Traveling While Pregnant: Advice and Feedback

I kept my pregnancy a secret to preserve the surprise for our video 'Another Life', so I couldn't share my experiences of these 9 months traveling while pregnant, with no less than 8 trips, both in Europe and - literally - to the ends of the earth! Here is my feedback and the advice I wish to share with other (future) moms... and dads!

Before talking about my travels, I would like to make a brief point about my pregnancy in general. I LOVED being pregnant! I dreamed of experiencing this magical journey and I was not disappointed. Of course, I had nausea at the beginning (and at the end!) of my pregnancy. Of course, I had significant fatigue, shortness of breath, and cravings in the middle of the night... But I can say that I never got tired of it (except when I was overdue by a week, Manoa finally arrived 10 days later!). At that point, I became impatient to see him, and then he started to feel very low and quite heavy!

But every pregnancy is unique. And that's the message I want to convey in this introduction. I will talk about my pregnancy, which went very well. I had to undergo surgery a few months before getting pregnant (due to fibroids), but that had more of an impact on my mood at the time than on my physical condition in the long term.

Anyway, it's a story of joy to feel inhabited by a little life that is growing... But it's not the same for everyone. Some pregnancies go differently, worse even for 1,001 reasons. So I want to send lots of positive vibes and love to the moms who are having a tough time during their pregnancy... and most importantly, no judgment.

Yes, I was lucky enough to travel a lot while pregnant, even late into my pregnancy. I felt fit enough, apart from my travels, to swim every week (at least until my 5th month if I remember correctly), to do yoga daily until the last days, and to enjoy lovely walks with my partner...

Manoa was conceived during our trip to the Antarctica in November 2017... Yes, we managed to bring back a souvenir from the white continent, even though it is forbidden! And as François loves to repeat, Manoa is probably one of the babies in the world conceived the furthest South on our planet!

So Antarctica and Chile during the first month. Of course, at first, I didn't know. And to be honest, I only took the pregnancy test a few days after we returned. But we had that little inner spark, that strong conviction that a new life was beginning. Personally, I tried not to listen too much to that little voice to avoid disappointment in case I wasn't pregnant, but François was more than convinced. According to him, I had pregnant woman eyes... who knows!

The second trip during this pregnancy also took us to the ends of the earth: to Polynesia! It was late December 2017 and January 2018, in my 3rd month of pregnancy. New Year's under the palm trees: we love it!

For our 3rd trip in March, we visited François's family in Spain. An opportunity to show off my lovely little belly! And also to travel with a couple of friends and their adorable 4-month-old baby.

Then, we remain in Europe for trips 4, 5, 6, and 7 in order: Les Menuires in the French Alps for a week of yoga, Ireland on a houseboat, Northern Germany on a road trip to the Baltic, and finally a long weekend in Stockholm, for François to experience his first marathon. Four destinations, four very different settings and styles.

And finally, our last trip with the baby snug in my belly: to Japan! A country where we feel so good and (almost) at home, after four trips there already!

I didn't know yet that I was pregnant, but I was already being mindful of certain things, just in case. Medications, chasing after the plane at the airport (a specialty of ours!)... and carrying heavy things. However, for this trip and for the first time, we had a large suitcase (partly due to a lot of clothing layers and filming equipment for the video). A suitcase that I had to carry...

And, in Santiago de Chile, traveling by metro requires going through a lot of flights of stairs. Did I give off some sort of damsel in distress vibe? I couldn't say, but at every staircase, as soon as I made a move, a Chilean would approach and offer me help!

Thanks to all those kind arms that helped me cross the city!

Magnificent memories of paradisiacal landscapes... punctuated by nausea. Let's be honest, taking a cruise in the early stages of pregnancy might not be the best idea!

However, during 4x4 excursions, I discovered that the three magic words grant unlimited access to the seat of the co-pilot! But those same words take away all possibility of scuba diving... You can't have everything!

And thinking of Tahiti, the first image that comes to mind is not a great waterfall in a lush natural setting, but me, in the middle of the night, insomnia-ridden and feeling nauseous, sitting on my pillow in the bathroom with a book in one hand and a piece of bread in the other! Glamorous, isn't it? And every morning, I was met with François's disappointed face, who got used to my spending yet another night on the floor to avoid waking him!

Note: do not say this to a woman pregnant and proud of her beautiful round belly...

¡Ay si, se nota un poco!

(Ah yes, we can see it a bit!)

A bit? At the time, I felt like I had a huge belly... but the following months taught me to put things into perspective (pun intended)!

