Updated: This post Travelling in 8 months pregnancy has been updated on November 2023 with new and relevant information.
Travelling In Pregnancy Guide
Travelling in your final trimester of pregnancy is not like the normal travelling, where you set of backpacking and are full of active energy.
In fact it takes a lot of dedication to begin with.
Depending on what your hormones are feeling like.
It also requires some pre and post planning.
Is It Safe To Travel at 8 months pregnant?
With the right precautions in place, most women can travel safely during their pregnancy.
If you are travelling in your final trimester, it’s best to be extra prepared.
the first 3 months have a higher risk of miscarriage, which is why alot of travelling is not recommened.
The second trimester is the best phase to travel, since most women are full of energy during this stage, they find travelling to be smooth too.
The final trimester again is lurking towards your final due date, so being extra careful during this phase is a must.
Wherever you decide to travel, find out what healthcare facilities are at your destination in case you need urgent medical attention.
It’s a good idea to take your maternitymedical records with you, just in case you require urgent medical care.
It all depends where your travelling to. Is it local, out of town or abroad.
Each journey will require it’s own planning.
Can travelling during pregnancy harm the baby?
Generally, traveling during pregnancy is safe for both the mother and baby. However, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider before making any travel plans. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific health needs and the stage of your pregnancy.
Are Long Travel Journeys Safe For Pregnancy?
Yes.
Dpeending on your overall health condition in pregnancy ofcourse.
First thing to do is consult with your health care proffessional.
They will be able to guide you accordingly due to knowing the previuos history of your pregnancy.
It also depends on what way you will be travelling in. Is it car, bus, train, plane.
All sources of transportation will have their own affects on each pregnancy differently.
The best way to travel in your final trimester according to health professionals in train.
This is due to the low level of rapid movement felt during the journey.
Can A 8 Month Pregnant Woman Fly – Flying In Pregnancy
Flying isn’t harmful to you or your baby.
Most airlines will not let you fly after week 37 of pregnancy, because fter 37 weeks of pregnancy baby can be born anytime.
If you are having a multiple pregnancy’s then it’s usually from 32 onwards most airlines deny.
Depending on the urgency of your travel, the midwife will be able to advise better, depending on your health and severity of travel.
You can also check the policy of the airline you will be travelling with.
Usually if it’s a short distance (less then 4 hours), they may allow you to travel even later on.https://www.youtube.com/embed/xvc7za6oDQk?feature=oembed
Travelling By Car During Pregnancy
Car journey’s are probably the most common ways a women travels in pregnancy.
It’s actually recommended to avoid long car journeys if you’re pregnant.
If that’s possible ofcourse.
Pregnancy Driving Restrictions
Due to the fact that road accidents are among the most common causes of injuries in pregnant women, it’s also one of the main reasons it’s restricted.
To keep safe during car journeys you can:
- Try and be the passenger and do less of the driving
- Always travel with somebody
- When your stationary, you can do some exercises in the car, such as flexing, stretching and rotating your feet and wiggling your toes – This will keep the blood flowing through your legs and reduce any stiffness and discomfort.
- If you are in your third trimester, you can wear compression stockings while on long car journeys. Compression stockings help prevent blood clots.
- Keep hydrated and keep snacking to avoid dizziness, fatigue and nausea.
- Keep air circulating in the car by leaving the window slightly open.
- Always wear your seatbelt. Even though it can be discomforting, it’s important. Instead of wearing the lap strap across your bump, wear it under your bump. The belt will be more comfy this way.
Travelling By Train During Pregnancy
Train travel is the safest form of transportation for pregnant woman.
Due to the fact that there are no sudden bumps, curves or speed incline/declines.
Trains have a gentle rocking motion which is better for both the mother and baby within.
Ensure to book a train seat with ample amount of leg space for you to move round and stretch in.
When To Stop Travelling While Pregnant
Ideally it’s best to stop travelling by any means of transport after 37 weeks.
The body is unpredictable.
Your baby can arrive anytime after that date.
My midwife predicted I would go overdue or be exact 40 weeks when i deliver.
Reason was because it was my first pregnancy, first pregnancy’s are not expected to arrive early apparently.
Was she right?
No!
I delivered naturally 2 weeks before my due date.
No one can predict what the body will do.
How To Plan Your Travel When Pregnant
Travelling in 8 Months Pregnancy – Plan Ahead
I can not empathies this enough.
Wherever you go, even if it’s short distance, you need to prepare and plan especially, when in your third trimester.
I travelled 2 x 4 hour journeys via train when i was 8 months pregnant.
I planned my journey a few days before.
Revised the maps from destination A to B to C to D thoroughly.
You can use Trainline and Traveline to book your journeys, just like I did.
First use Traveline to determine what methods you can use for your journey.
