Going abroad when pregnant
Travel and holiday insurance
There are a few things you need to do before you set off. Make sure that your travel
insurance covers pregnancy and a newborn in case the baby arrives early. Also, remember
to get your EH1C card if you’re travelling in Europe, which provides emergency cover
care. You can apply for one at your local post office.
Travelling by sea and sky
Check with your doctor that it’s still safe for you to fly. If you’re going to be
making your return journey between 28 and 32 weeks pregnant, it’s most likely that
the airline will need a letter from your doctor confirming that you’re fit to fly.
Airlines can have differing rules when it comes to allowing moms-to-be on their
planes, so it’s best to check before you book.
This also applies to ferry crossings. Some ferry companies prefer you to seek medical
advice if you’re less than 12 weeks pregnant, and provide a medical certificate
if you’re more than 28 weeks gone. So always check with the company you’ve booked
with.
When you’re in the air
Flying when pregnant slightly increases your chance of getting deep vein thrombosis
- in fact any long car, bus or train journey can too. But there’s no need to panic
and cancel your trip! The odds of it happening are very low. Just follow these tips
and everything should be OK:
• Check if your airline provides flight socks, if they don’t, buy a pair as they
reduce the chances of DVT developing. In fact, you can wear these socks for any
long journey.
• Avoid coffee and tea but drink plenty of fluids to keep you hydrated.
• Take a walk down the aisles every hour or so to encourage good circulation, but
hold on to keep your balance and prevent a fall.
• Flex your feet up and down regularly throughout your journey.
You may be more likely to suffer travel sickness so try a pair of travel sickness
bands or take crystallised ginger for the journey. Most importantly, give yourself
plenty of rest.
When you’re on holiday
OK so you’ve arrived, unpacked and are desperate to head out. But before rushing
out follow our advice and you’ll holiday with total peace of mind:
• Take all your medical notes, insurance policy and EH1C card.
• Always carry a list of names and numbers of people who should be contacted in
case of emergency, like your doctor.
• Keep a list of the locations of nearby hospitals with you – you could get this
from the local embassy, tourist board or hotel/place you’re staying at.
• Wear a higher than normal factor of sunscreen and avoid staying in the sun for
too long as your skin is far more sensitive during pregnancy.
• Avoid mosquito repellents containing DEET. Try natural alternatives such as citronella
oil or use nets.
• Avoid diving and water sports.
Should you wear a seatbelt when pregnant ?
Studies have shown that the baby and you will be far safer with a seatbelt on. Make
sure that the lap belt lies snugly under your bump and across your pelvis whilst
the shoulder belt should be over the top of your bump and between your breasts.
It’s a complete myth that the law allows pregnant women to choose whether they wear
a seatbelt. So please, buckle up!
Are car airbags safe ?
The quick answer is yes! However you may want to move your seat back from the dashboard
or steering wheel (or tilt the steering wheel downward) so that it’s further away
from your stomach.