Traveling While Pregnant? Airline & Cruiseline Safety Guidelines

With travel season coming up, are you asking yourself: “Is it safe to travel when I’m pregnant?” Well, whether you want a Caribbean cruise, a flight to Europe or a road trip around the US, follow these guidelines to keep you and your baby safe and sound. Plus, we even have helpful hints to make your travel plans a success, regardless if you’re traveling by land, sea, or air. Also, we have a SPECIAL BONUS: here is all the research for most airlines and cruise lines about restrictions when flying when pregnant or taking a cruise during your pregnancy.

Driving, Cruising, Flying When Pregnant: Is it Safe?

Flying When Pregnant

Can pregnant women fly? It is generally considered safe to travel less than 36 weeks gestational age or less than 33 weeks for multiples. After thirty-six weeks, or thirty-three weeks with twins or polycyesis (the medical term for multiple babies), most airlines require a medical certificate or waiver from your OBGYN or midwife with the following:

1. On official clinic or hospital letterhead
2. Dated no later than 3 days (72 hours) before your departure date
3. Number of weeks gestational age
4. Estimate delivery date
5. Single or Multiple Pregnancy
6. Any pregnancy complications
7. A note that you are in good health and fit to travel through the date of your final flight
8. Signed by a doctor or attending midwife (their contact information would be valuable too)

Can flying cause labor or induce early labor? Most experts agree that flying does not cause labor; however, each pregnancy is unique. Airlines do take precautions by setting restrictions to lower the chances of unexpected labor on a flight, causing an emergency landing, or giving birth unassisted up in the sky. After all, labor is a fairly complicated process that involves a release of hormones like oxytocin and hormone-like chemicals called prostaglandins causing uterine contractions to help get that baby out. Flying doesn’t automatically jump-start this process but due dates are estimates, so you can never know exactly when a woman is going to go into labor.

However, with flying, there are some other considerations you need to be aware of. Sitting for extended periods of time can make you more susceptible to developing blood clots, which is already a risk for pregnant women before stepping onto a plane. Luckily there’s an easy solution: get up and walk around when it is safe to do so. A second precaution to take is to drink plenty of water. Flying makes anyone dehydrated and it’s especially important to keep you and your little one hydrated. Plus, guess what one of the causes of Braxton-Hicks contractions is……you got it: dehydration. So be sure you’re drinking fluids.

Driving While Pregnant

The great news is your never driving alone!  But long road trips are associated with an increased risk for pregnant women. When your legs are stagnant, you have an increased risk of blood clots. Blood clots or DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is when blood isn’t moving through your vessels adequately and forms blood puddles.  This jello-like blood can form balls (called a clot or thrombus) that can travel through the bloodstream (now called an embolus) and ultimately go to bad places like your arms, legs, heart, lungs, or brain (also known as a stroke). I know this sounds scary, but that is why it is important to use this information to take multiple walks around during the pee breaks. Although DVTs are a concern, they do not happen very often. If you’re ever wondering about why you have to pee so often check out Pukeology Podcast Episode 11: Frequent Urination in Pregnancy and it will tell you all about it or check out the blog form right here on our website.

Listen to "Frequent Urination In Pregnancy from Early Signs Of Pregnancy to Third Trimester Pregnancy Pukeology Podcast Episode 11" on Spreaker.

Cruise While Pregnant

Can I go on a Disney cruise pregnant? Of course! You can go as long as you’ve had a healthy pregnancy and are less than 23 weeks pregnant at any point on the sailing. The same goes for other cruise lines including Royal Carribean, Carnival, MSC, Celebrity, etc. At the end, I will have a list of cruise lines and river cruises pregnancy policies.

Now, what if you find out your pregnant after you’ve booked? As long as you haven’t paid your final payment you can cancel your sailing but you might not get a full refund. Ask them if they can move your sailing to a different date after the baby is born. Buy travel insurance if you are trying to get pregnant just in case the bun in the oven happens right before you start cruising.

Although you may think you’re past the morning sickness stage or you’ve never had motion sickness in your life, we HIGHLY recommend being prepared for it. Pregnant women are more susceptible to motion sickness mainly because of hormone imbalances, but also because your increased fluid volume also relates to the inner ear which causes motion sickness like you’ve never previously experienced. Motion sickness is no joke. 

