Is it dangerous for pregnant women to fly? 7 tips for stress-free travel during pregnancy

By Rita

Is it okay to travel abroad with a big belly? Many couples want to seize the golden moment to travel before their baby is born, but they also worry about potential risks during the trip. In fact, pregnant women can travel—it just requires more preparation and precautions than usual. By following some key principles, you can still enjoy your journey. Here are 7 tips for traveling while pregnant, as compiled by US News:7 Tips for Pregnant Travelers”：

▲ Pregnant women should take extra care to stay healthy during travel (Photo/Dazi/Illustration)

1. Plan your travel period wisely
Although pregnancy can bring some discomfort, these symptoms don’t last the entire term. The best time to travel is between weeks 20 and 30, and you should avoid traveling between weeks 36 and 38. Always consult your doctor before departure, and check the airline’s pregnancy policies before booking tickets.

2. Opt for domestic travel
Traveling within your own country reduces uncertainty, such as the risk of unsafe food or water abroad, or unfamiliar medical services. Avoid sleeping at altitudes above 12,000 feet. More importantly, skip high-risk activities like diving, skiing, or bungee jumping—opt for walks or beach yoga instead.

3. Carry your prenatal records
No matter your itinerary, always keep your prenatal records and medical documents with you. Research nearby hospitals before you go. If you have health insurance, bring the necessary proof—medical costs abroad can be very high, so keep copies of all receipts if you receive treatment.

4. Choose road trips
While planes are faster and ships offer more space to sleep, driving is often the best option for pregnant women. It allows greater flexibility in case of emergencies, bathroom breaks, or the need to rest. When in the car, wear your seatbelt correctly, and limit driving to no more than six hours a day with plenty of breaks.

5. Request a pat-down instead of a scanner
If you’re flying, ask for a manual security check (pat-down) instead of going through a body scanner, as there’s limited research on potential risks to pregnant women from scanners. After screening, don’t lift your own luggage from the conveyor belt—ask a fellow passenger or airport staff for help to avoid heavy lifting.

6. Stay hydrated and eat healthy snacks
Drink plenty of water—aim for 8 to 12 cups a day. Oat bars and raisins make great snacks.

7. Make time to stretch
Since you’ll be drinking more fluids, you’ll need to pee more often. Sitting in an aisle seat makes bathroom breaks easier and allows for more stretching. Wear stretchy pants and socks, and comfortable shoes can also help reduce discomfort from sitting for long periods during the flight.