Summer Travel While Pregnant
What to Know Before You Go
Traveling while pregnant can be a great way to pause, reset, and soak in quality time before baby arrives, especially during the summer months when the sunshine calls for adventure. Whether you're planning a relaxing babymoon, visiting loved ones, or heading out on a spontaneous road trip, there are a few extra things to consider when you're expecting.
This guide will help you travel smarter, stay comfortable, and know what to look out for before, during, and after your trip.
Is It Safe to Travel During Pregnancy?
In most healthy pregnancies, travel is safe up until 36 weeks. The second trimester (weeks 14–28) is often the most comfortable time to travel, energy is higher, nausea has usually settled, and your bump hasn’t grown too cumbersome yet.
That said, it’s always important to check in with your provider before planning a trip, especially if you have:
A history of preterm labor
Placenta previa or other complications
High blood pressure or gestational diabetes
Any travel involving high altitudes or long flights
Pregnancy-Safe Summer Travel Tips
1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
The heat, extra movement, and pregnancy itself all increase your hydration needs. Bring a large water bottle and sip consistently throughout the day. Coconut water or an electrolyte drink can help replenish minerals, too.
2. Dress for the Heat
Opt for breathable, lightweight clothing (think cotton, bamboo, linen) and supportive shoes or sandals. Don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat and pregnancy-safe sunscreen — your skin is more sensitive to the sun during pregnancy!
3. Support Circulation with Compression Socks
Especially on long drives or flights, compression socks can help reduce swelling and support blood flow in your legs. Put them on before you leave and keep them on until you’ve settled into your destination.
4. Plan for Frequent Bathroom and Movement Breaks
Pregnant bodies need regular bathroom breaks and movement! Try to stop every 1–2 hours if driving. On flights, book an aisle seat so you can easily get up to walk or stretch.
5. Snack Smart
Pack nourishing snacks high in protein and fiber like trail mix, granola bars, fruit, or nut butter packs, so you’re not stuck relying on fast food or airport kiosks.
6. Travel Light, But Thoughtfully
In addition to clothes and toiletries, make sure to bring:
Prenatal vitamins
A copy of your medical records
Any medications or supplements
A travel pillow or lumbar support
Flying While Pregnant
Most airlines allow pregnant travelers to fly up to 36 weeks (sometimes 32 for international travel), but policies vary; double-check your airline's guidelines and consider carrying a note from your provider as some airlines require it.
Flying tips:
Book an aisle seat near the front for easier access
Stand and walk the aisle every hour
Stay well-hydrated, as airplane cabins are very dry
Wear compression socks to reduce swelling
Pack peppermint oil or ginger chews to help with nausea
Road Tripping While Pregnant
If you're hitting the road:
Wear your seatbelt with the lap belt low across your hips (not over your belly)
Bring a small pillow or wedge to support your lower back
Take breaks to walk, stretch, and use the restroom often
Keep snacks, water, and a hand fan within reach
There’s something magical about summer road trips — the open road, scenic stops, playlists, and roadside snacks. And the good news is, road trips can be a perfectly safe and fun way to travel during pregnancy with a little planning and some built-in flexibility.
Here are tips to make your journey smooth, safe, and comfortable:
Choose the Right Seat
If you’re not the driver, aim to sit in the front passenger seat so you can recline slightly and adjust your position as needed.
If you’re the driver, make sure you take frequent breaks, stay alert, and keep both hands on the wheel — this isn’t the time for marathon stretches of driving.
Use a pillow or lumbar support cushion behind your lower back to ease pressure and prevent aches.
Buckle Up the Right Way
Wearing your seatbelt properly is essential:
The lap belt should go under your belly and lie snugly across your hips and pelvis — never over your bump.
The shoulder strap should sit between your breasts and off to the side of your belly, not under your arm or behind your back.
Support Circulation with Compression Socks
Sitting for long stretches can lead to swelling, especially in your ankles and feet. Compression socks can:
Improve blood flow
Minimize swelling
Reduce the risk of blood clots (especially in late pregnancy)
Put them on before you hit the road and wear them throughout the trip.
Hydrate + Snack Often
Even though stopping for the bathroom every hour might feel like a hassle, it’s necessary and healthy.
Bring lots of water in a spill-proof bottle and sip throughout the trip.
Pack high-protein, easy-to-digest snacks like cheese sticks, boiled eggs, granola bars, fruit, or trail mix to keep your blood sugar stable.
Avoid overly salty snacks that can make swelling worse.
Plan Restroom and Stretch Breaks
Aim to stop every 1–2 hours to:
Use the restroom
Get out of the car
Stretch your legs
Do a few gentle movements like ankle rolls, shoulder shrugs, and a short walk
Look for rest stops or shaded areas where you can move around without too much strain.
Comfort Items to Bring Along
A travel pillow or neck roll for naps
A cooling towel or hand fan if it’s hot out
An extra layer in case the AC gets too cold
A playlist or audiobooks to help you relax
A small footrest or yoga block to elevate your feet during breaks
Be Prepared, Just in Case
Even if your trip is short, it’s smart to pack:
A copy of your prenatal records
Your provider’s contact info
Any prescription medications or supplements
Insurance card and ID
A list of nearby hospitals or urgent care centers along your route
Apps like Google Maps or iExit can help you plan out stops with clean restrooms, food, and safe areas to stretch.
Listen to Your Body
Even with all the planning, pregnancy can be unpredictable. If you feel dizzy, lightheaded, overly tired, or just off, pull over and rest. It’s okay to modify your trip or delay your arrival. There’s no rush when you’re protecting your comfort and well-being.
When You Arrive: Let Yourself Acclimate
It’s tempting to jump right into activities when you arrive at your destination, but give your body time to adjust. Travel, heat, and movement can leave you tired or swollen, so:
Prop your feet up when you get to your room
Drink extra water
Avoid standing for long stretches
Sit or lie down with your legs elevated at the end of each day
Try a short nap, gentle walk, or bath to reset
If you’re staying multiple days, schedule periods of rest, not just activities. Build in time to be still and nourished.
Back Home: Reground and Rest
When you return, give yourself a day (or more) to rest and recover. Travel can take a bigger toll than expected, especially in pregnancy.
Unpack slowly, hydrate, and keep meals simple
Put your feet up to help reduce swelling
Resume your prenatal routine (vitamins, gentle movement, etc.)
Reflect on your trip and how your body feels afterward
When to Call Your Provider
Always trust your instincts. Contact your provider or go to the nearest hospital if you experience:
Contractions or cramping that don’t ease up
Vaginal bleeding or leaking fluid
Shortness of breath or chest pain
Severe swelling in your hands or face
Intense headaches, vision changes, or dizziness
Decreased fetal movement (especially if you’re beyond 28 weeks)
Having your provider’s contact info saved in your phone and written down in your bag is a good idea, just in case.
Go gently
Traveling during pregnancy, especially in the summer, can be restorative and joyful when planned well. Let your needs guide your pace. Say yes to the trip if it feels aligned, but also say yes to rest, slowness, and listening to your body.
Whether you’re basking in the sun, dipping your toes in the ocean, or just enjoying a change of scenery, know this: you deserve this time. You’re growing life. That’s worth celebrating.