If you have a slight preconceived notion that you may have sea sickness including getting sick during car rides, vertigo, dizziness on rollercoasters, easily nauseous, or a known history of motion sickness please go visit www.NoMoNausea.com, it can save your entire sea vacation. The drug-free and natural combination of essential oil and acupressure is not only waterproof, but NoMo Nausea is clinically proven and used by doctors in surgery in too many hospitals to count to help people and children not get nauseous after surgery and during labor and delivery. At only $12.99 for TWO bands it is definitely a deal, and much better than being underprepared. You don’t want to be given Zofran which can be over $200 for the pill and $200 for the doctor visit and is NOT considered safe for pregnant ladies.  However, since it is an effective anti-nausea medication it is what most cruise doctors have on hand.

Although you may really want to, don’t buy a spa package. Regardless of how many weeks gestation you are, most spas will not give you a massage, massage your feet during a pedicure, or use any scented product that could potentially cause harm to the baby. Don’t waste your money on something they might not be able to provide for you. Maybe this seems frustrating, but in the end, it’s to make sure you and your baby are healthy.

Tips & Tricks for Traveling While Pregnant

Avoid Dehydration and Prolonged Sitting

Traveling while pregnant by air, land, or sea all have the same concerns: hypersensitivity to sun and heat, and dehydration and prolonged sitting. Check out our blog: How to Cool Down in the Summer Heat Wave for more tips on how to stay hydrated during your vacation. But here are some of the basics:

• Drink water! (If you’re flying, bring an empty water bottle and then fill it up when you get past TSA so you don’t have to pay for overpriced water in the airport)
• Wear sunscreen (It should be SPF 15 or greater)
• Move around when you can (take walks on those pee breaks)
• Pack a wide-brimmed hat(I love this one from Target: https://bit.ly/2TIdIfK)

Take Care of your Immune System

Foreign countries, cruises, and airplanes are notorious for communicable diseases because they can spread very quickly when you have crowds of people.  Same is to be said about taking tour buses, eating at buffets, and the hugging and kissing of family members, especially children. To prevent a cold or illness from ruining your vacation be sure to:

• Bring hand sanitizer(I love Bath & Body Works Caribbean Escape plus liquid amount is TSA approved)
• Load up on Vitamin C before and during your travel 
• • Emergen-C is a powder that you can simply mix into your water. You can get a FREE sample of Emergen-C or coupons here: https://bit.ly/2P3noiw
  • Oranges, apples (which are also great for nausea), and broccoli are great dietary sources of Vitamin C. 
• Watch what you eat. For a full list of foods to avoid while pregnant check out Pregnancy Pukeology Podcast Episode 5: Foods to Avoid when Pregnant or check out the blog version on our website. Listen to "Foods To Avoid While Pregnant Pregnancy Pukeology Podcast Episode 5" on Spreaker.

Be Aware of Geographical Health Concerns

Think about the destinations, and make sure you are not going to a country or state where the Zika virus outbreak is on the rise. Zika is a virus carried by mosquitos that can cause birth defects like microcephaly (abnormally small head) which leads to concerns of infants’ brain growth and intellectual disabilities For more education, visit the CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for an up-to-date listing of health advisories.

Think about What You Want

Use common sense when booking excursions or trips.  Malaria on an African Safari is not a forever treasure you want to bring back, and even if you are going to Africa some anti-malaria vaccinations are not safe for pregnant women, so it is not worth it. As a pregnant woman, you might not want to book a 6 flags adventure and ride rollercoasters, so also consider zip lines, parasailing, rock climbing, and scuba diving as no go’s. You will probably feel exhausted from the vacation and traveling, so don’t try to do too much. You are growing a human, that is your incredible superpower, so enjoy your time off.

Treat Yourself

Look your best on your vacation! After all, you’ve just taken on a full-time job (literally), growing a baby. So, go on a shopping spree for things you love and will feel comfortable in. If you’re on a budget, I highly recommend going to thrift stores. People often donate their old maternity clothes and more often than not, they are in great shape! Here are a few of our recommendations:

• Invest in a maternity swimsuit.
• Avoid heavy formalwear gowns that you are going to try to squeeze into.
• Stay away from rompers (Remember: you have to get completely undressed just to pee, and I know you pee every 5 minutes.)
• Flowy dresses are perfect for pregnancy.
• Stretchy maternity pants (great if you’re sitting for a long time)
• Compression socks (These are awesome for circulating blood).
• Buy comfortable shoes for walking, and cushioned sandals just in case your feet swell.

