Travelling During Pregnancy
It's summer vacation time, and many expectant mothers have made travel plans.
There will never be a time when travelling with a baby is as easy as it is now; in just a year, going on a trip will mean carrying car seats, diapers, toys, and various safety devices. So, don't postpone your planned trip—make the most of it!
Travelling during pregnancy is common these days, but before you start packing your bags, be sure to consult your midwife or gynaecologist. If your pregnancy has been uncomplicated and you have no associated health risks, travelling by plane during pregnancy is generally safe.
The best time to travel during pregnancy is in the second trimester, as pregnancy symptoms usually manifest in a milder form during this period. By this time, the nausea and fatigue of the first trimester—neither of which is a pleasant travel companion—have significantly decreased. Additionally, your belly is not yet large enough to make it challenging to manage your luggage.
However, when planning a trip while pregnant, ensure that everything is okay with you and your baby and that you are not at risk for pregnancy complications, miscarriage, or premature birth when travelling abroad.
The Fetal Ultrasound Centre encourages pregnant women to seek medical advice and undergo a health check before travelling. The ideal time to book this appointment is 1–2 weeks before your trip.
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Consultation during the 6th to 14th week of pregnancy
If your period is missed for two days, it is advisable to take a pregnancy test. If the test result is positive, we recommend seeing a gynaecologist within 14 days to rule out the possibility of a potentially life-threatening ectopic pregnancy. An ultrasound will help determine the location and viability of the fetus, as well as provide details about the size of the pregnancy and the expected date of delivery.
If you are pregnant through IVF, or if you have experienced colds accompanied by fever, lower abdominal pain, or vaginal spotting early in your pregnancy, it is recommended to have an ultrasound to assess the risk of a threatened miscarriage. Spontaneous miscarriage is the most common complication that can occur during early pregnancy, especially while travelling.
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Consultation during the 14th to 28th week of pregnancy
During the second trimester, the risk of venous thromboembolism, which includes deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, increases. Therefore, we recommend scheduling a visit with both a midwife and a gynaecologist.
At the appointment, we will assess your health risks, taking into account the duration of your pregnancy, your age, any pre-existing medical conditions, previous pregnancies, current medications, and allergies.
The midwife will assess your risk of complications during pregnancy, including thromboembolism. She will measure your blood pressure and weight and provide recommendations on what medications to bring along for your trip, including items to pack in your “travel pharmacy.”
The gynaecologist will perform an ultrasound to assess the growth and well-being of the fetus and measure the length of the cervix to determine the risk of miscarriage or premature birth. If you are at an increased risk of thrombosis, the gynaecologist may prescribe low-molecular-weight heparin injections, and the midwife will teach you how to administer these subcutaneously.
It is advisable to attend the appointment if you have not felt fetal movements after the 20th week of pregnancy or if you experience lower abdominal pain, increased vaginal discharge, or bleeding during pregnancy, especially if you are at increased risk of premature birth. This risk is higher for first-time mothers, individuals who have had cervical surgery, or those who have previously had a premature birth. You should also attend if you have been diagnosed with gestational hypertension or if you are at risk for preeclampsia or gestational diabetes.
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Consultation during the 28th to 36th week of pregnancy
During the third trimester, the risk of pregnancy complications and premature birth increases. Therefore, we recommend scheduling visits with both a midwife and a gynaecologist.
The midwife will assess the risk of pregnancy complications, including thromboembolism, and will measure your blood pressure and weight. She will also evaluate the presence and severity of oedema, conduct urine and blood tests, and provide recommendations on medications to take with you on your trip or what should be included in your "travel pharmacy." If you notice any recent changes in your baby's motor activity, the midwife may perform a computerised CTG study of the fetus.
The gynaecologist will conduct an ultrasound examination to evaluate the growth and well-being of the fetus and measure the length of the cervix to assess the risk of premature birth. If there is an increased risk of thrombosis, the gynaecologist will prescribe low-molecular-weight heparin injections, and the midwife will instruct you on how to administer subcutaneous injections.
It is also advisable to attend this appointment if you have been diagnosed with gestational hypertension, are at risk for preeclampsia or gestational diabetes, or if your midwife or gynaecologist suspects that your baby has not reached its growth potential. Additionally, please come to the appointment if you experience moderate swelling in your legs, itchy skin, or if there have been recent changes in the rhythm and intensity of your baby's movements.
You will likely receive the go-ahead from your gynaecologist, as travelling during pregnancy typically poses no problems, unless complications arise or risks unsuitable for travel are identified during your appointment.
After your appointment, the gynaecologist will provide an English medical certificate to the airline, confirming your eligibility to travel by plane. Please note that pre-travel vaccinations are not administered at the Fetal Ultrasound Centre. For vaccinations, we recommend contacting the travel medicine office.