Whether you’re like me and have morning sickness that lasts all day in your first trimester or feel amazing the entire nine months, each pregnancy is different. When I was pregnant with my son, because of timing, I was on ferries and planes in my first trimester and I was absolutely miserable. So much so that I didn’t go anywhere else the rest of that pregnancy. But with my daughter, I traveled frequently throughout my entire pregnancy and by far the most difficult time was traveling during the third trimester.
I was sleepy, sore from walking, constantly hungry but craving “real” food, not vacation food, and really just wanted to be in bed. Honestly, I don’t recommend traveling in your third trimester unless it’s for a truly relaxing vacation. But if you must, below are some tips for travel during your third trimester.
Wear comfortable shoes
In almost all of my pictures from this summer’s trip to Switzerland and Paris, I’m wearing these Allbirds sneakers. They’re incredibly comfy even though they didn’t go with a single thing I brought to wear and the wool isn’t exactly summer friendly. I knew that sandals or wedges wouldn’t cut it if I wanted to participate in all the walking one typically does in Europe.
Sneakers aren’t the only comfortable shoes you can bring on vacation. There are walking shoes and even walking boots. But for me, sneakers that I can wear again were the better investment.
Don’t over-schedule your day
Anything from swollen legs and feet to fatigue to the return of morning sickness can cause you to cancel an activity while traveling in your third trimester. Try not to schedule too much for yourself in any given day. We started our vacation out in Paris for a few nights and I scheduled one thing for our first day and then (with my toddler in tow) went back to the hotel for the late afternoon and evening.
Just like traveling with kids and babies slows you down, so does traveling while pregnant. Listen to your body and take it easy when you need to.
Stay hydrated
Whether you travel with a reusable water bottle or you purchase water throughout the day, it’s especially important to stay hydrated in your last trimester. The last thing you want is to go into pre-term labor while on vacation! Or experience some other medical emergency while away from home.
Pro-tip: refill your one-use plastic water bottle at your hotel before heading out for the day and save money on at least one fill up.
Get your rest
I know what it’s like to not want to disappoint whoever you’re traveling with and to want to go go go. But you’re pregnant! Take it easy.
Tiredness and an overall desire to lounge is one of the gifts that comes with the final trimester. Maybe it’s your body’s way of getting you ready to be exhausted for the next several months. Either way. Take that extra nap, go to bed early, and skip that activity if you have to, sis.
Consider travel health insurance
The ability to see a doctor no matter how far away you are from home is a good idea even if you’re not pregnant. But being that anything can happen, health insurance while pregnant can be especially important.
On the topic of health insurance, you should also have an idea of where the closest hospital is to where you will be staying. If no hospital, where is the nearest urgent care or clinic that you can go to?
Consider trip insurance
Unlike travel health insurance, trip insurance protects you in the event that you need to cancel your trip due to health reasons. If you’ve got a vacation planned but your doctor puts you on bed rest, trip insurance might be able to get you some or all of your money back.
Thankfully I’ve never had to use my trip insurance. But for the relatively low cost, or no cost at all if you book with certain credit cards, I can’t recommend it enough. Just for the peace of mind.
Talk to your doctor
My last piece of advice for traveling in your third trimester is to talk to your doctor. Your doctor will be the first to tell you if you should or shouldn’t go and you should want their OK first.
Some things you may want to ask your doctor about are how long are you able to sit before needing to walk? Should you wear compression socks on the plane? How much walking should you do? How warm will it be and how much water should you be sure to drink? Among other questions.
My doctor knows I’m good for 101 questions at every visit. I asked all of the above and then some for my final long haul flight in my third trimester when she gave me her blessing to travel.
What other advice do you have for traveling in your third trimester of pregnancy? What products do you absolutely love to use to make life more comfortable? Share in the comments! I’d love to know.