So now you know that flying after 36 weeks is not recommended, cruise lines won’t let you on after 6 months, and long road trips just aren’t the wisest when pregnant. Plus, these tips make pregnancy travel a breeze! As promised, below is a list most airline’s and cruise line’s pregnancy policies and rules and the podcast version of this blog. And remember: ENJOY yourself and don’t forget your NoMo Nausea band for all-natural relief from motion sickness in the air, on the road or at sea.

 

 

List of AIRLINE Pregnancy Policies

Each airline has its own set of rules especially when you’re considering traveling outside of the country. It is generally considered safe to travel by plane less than 36 weeks gestational age, or less than 33 weeks for multiples. But, here is a full list of airlines and their pregnancy travel restrictions. Calling your airline to make sure you have everything they need is always a good idea too. Remember: don’t hesitate to ask for help, some airlines even allow you to board early.

 

Airline	Before 28 weeks	Between 29-36 weeks	After 37 weeks (or 33 with multiples)
Air Canada	No restrictions	No restrictions	Travel NOT permitted
Air France	No restrictions	No restrictions	Travel NOT permitted
Alaska Airlines	No restrictions	No restrictions	Travel NOT permitted
Alitalia	No restrictions	No restrictions	Requires medical certificate dated within 7 days of departure
American Airlines	No restrictions	Travel permitted but requires medical certificate	Requires medical certificate dated within 7 days of departure   For international travel, clearance from a special assistance coordinator & medical certificate dated within 2 days of departure required
British Airways	No restrictions	Requires medical certificate dated within 7 days of departure	Travel NOT permitted
Cathay Pacific	Travel permitted, but for pregnancies with known complications, must complete Cathay medical form no less than 48 hours before travel and receive clearance from the airline	Travel permitted and requires medical certificate dated within 10 days of departure	Travel NOT permitted   Medical clearance required for mothers traveling within 7 days after birth   Infants within 48 hours after birth NOT permitted, and require medical clearance between 3-7 days after birth.
Delta Airlines	No restrictions	No restrictions	No restriction but does NOT waive pregnancy-related change fees and penalties.
Emirates	No restrictions	Travel permitted but requires medical certificate	Requires prior clearance from Emirates Medical Services.   Infants are not permitted to travel within 7 days of birth and only with prior medical clearance.
Etihad	No restrictions	Travel permitted but requires medical certificate	Travel NOT permitted
Frontier	No restrictions	No restrictions	Pregnant passengers are urged to consult with their doctor on whether it is safe to travel by air, including the possibility of turbulence, cabin pressurization (increased risk of deep vein thrombosis), and lack of access of medical care.
Jet Blue	No restrictions	No restrictions	Requires medical certificate dated within 7 days of departure.
KLM Royal Dutch	No restrictions	No restrictions	No restrictions but note for pregnancies with complications required
Lufthansa	No restrictions	No Restriction, but medical certificate recommended	Travel permitted but requires medical certificate
Singapore Airlines	No restrictions	Travel permitted and requires medical certificate dated within 10 days of departure	Travel NOT permitted
Southwest Airlines	No restrictions	No restrictions	Travel permitted but not recommended after 38 weeks. Pregnant women may be asked to not sit in emergency rows.   Medical certificate required, dated no later than 3 days before departure, but 24 hours preferred.
Spirit Airlines	No restrictions	No restrictions	Women in their 8th month are urged to obtained an examination from their physician shortly before flying to confirm it is safe for them to travel
United Airlines	No restrictions	No restrictions	Original certificate must be presented to airline at check-in and the other 2 copies must be kept on hand during travel.
Virgin America	No restrictions	No restrictions	Travel permitted but medical certificate dated within 72 hours of departure.
Virgin Atlantic	No restrictions	Travel permitted but medical certificate required	Travel NOT permitted unless necessary for urgent medical or compassionate reasons. Travel under these conditions requires approval from Virgin Atlantic’s medical team (contact the airline directly for details) and companion strongly recommended.
Virgin Australia	No restrictions	Travel permitted and requires medical certificate dated within 10 days of departure	For flights longer than 4 hours, travel is not permitted after 36 weeks (or 32 weeks for multiples), or within 48 hours of normal vaginal delivery.   For flights shorter than 4 hours, travel is not permitted after 40 weeks (or 36 weeks for multiples), or within 48 hours of normal vaginal delivery.
Volaris	No restrictions	No restrictions	May travel but a medical certificate is required or by executing a release of responsibility available at the gate.