Hiking with snowshoes to a mountain refuge isn't necessarily easy. Doing it with a round belly that weighs you down and destabilizes you makes it even harder! Thanks again to that kind hiking group who were so encouraging and supportive of me. Their congratulations upon arrival touched me as if I had just completed an Olympic event (even though, honestly, looking back, it was an easy hike!).

Enjoying your baby bump to cut the lines at the airport: check! You feel so Very Important Pregnant!

Otherwise, traveling pregnant on a houseboat is pure bliss, especially when you fill the cupboards with hot chocolate supplies and cookies and a good book while your lovely husband takes care of the navigation. Some comforting lazy memories!

For François, a big challenge: his first marathon. For me, a city trip to Stockholm in relaxation mode, with friends so thoughtful that they scouted vegan restaurants near metro stops so I could enjoy without too much fatigue. Thanks, friends!

You'll see, you'll cancel!

I heard that phrase very often as my belly grew.

It's your first pregnancy, you don't know what it's like. In late pregnancy, it's not possible to stay seated like that on a plane for so long...

I didn't put pressure on myself, but I had the intimate conviction that everything would go well... a feeling that turned out to be correct. So yes, I didn't manage to sleep on the flight, I got up a lot to stretch my legs (and to go to the bathroom, let's be honest!), but that didn't bother me. The cabin crew was charming with me... and I was so happy at the thought of returning to Japan for the 4th time!

And in Japan... what a joy to travel pregnant! That will be the subject of a separate article, as I have so much to say about it, but I really loved the experience, both practically and socially. Most Japanese people had such a tender and caring gaze towards me, I felt cherished! By the way, I would love to return to Kyoto to visit that little vegan restaurant run by a kind grandma who was so delighted every time she saw me and gently placed her hands on my belly. A gesture that I usually didn't like, but she was so sweet that her attitude touched me deeply!

Before getting pregnant, when the plan was already clear in our minds, we imagined returning to the Guatemala. A trip we canceled given the information I could find on the subject.

Not only is Zika, which is present in this region of the world, extremely serious for fetuses, particularly in early pregnancy. But additionally, if the mother manages to escape the mosquitoes, the father can well be bitten and carry the disease without knowing it. You then have to wait 6 months for any trace of the virus to disappear so it is not transmitted to the baby!

We didn't want to wait 6 months (and clinics offering the test are rare and usually prioritize women already pregnant)... so we canceled this trip. But this is only a postponement. We will go on our project later!

I wanted to share my experience for the joy of keeping a record of these unique moments, but also to nuance the general discourse. I still remember a conversation with a doctor working in a special travel unit who told me:

But ma'am, regardless of the destination and style, all travels should be avoided during pregnancy!

Another instance of the mentality that seeks to preach safety at all costs: the pregnant woman turns into a sugar doll! Yes, there are guidelines to ensure a healthy and peaceful pregnancy... and traveling is often perfectly compatible with them.

So here are the main recommendations to follow when traveling pregnant.

This is often a big question. Can you travel while pregnant and fly during pregnancy? If so, until what stage of pregnancy?

It's important to distinguish the doctor's advice and the rules of airlines... and check these two points before any booking! As for the doctor's advice, it will depend on each person's medical file. And for the airlines, the limit often lies around the 36th or 38th week of pregnancy.

I must admit I was very surprised: during all my travels, I was sometimes asked at what stage I was, but no one ever asked for the doctor's note.

And for the info, many women (including myself!) often wonder about metal detectors at airports: can one go through metal detectors when pregnant? The answer is yes: it is considered safe, since exposure to low-frequency electromagnetic fields is at a very low level. And body scanners used to see through clothes are also safe.

Another important question: what is the best place on the plane for a pregnant woman? I would say the aisle seat: easier to get up... especially with a big belly that's not easy to maneuver! Personally, I prefer not to take a seat too close to the bathroom, to avoid the risk of being jostled by the constant comings and goings of passengers... And then, when you're pregnant, it's hard to stay seated for long: having to walk a little to go to the bathroom gives the opportunity for a short stroll!

Oh, and here's a bonus piece of advice: it's pointless to try to give birth mid-flight to ensure lifelong free travel for your baby with the airline... that's an urban legend!

Ultimately, we often make a mountain out of traveling on a plane while pregnant, but it's often more pleasant than traveling by car. Plus, we're allowed to board early! And the train is, I think, the most comfortable of all transports: plenty of space, the ability to move around easily... So, long live the train! (But for reaching the other side of the world, it's clear that it's less practical.)

