Traveling while pregnant brings up a lot of questions—especially when it comes to what's safe and what’s not. Can you take that beach vacation in your second trimester? Are you going to be able to fly to your cousin’s wedding? What about road trips or more active adventures like hiking or swimming? The answers often depend on where you are in your pregnancy and how you’re feeling.
This post breaks it all down by trimester so you know what kinds of travel are generally considered safe while you’re pregnant, and what to keep in mind along the way.
As a reminder, you should always consult your doctor, midwife, doula, or anyone you’re working with who is most intimately aware of your specific health case. Let them know what you’re wanting to do and the precautions you’re going to take while traveling pregnant. As long as they give you the go-ahead, then you’re all set.
So let’s dive into what it looks like to be traveling, road tripping, and even flying while pregnant!
When To Stop Traveling When Pregnant
The most common travel question asked is when to stop traveling when pregnant. And it’s arguably the most important! Maybe this is your first pregnancy and you’re new to everything. Or maybe you've done this all before and are just looking for a refresher. Either way, you’re doing it right by wanting to be as cautious and safe as possible when it comes to traveling while pregnant.
So let’s break it down by trimester and go through what is recommended as far as traveling while pregnant for each one.
Traveling In The First Trimester (1 to 13 weeks)
You just found out you’re pregnant, congratulations! Among the wave of emotions I'nm sure you're feeling, you might also feel tired and nauseous. Even though your belly isn’t showing much yet, big things are already happening behind the scenes. The question is, do those big things include travel plans?
Can You Take A Long Road Trip? (Around 2+ Hours)
Yes! With caution and as long as your symptoms are manageable.
During this time of pregnancy you are at the greatest risk of a miscarriage. And while there is no direct correlation between taking a road trip while pregnant and miscarriage, you may want to be near your home and hospital in case of complications.
If you do decide to take a road trip in the first trimester, be sure to stop and walk around for a minute or two every 1.5 to 2 hours. This helps prevent blood clots, and you may need to pee this often anyway!
Can You Travel In An Airplane?
Yes! With caution, and as long as your symptoms are manageable.
Similar to road tripping, there is no direct correlation between flying while pregnant and miscarriage. But you may want to be near your home and hospital in case of complications.
If you are going to be flying pregnant, make sure to get up and walk down the aisle for a minute or two every 1.5 to 2 hours. This helps prevent blood clots. And you may need to pee this often anyway!
Can You Do Travel Activities?
Yes!
Being physically active while pregnant is generally safe and even recommended. So as far as walking and touring, hiking, swimming, and similar physical activities go, it’s a green light all the way!
There are some common travel activities you will want to avoid while traveling pregnant however, regardless of what trimester you’re in. Anything that comes with a high risk of falling, overheating, or significant levels of stress are discouraged.
You also want to be careful of trying any unfamiliar foods while visiting new places and cultures. Steer clear of raw or undercooked meats, unpasteurized dairy products, processed meats, alcohol, and caffeine.
Traveling In The Second trimester (14 to 27 weeks)
You’ve made it to the “honeymoon phase” of pregnancy! This is when many people start to feel better, get their energy back, and see that cute bump start to show. One of the most exciting moments? Feeling those first little flutters of baby kicks! So now the question…are you allowed to travel while pregnant during this time?
Can You Take A Long Road Trip? (Around 2+ Hours)
Yes!
The second trimester is when the majority of pregnant people are feeling their best. So if you are going to be taking a road trip while pregnant, this is the golden time to do it.
Just like the first trimester, be sure to stop and walk around for a minute or two every 1.5 to 2 hours. This helps prevent blood clots, and you may need to pee this often anyway!
Can You Travel In An Airplane?
Yes!
If you are going to be flying while pregnant, this is the golden time to do it. You’ll likely be feeling your best health and energy-wise.
If you do decide to be flying pregnant, remember to get up and walk down the aisle for a minute or two every 1.5 to 2 hours.
If you're looking to make your flight more comfortable, Gravel's Layover Blanket is a game-changer. It’s lightweight, packs down small, and doubles as a cozy, personal space buffer. Perfect for staying warm and comfortable during those in-flight naps or chilly airplane cabins.
Can You Do Travel Activities?
Yes! Just like the first trimester, being physically active is safe and recommended. If you have plans to be walking and touring, hiking, swimming, or something similar, you’re good to go!
Again, there are some common travel activities you will want to avoid while traveling pregnant. Anything that comes with a high risk of falling, overheating, or significant levels of stress are discouraged.
You also want to be careful of trying any unfamiliar foods while visiting new places and cultures. Steer clear of raw or undercooked meats, unpasteurized dairy products, processed meats, alcohol, and caffeine.
Traveling In The Third Trimester (28 to 40+ weeks)
The home stretch! Your belly is growing fast, kicks are stronger, and the countdown to baby begins. It’s a mix of nesting, prepping, and powering through the physical discomforts that come with being oh-so-close to meeting your little one. So, is this a good time to travel while pregnant?
Can You Take A Long Road Trip? (Around 2+ Hours)
Yes, within 300 miles of the hospital or place you plan to have the baby, in case of a complication or early birth.
The third trimester is generally when you’re feeling the most uncomfortable, exhausted, and fatigued. You may not even want to be sitting in a car for a long number of hours. That being said, there’s no reason you can’t take a road trip while pregnant.
If you are going to take a road trip while pregnant in the third trimester, be sure to stop and walk around for a minute or two every 1.5 to 2 hours.
Can You Travel In An Airplane?
No, it’s not recommended.
Generally, pregnant individuals are not allowed to fly internationally after 28 weeks. And after 36 weeks, flying domestically isn’t an option either. This is because the third trimester is the time of greatest risk for premature labor.
You don’t want to put yourself or the baby through any unnecessary stress or routines. And it’s best to be within 300 miles of your home or hospital in case of a complication or early birth.
Some airlines even restrict pregnant people from flying after a certain number of weeks due to a lack of training. As I'm sure you can imagine, flight attendants aren’t equipped to birth a child at 30,000 feet.
Can You Do Travel Activities?
Yes!
The third trimester may be when to stop traveling when pregnant. But don’t let that stop you from a staycation, or chance to become a tourist in your own city!
Being physically active while pregnant is generally safe and even recommended for your health and the health of the baby. So feel free to be walking and touring, hiking, swimming, and anything else around that caliber! As always while traveling pregnant, stay away from anything that comes with a high risk of falling, overheating, or significant levels of stress.
You also want to be careful of unfamiliar foods. Steer clear of raw or undercooked meats, unpasteurized dairy products, processed meats, alcohol, and caffeine.
If you're not sure where to eat while on vacation, you can refer to our Ultimate Foodie Tour google map list. Gravel travelers have saved their favorite food spots all over the globe, take a look!
Final Thoughts on Traveling While Pregnant
Whether you're planning a quick road trip while pregnant, flying to a family event, or squeezing in one last vacation before baby arrives, knowing what’s safe and when to go makes all the difference. Each trimester comes with its own set of guidelines—and listening to your body (and your doctor) is key.
The biggest takeaway? Traveling pregnant can absolutely be done—safely and confidently—especially with a little preparation and awareness of when to stop traveling when pregnant. So if you're considering flying while pregnant or hitting the road for a weekend getaway, just make sure it’s the right time for you, your baby, and your overall well-being.
Here’s to safe travels and sweet memories—before your next big adventure begins: parenthood.