 

List of CRUISE LINE Pregnancy Policies

Most cruise lines do not allow pregnant mothers traveling during or after their 6^thmonth. And be sure to get a “fit to travel” letter by your OBGYN doctor or midwife stating the health of the mother and baby, whether or not the pregnancy is considered high risk, and estimated date of delivery as calculated from both last menstrual period and ultrasound.  Make sure it is dated close to when you are departing.

Cruise line	Up to 23 weeks	Over 24 weeks
AMA Waterways	Travel permitted	May travel until 36 weeks.  Advises to check with your insurance company
Avalon Waterways	Travel permitted	Travel NOT permitted
Azamara Cruises	Travel permitted and requires medical certificate	Travel NOT permitted
Carnival Cruises	No restriction	Travel NOT permitted
Celebration	Travel permitted	Travel NOT permitted
Celebrity Cruises	Travel permitted and requires medical certificate	Travel NOT permitted
Costa Cruises	Travel permitted	Travel NOT permitted
Crystal Cruises	Travel permitted	Travel NOT permitted
Cunard	Travel permitted	Travel NOT permitted
Disney Cruises	No restriction	Travel NOT permitted
Festiva Sailing Vacations	No restriction as long as doctor approves it	No restriction as long as doctor approves it
Fred Olsen	Travel permitted	Travel NOT permitted more than 28 weeks pregnant
Holland America	Travel permitted and requires medical certificate	Travel NOT permitted
Lindblad Expeditions	Travel permitted on a case by case basis between their physician and Lindblad consulting doctor that must approve all pregnant travelers	Travel permitted on a case by case basis between their physician and Lindblad consulting doctor that must approve all pregnant travelers
MSC	Travel permitted	Travel NOT permitted more than 28 weeks pregnant
Norwegian Cruise Line NCL	Travel permitted	Travel NOT permitted
Oceania	Travel permitted	Travel NOT permitted
P & O Cruises	Travel permitted and requires medical certificate	Travel NOT permitted
Paul Gauguin	Travel permitted and requires medical certificate	Travel NOT permitted
Princess Cruises	Travel permitted and requires medical certificate	Travel NOT permitted
Regent Seven Seas	Travel permitted and requires medical certificate. Master and Ship’s doctor has the right to deny boarding in his/her professional opinion	Travel NOT permitted
Royal Caribbean RCL	Travel permitted and requires medical certificate	Travel NOT permitted
Seabourn	Travel permitted and requires medical certificate	Travel NOT permitted
SeaDream Yacht Club	Travel permitted and requires medical certificate	Travel NOT permitted
Silversea	Travel permitted and requires medical certificate	Travel NOT permitted
Star Clippers	Travel permitted but reserves the right to refuse or revoke passage to anyone who, in its judgement, is until to travel due to physical or mental conditions.	Star clippers regards third trimester pregnancy as a travel risk and reserves the right to refuse passage to pregnant women.
Steps of Paul Cruises	Travel permitted and requires medical certificate	Travel NOT permitted more than 28 weeks pregnant
Swan Hellenic Cruises	Travel permitted and requires medical certificate	Travel NOT permitted more than 28 weeks pregnant
Uniworld	Travel permitted and requires medical certificate	Travel NOT permitted
Viking River	Travel Permitted.  No policy in regards to pregnancy.  No pregnant woman would be prevented from boarding if they are able to make it to the ship. Viking River cautions that NO doctors are aboard.	Travel NOT permitted
Voyages of Discovery	Travel permitted	Travel NOT permitted
Voyages to Antiquity	Travel permitted and requires medical certificate	Travel NOT permitted
Windstar Cruises	Travel permitted	Travel NOT permitted due to limited medical facilities