Tips

6 Things to Consider when Travelling Pregnant

Travelling before baby is possible, but it takes some careful planning. Follow these tips to ensure a safe and happy pregnancy trip

By Claire Newell /

Resorts are now tapping into the babymoon market by offering amenities and add-ons for pregnant women

If you plan to travel before your new baby arrives, here are some essential tips to remember

The “babymoon,” as the phenomenon is now known, is definitely gaining popularity. 

If you’re pregnant and planning on travelling before baby arrives, here are some things to keep in mind.

  • See Your Doctor: First, before you book anything, it’s important to talk to your doctor about where and when you plan on going. Obstetricians usually recommend you don’t travel domestically after 36 weeks of pregnancy, or internationally after 35 weeks. Of course, this depends on what your individual doctor tells you.
  • Consult Your Airline: Each airline also has its own rules regarding pregnancy and travel, but one rule that’s common across the board is the need for a doctor’s note certifying that it’s safe for you to travel. In addition, keep in mind that every airline reserves the right to deny boarding to a pregnant woman if it believes her safety or its own liability may be at risk.
  • Check Your Insurance: Insurance companies also have their own rules and restrictions dictating when a pregnant woman can and cannot travel, so be sure to consult your individual policy before making any arrangements.
  • At the Airport: If you are medically cleared for flying, another issue to consider is going through security at the airport. Some airports have new x-ray scanners that pregnant women should avoid. If the metal detectors are not an option, you can opt out and be patted down instead.
  • Pregnancy Perks: Once you’re sure you’re free to travel, the exciting planning stage can begin. Do your research because resorts are now tapping into the babymoon market by offering amenities and add-ons for pregnant women. These include prenatal yoga classes, spa treatments, healthy non-alcoholic cocktails and even special craving menus. Travelling during pregnancy may also get you some unexpected perks. I’ve heard some cases of women “flaunting their bump,” so to speak, and being pleasantly surprised by the extra attention and special service they have received.
  • Be Romantic: Be sure you make time for romance. After all, time together as a couple can become a little trickier when the baby arrives.

Claire Newell is the travel media expert for Global BC, host of the travel series Operation: Vacation, best-selling author, spokesperson, wife and mother of two.

Originally published in TVW. For daily programming updates and on-screen Entertainment news, subscribe to the free TVW e-newsletters, or purchase a subscription to the weekly magazine.