ pillow under my belly.
Swelling
As you grow, the extra weight and poor circulation can cause swelling of the ankles and feet!
My feet looked like elephant feet at the end of my exploring days in Cambodia.
Luckily, it was easy for me to prop my feet up at the end of the day, and I generally had the treat of a foot massage to help get my circulation moving again!
Flying and Pregnancy Tips for Your Second Trimester
Traveling overseas while pregnant is entirely manageable. However, you need to be aware of some rules, regulations, and periods stipulated by the airline.
Yes, if you are traveling pregnant on a plane, you will be more uncomfortable than before.
Here are all the things I learned before my flight to Cambodia.
Pregnancy Air Travel & Airline Regulation Info
1. Flying without a doctor’s certificate
Most airlines will allow pregnant ladies to fly up to around 26 – 27 weeks without carrying a doctor’s certificate.
They usually ask you to sign a Liability Statement at the check-in counter.
In saying this, even though I flew to Cambodia at 24 weeks pregnant and flew back to Australia at 26 because my belly was pretty big (3rd pregnancy syndrome!), I got asked at most airports to show my doctor’s certificate.
So I recommend that if you are flying towards the end of your trimester, you get a doctor’s certificate just to cover your bases!
Flying with a doctor’s certificate
If you’ve had a healthy pregnancy, you can fly on most airlines until you’re 36 weeks pregnant. If you’re carrying twins, this usually lasts up to 32 weeks.
The doctor’s certificate will merely state your due date and must specify that you are healthy enough to fly.
It is essential to check your specific airline carrier, as I found that many differ on the timeframe they allow pregnant ladies.
Air Travel During Pregnancy Tips
Tips for Circulation
It will be essential to get up and stretch on the flight. Consider sitting in an aisle seat to do this freely.
Getting some decent compression socks to help manage the swelling and circulation might also be beneficial.
Tips to Be More Comfortable
The bigger you get, the more uncomfortable the flight will be. Space just seems super lacking, and your body will start cramping up easily.
If you can, take a few neck pillows for support or ask for extra pillows. I had one ‘beanbag-style neck pillow and an inflatable one, and I used both.
Popping a pillow behind your lower back will also help with comfort levels.
Hydration Is So Important
Even if you’re not pregnant, hydration on a flight is essential, so you can imagine how important it is to keep your fluids up with your baby.
I recommend taking your water bottle and asking the flight attendants to refill it as you empty it.
Take a Doctor’s Certificate and Medical Records
Keep these in your carry-on luggage, just in case. It is also essential to have your medical records with you.
Buckle Low
Wear your seatbelt across the thighs and below the belly, where it’s safest and most comfortable.
Also, don’t hesitate to ask for an ‘extension’ if needed!
On our flight back from Cambodia, the plane was half-empty, so I could stretch across three seats to rest.
Having the extender meant that I didn’t have to get up and sit up each time the seatbelt sign came on, and it was so much comfier to wear while lying down!
Choose your seat carefully – Can you have a seat with extra legroom? Should you choose the aisle seat so you can get up and move around to get the circulation flowing?
Flight Length
Another critical point is that while international travel while pregnant is perfectly safe, you might want to refrain from taking super long flights to get from one destination to another.
We had an overnight flight on the way to Cambodia, and I could just not get comfy to get some sleep in.
My body was cramping and aching by the time I got to KL, and I was exhausted and totally ‘over it’.
I’m thankful it was only a 9-hour flight, not a 22-hour one!!
Travel Insurance For Pregnant Travel
If you are traveling to a country other than your own, ensure you take out travel insurance covering pregnancies.
Our normal insurance company did not cover pregnancies. We found some awesome companies that had comprehensive insurance options for pregnant women traveling.
However, it came at a whopping price tag, too, which we couldn’t afford.
It will be in your best interest to shop around here and make sure you read carefully through the fine print on the policies regarding travel and pregnancy.
Many policies cover pregnant ladies and aspects of childbirth. Still, the trick is that they don’t cover any medical expenses related to babies if they are born (seeing as the baby isn’t on your policy as an individual just yet).
So, if there are complications and your baby requires close medical attention, all those expenses regarding bubs will be on your shoulders!
We ended up settling for InsureAndGo, which covers medical expenses for pregnancy and childbirth from week 0 to week 32 while you are away.
Note that they mention nothing about coverage for the newborn baby, but the price was affordable.
Planning and Itinerary Tips
Plan For Time to Explore But Also Time to Relax
While you have more energy in your second trimester than the first, setting reasonable expectations and finding time for relaxation daily is essential.
We typically spent the mornings exploring and settled for relaxation next to the pool when the afternoon energy low hit.
Mode of Transport
Think about the easiest way to travel. If you are traveling internally within a country, what are the easiest options for getting about? For us, choosing an hour-long flight over an 8-hour bus ride was a no-brainer!
What To Pack
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- Take comfy shoes to explore in – forget about the pretty, cute, fashionable shoes.
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- Dress for comfort – stretchy and loose clothing will be your friend, as you might grow heaps on your trip away.
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- Don’t forget to pack your vitamins and supplements.
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- Wedge pillow to support your tummy for sleeping
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- Carry a copy of your antenatal records with you
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- Have a list handy of hospitals and doctors
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- Have snacks on hand, always, it will keep you going!
Pick Sensible Activities
Stay away from activities that are too adventurous, you know the ones.
If you ever wonder whether what you are about to do is safe for the baby, it’s best to skip the activity and relax next to the pool or go for a hike instead.
Take a Medical Kit
Your doctor can help prescribe pregnancy-safe medication you can take as a precaution.
Constipation is a nasty enemy during pregnancy, and it gets even worse in a country where your stomach isn’t used to the cuisine.
Other essential medications will be anti-diarrhea and anti-vomiting (pregnancy-safe versions), as both of those conditions lead to dehydration, which is dangerous for bubby.
I got terribly sick with a vomiting bug (not related to food) on the way home and was grateful to have tablets on hand that I knew were safe to take.
Final Thoughts of Traveling During the Second Trimester
They say that traveling in the second trimester is the best time to travel. And I do agree!
While some aspects of the holiday were more challenging than usual, it was fabulous to get out and explore.
Sure we had to explore much slower than usual, but this merely forced us to relax more than normal, which we were probably in need of!!
I’m a great advocate for traveling while pregnant, making the most out of your time with hubby or your family before that baby arrives.
Your next holiday will only be trickier with a little baby by your side!
Now is as good a time as any to have a holiday!
For those who love to travel, you might be interested in our third-trimester pregnant travel article, and also our travel with baby travel guide.
Disclaimer: All content here should be considered as opinion only. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your own health or the health of others.
