Travelling while pregnant: what to check first
A little planning makes travelling while pregnant easier and calmer. Use this checklist before you book and on the way, and ask your midwife or doctor about your own pregnancy.
Before you book
- Check how many weeks you will be on the travel dates, out and back (use the travel planner).
- Read your airline’s, ferry’s or cruise line’s pregnancy rules.
- Ask your doctor or midwife, especially for twins or a complicated pregnancy.
- Buy travel insurance that covers pregnancy and an early birth.
On the way
- Carry your pregnancy notes.
- Drink water and move regularly on long journeys.
- In the car, keep the lap strap of the seatbelt under your bump.
- Know where the nearest hospital is at your destination.
Where you are going
Health services do not recommend travel to places where the Zika virus is present. Live vaccines are usually not given in pregnancy, while non-live vaccines are considered safe (NHS). Ask your GP or midwife what you need for your trip.
Questions people ask
How should I wear a seatbelt when pregnant?
Put the cross strap between your breasts and the lap strap across your pelvis, under your bump, not across it (NHS).
Is a long car journey a good idea?
It is best to avoid long car journeys in pregnancy. If you cannot, take regular breaks, and compression stockings can help on drives over 4 hours (NHS).
Can I travel by ferry when pregnant?
Ferry companies have their own rules and may refuse to carry women late in pregnancy. On longer trips, check what medical help there is on board and at each port (NHS).
Should I take my pregnancy notes?
Yes. Take your maternity notes with you, so a doctor or midwife abroad has your information if you need care (NHS).
Can I travel to a country with Zika?
Travel to places where Zika is present is not recommended in pregnancy. Check the risk for your destination before you book (NHS).
Do I need vaccines before I travel?
It depends on where you go. Live vaccines are usually not given in pregnancy, while non-live ones are considered safe (NHS). Ask your GP or midwife well before your trip.
Sources
- NHS: Travelling in pregnancy · checked October 26, 2026
- CDC Yellow Book: Pregnant travelers · checked October 26, 2026