Then use Trainline to book your train tickets at the cheapest rates. I decided to go off-peak as that saves 30%-70% than peak tickets.
Travelling in 8 Months Pregnancy – Don’t Travel Alone
Take a friend you say?
If you are travelling at a later stage in your pregnancy and your health requires attention, it’s best to have someone accompany you.
I made the choice to travel on my own.
I was 8 months pregnant and healthy.
It sounded scary doing all the planning but luckily my pregnancy was super smooth so far so I didn’t see any chances of me going into labour anytime soon.
If you have generally felt well in your pregnancy then long distance travels even at the last stages will not be a problem.
If you feel well and up for the challenge, don’t be afraid.
After all, all the walking and energy used along your journey will only prepare you for an easier labour.
Travelling In 8 Months Pregnancy – What To Pack
Pack Light – You don’t need fancy candles or 7 pairs of shoes for your journey.
Wondering what to pack in your hospital bag? Read here for the ULTIMATE list.
I was travelling in the winter so I had to make sure I had comfy boots and comfy clothes to last me the journey.
The last thing you want is to be too cold or too hot because of the clothing you wear.
Break into any shoes you decide to wear for your journey beforehand. This is to avoid blisters and bruises.
Wear comfy clothing – I opted for thick leggings and a long cashmere jumper knee length. A neck scarf and a wooly coat, which I could take off in the train if it got too hot.
Please do not be travelling in heels.
Especially when your travelling in 8 months pregnancy.
You wont just tire your body out but even the baby will get tired and distressed.
Pair your dressing with a small lightweight handbag.
Depending on where you are going, if it is a work trip, you wont really need much apart from a few things that can easily fit in your handbag.
Essentials You Need To Pack When Travelling in Pregnancy
Money (a debit/credit card and some spare cash)
Plan how much expenses you will need for the whole journey and take a few extra bucks incase of emergency.
I kept cash for the bus and taxi journeys and a debit card for the train and tram.
I also took my husbands card incase mine was declined.
Always carry an extra, if travelling far from home.
Travel Tickets
Print these out beforehand if you can and place them in travel order in a small zip pocket inside your handbag.
Snacks
Very important since you never know when your little baby inside can get peckish.
I carried a small apple and banana and a few biscuits inside my bag.
Oh and a water bottle.
Don’t pack too much of food and snacks as food is readily available at many train stations and if you catch the virgin trains and were to be travelling London like myself, they have a trolley service on the train where you can grab a sandwich too.
Powerbank and Charger
This is so important and I would definitely encourage you to purchase a powerbank if you don’t have one already.
On the train you are never guaranteed a seat next to a charging doc so a Powerbank can be a lifesaver.
Although I printed the map journey out, sometimes having the phone app open also helped.
Plus you would need your phone to be charged if calling for taxis.
They usually cost less than 10 pounds so it’s not breaking the bank.
To be honest the wired charger I didn’t even get a chance to use. The Powerbank lasted 3 charges and before it ran out I was back home.
Extras!
I packed a pair of earphones, a small foldable umbrella, a woolly hat and some makeup in case I needed to top my lippie up at the office.
You can also pack an extra undergarment padding just incase you are a little leaky down there.
Being in the final trimester puts a lot of pressure on your pelvic muscles and bladder which can cause some leaks often.
If you struggle sitting in a certain spot for more than a few hours I would recommend a small cushion to take along. This can help relax the back and take some pressure off.
What To Pack For Unborn Baby?
As the baby is inside your womb you don’t need to pack anything for it.
It’s mostly yourself you need to ensure you have everything for.
Remember, the baby is in the safest place it can ever be and that’s inside you!
So as long as you keep yourself easy and comfy, the baby will be just fine.
Keep yourself relaxed AT ALL TIMES.
If you miss a train, DONT PANIC – the next one will come and you can board that.
When looking around for trams always ASK.
There are many staff Co-Ordinator’s who work in several train and tram stations to help guide passengers, don’t feel ashamed.
I got lost when I landed in Euston London and wasn’t sure where the underground was to St Pancreas at St Albans, so I asked a staff member who guided me. They are there to help so make use of them.
Feeling tired?
If you feel tired then please rest.
A couple of minutes can take a lot of weight of your little feet.
Watch for bumps and holes in the ground as you want to make sure you put your feet in the right places to avoid falling or tripping (God Forbid!)
Other than that just enjoy yourself!
Take the walk and exercise in as a breeze and enjoy the surroundings and atmosphere you see.
After all it’s not everyday you get to travel at this stage in your pregnancy.
Best of luck Mums to be:)
Bored? Read on how you can avoid the travel journeys and start working from home
The PERFECT newborn baby checklist you need to have.
Where can I shop for my baby – The BEST UK online stores revealed.
