Travel in the third trimester is fun! It’s a lot more difficult to travel with a baby so you might as well do it now! The second trimester is arguably the best time to travel (about 14 to 27-weeks pregnant). Tony and I went to Kauai at 20 weeks and you can see that post here. I am 30-weeks pregnant right now and I just got back from a girls’ trip to San Diego with my mom and sister! I had a few questions on Instagram about traveling at 30 weeks pregnant, so I thought I would give some tips.
Talk to Your Doctor
Physicians will have different recommendations on how far into your pregnancy you should be traveling, and it will differ depending on the risks and complications of each pregnancy. Our doctor was fine with travel in the third trimester (at this point), but she wanted me to promise that this would be the last flight!
Do your Research
Make sure that your travel and activities can accommodate someone in their third trimester. Most airlines restrict travel after either 34 or 36-weeks, cruise ships restrict travel after 24 weeks, and there are lots of activities that pregnant women will not be allowed to do (boat rides, helicopters, etc.) Research this ahead of time so that you’re not surprised later! It may be worth it to get records from your doctor noting how far along you are so that you don’t have any issues along the way.
Choose Your Destination
San Diego was a perfect destination for someone at 30-weeks because it is super relaxing and not very physically demanding. We sat at the beach, got massages, walked around, and just relaxed. I highly recommend this as a destination for the third trimester. I also would choose a place that you are comfortable delivering! This is scary to think about, but you need to! For me, I didn’t want to leave the country or even the continental U.S. this late in pregnancy.
Pack Your Pregnancy Necessities
For me this was my electric heating pad (for the sciatica pain), compression socks, prenatal vitamins, and Tylenol. I wanted to bring my foam roller and pregnancy pillow, but I just couldn’t find the space. If either of those things are important to you, I would honestly consider checking an extra suitcase. Nausea is not typically an issue at this stage in pregnancy but bring sea-bands or Dramamine if that is a concern.
Stay Comfortable
Pack clothes and shoes that are going to be comfortable for you for the activities and the weather of your trip. I didn’t pack heels so that you can get around easily. I packed two pairs of flat sandals (these and these). Because of my sciatica pain, it’s difficult for me to get pants on and off so I really didn’t pack any. A must-have for me are my maternity Spanx (I have these) because I like the feeling of the belly being held in and I also hate my legs rubbing together while walking! Choose cool and comfortable clothing, pregnant women tend to get hot!
Ask for Help
You will need help to travel in the third trimester and make sure to ask for it. I flew with my mom and she lifted my suitcase up and into the car, security bin, overhead bin, etc. the entire trip. If you are traveling alone (which I wouldn’t recommend), take advantage of the people around you. I found that being this pregnant, people offered to help me all the time. Take advantage!
Tips for the Actual Flight
This could be a blog post in itself!
Compression Socks – I packed my compression socks in my purse to wear on the flight. I managed to get them on myself, but it was a little bit challenging. I waited until I was already on the flight and it was a little crowded for this maneuver. Ask your travel companion to help you get them on or if you are traveling alone, have your significant other help you before you leave for the airport!
Get up and move! – If the flight is more than a few hours, get up and move around every hour or two. There is a greater risk for blood clots, so you can’t be too careful! You can also just point and flex your feet while sitting down, which worked well for me.
Drink water and eat snacks – Every time the flight attendants came by and offered water or food (which was 3) I took advantage. It’s important to stay hydrated (for both mom and baby) so make sure to drink plenty of water. Also, eat healthy high protein snacks when you can. This is a good diet to stick to in general, but also will keep you full longer. I would bring snacks with you (I wish I had!) so that I didn’t have to rely on the airport and plane options.
Get an aisle seat – My mom booked an aisle and a middle for us so that I could easily get out and go to the bathroom if I needed. If you’re going to the bathroom twenty times a day, you will want to have easy access to the bathroom.
What I Packed
