Travelling While Pregnant: The Ultimate Do’s and Don’ts

Are you planning a summer getaway with a baby on board? You might be asking yourself: Is it actually safe to go on vacation while expecting? Should I stay home just in case?

The answer is a resounding YES! Being pregnant doesn’t mean you have to trade your beach towel for a fan and a couch. You can definitely enjoy a summer holiday, but there are a few things you should keep in mind to make it stress-free and safe.

Have you ever seen a PINK BEACH?

→ Read about this Greek beach and get inspired for your next vacation

The "Gut Check": How Do You Really Feel?

Before you book those tickets, have a Mid-Season review with yourself. Every pregnancy is different, and your comfort is the top priority.

• Listen to your body: Consider how much you can realistically handle based on the size of your bump, any back pain, or general fatigue.

• Consult your doctor: this is non-negotiable. If your pregnancy is low-risk and you aren't on any specific medication, your OB-GYN will likely give you the green light.

• Comfort is King: If you don't feel "up for it", don't force it. There is no shame in a "staycation".

When is it "Too Late" to Travel?

I personally travelled by car to Italy when I was 34 weeks pregnant (mid-8th month). I felt fine; I had a small bump, and I wasn't the one driving. But here is the catch: insurance.

Most travel insurance companies will not cover you that far into your pregnancy. If anything happens or if labour starts early, you would have to pay for the medical bills out of pocket—and trust me, that "vacation" would suddenly become very, very expensive.

Airline Restrictions:

Don't get stuck at the gate! Every airline has its own rules:

• Emirates: Usually accepts pregnant women up to 29 weeks.

• Lufthansa: Allows travel up to 36 weeks without a medical certificate.

• Pro Tip: Always check the specific airline's policy and have a doctor’s note ready just in case.

First three months with a little baby

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Picking the Right Destination

This isn't the time for "extreme" travel. Avoid places with poor medical infrastructure or high risks of food poisoning (like areas where you can't drink tap water or shouldn't eat street food).

• Beat the Heat: Avoid scorching regions like the Middle East in mid-summer. Overheating is dangerous for both you and the baby.

• Go for "Chill": choose a relaxing spot where you can easily cool off in a pool or the sea and where high-quality food is readily available.

On the Move: Planes vs. Cars

If you’re flying:

• Book an aisle seat: you'll want easy access to the restroom and space to stretch.

• Stay active: do ankle exercises to prevent swelling and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

• Hydrate: Drink plenty of water and bring your own healthy snacks.

If you’re driving:

• Flexibility: Cars are great because you can take frequent breaks or even turn back if you start feeling unwell.

• Posture: Sitting at a 90° angle or using a small pillow for lumbar support can make a huge difference.

• Safety first: always wear your seatbelt. Position the lap belt under your bump, across your hips.

My Personal Wake-up Call

Even if everything feels perfect, remember that babies have their own schedules. I spent two weeks in Italy feeling great. Exactly two weeks after I got home, I gave birth to my son at 36 weeks.

In my home country, insurance covered everything. If that had happened just a few days earlier in a foreign hospital... it would have been a financial nightmare. Travel and enjoy, but always have a "Plan B".