Traveling While Pregnant: Questions To Ask Your Doctor

This is the second post in a series about traveling while pregnant. The first post was about Timing Your Trip

Pregnant in Phoenix
Pregnant in Phoenix

You should consult your doctor before any trip while pregnant. If you are flying or taking a cruise, ask your doctor to write a letter giving you permission to travel, specifying your due date, and describing any specific complications with your pregnancy that another doctor might need to know about. You should also ask any questions that you have, including:

  • If you are taking a long plane flight or car trip, what recommendations does your doctor have for preventing blood clots in your legs (Deep Vein Thrombosis). He or she might want you to take a baby aspirin, wear support hose, or do special exercises.
  • Are there any special food restrictions related to your destination?
  • Are there any activities that you should avoid (for example scuba diving or flying in small planes)
  • Is it ok to make a few exceptions to the normal eating guidelines? If you know that, for example, skipping the cheese on a trip to France would be heartbreaking for you, ask your doctor whether it is ok to make an exception to the normal guidelines about eating unpasteurized cheeses.
  • If you are visiting a different climate (for example a very humid environment) does the doctor have any advice for staying comfortable?
  • Are any vaccines or special medication required for your destination, and what is safe to use during pregnancy?
  • Does the doctor happen to know a local OB in your destination who you could contact in case of emergency?
  • What are common complaints or problems during your stage of pregnancy, and what would you do if you experienced one of them while traveling?

Check back tomorrow for tips on what to pack for your babymoon.

Related Links
Traveling While Pregnant: Timing Your Trip

Filed Under: pregnancy travel-tips

4 comments | Posted on May 12, 2009 | Save to del.icio.us

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Comments

  1. Amelia on May 14, 2009 at 10:16 a.m.

    Great tips! Maternity compression stockings (or support hose) are definitely a good idea to increase blood flow to the legs. They're easy to pick up at the drugstore or prescription varieties are available through your doctor or medical supply store.

  2. Buggies Strollers on November 13, 2009 at 3:26 a.m.

    Last time when I was pregnant, my doctor told me not to take air flight after 3 months of pregnancy. I think every mother should take precaution regarding traveling during pregnancy.

  3. Debbie on November 13, 2009 at 7:55 a.m.

    Every woman's medical situation is different, and you should definitely consult your doctor before traveling. That said, most sources agree that women can safely travel during pregnancy.

  4. Allison on May 19, 2011 at 6:47 a.m.

    I agree with Debbie, everyone will receive different recommendations based on her situation. I am travelling to china for 2 and a half months while pregnant. Although there are risks (preterm labor, hypertension), these are risks that I would encounter if I were to stay home as well. Just make sure you have a doctor lined up where you will be travelling.