When discussing travel with your doctor, don't hesitate to ask for advice regarding medications to consider and those to avoid.

And regarding vaccinations, the live vaccines (measles, mumps, and rubella) are not recommended during pregnancy, while inactivated vaccines are considered safe (like hepatitis B).

At one point, I considered going to Africa, and my gynecologist recommended I take an anti-malaria medication. Always discuss your travel plans with your gynecologist, specifying the destination, type of trip, visited areas and their climate, length of stay... to assess the risks together. You can also seek advice from travel doctors to cross-check information, while keeping in mind that they specialize in vaccinations, not pregnancy...

For your information, childbirth is rarely, if ever, covered by travel insurance.

Personally, one of my limits was avoiding mosquito zones, and particularly those where Zika cases were reported. I also wanted to avoid chikungunya and malaria.

Pregnant women are advised not to travel to high-altitude areas (some say not to exceed 3,600 meters, 2,500 for high-risk pregnancies...). However, traveling at altitude has an impact on our breathing. I must admit that while in the Alps, I felt my breath shorten. And often, high-altitude areas mean less accessible medical services... It's something to keep in mind when choosing a destination!

Personally, traveling was never a limiting factor in terms of diet during my pregnancy. Being vegan, with a chronic gastritis that prevents me from eating certain foods (like raw vegetables), being pregnant changed nothing about how I eat.

But when traveling, adopt the same vigilance rules you usually would regarding food: freshness, hygiene... And if you are not immune to toxoplasmosis (I was lucky to be!), you must also avoid a whole series of foods.

Another common question. And generally, it's recommended to travel in the second trimester: fewer nausea, more energy, and less risk of premature birth. This coincides with what is considered to be the safest period, in terms of obstetric risks: between the 18th and 24th weeks of pregnancy.

After that, I traveled almost throughout my pregnancy and loved it. Each woman (each pregnancy) is different: it's up to you to feel things out. It is indeed more delicate to book trips for the end of pregnancy. If you do, don't forget cancellation insurance...

Here are some tips for packing your travel bag well:

Slow down: plan fewer activities than you would normally do. Allow more room for improvisation (a good training ground before the baby arrives!). And set aside time for yourself, to pamper yourself: a nap, a shower during the heat of the day...

This also means planning: allow for extra time during your travels to handle any unforeseen circumstances and avoid rushing.

While pregnant, taking it easy while traveling mainly means avoiding extremes: extreme effort, extreme sports, extreme heat, and very high altitude.

Personally, I have a tense memory of a walk in Germany on Hiddensee Island, where I had to push myself to make it back in time to catch the boat that was bringing us back to the mainland. I felt some slight contractions during the effort and several days later. It wasn't worth it! If I could do it again, I would let all the boats leave the place and even let the world collapse instead of putting my baby at risk (even if it is just a risk of discomfort). It demands a lot of humility and the ability to recognize one's limits...

As always, it's better to prevent than to cure. One of the best preventions is hygiene. Certain basic rules for everyone (like washing hands well) still apply... or even more so.

On the hygiene and health side, pay attention to the water you drink... This advice applies to all travelers but especially to pregnant women, who tend to be even more attentive!

And finally, in health prevention, one of my major concerns during the preparations for my travels was mosquitoes. Consult your gynecologist for an effective and suitable anti-mosquito product for the area and the risk level that corresponds to your destination and style of travel. Some advise against DEET, while others recommend it, but with limited dosage. Pharmacists (and product package inserts!) can also help clarify this issue.

Generally regarding your travel pharmacy kit, don't hesitate to review all the package inserts to check if you can take those medications and, in case of doubt, ask the question to your gynecologist before leaving.

While traveling, it's reassuring to have a point of contact for moments of doubt. Just having their number or email reduces stress! My gynecologist was very responsive via email, which was truly reassuring to be able to ask her questions before leaving or during a trip.

In general, don't hesitate to consult a local medical service if you have any doubts about your health. Some signs should alert you: persistent vomiting or diarrhea, loss of blood, clots or tissue, abdominal pain, cramps, or contractions... Don't hesitate to ask for guidance from your gynecologist or midwife before leaving to know what to be vigilant about.

How nostalgic I am for that beautiful time! Yes, my baby is only a few months old, but I feel as if my pregnancy belongs to another life! I lived each day as a gift, sending a big thank you to the universe for that little life growing inside me. A thank you all the more significant since I was able to continue traveling throughout my pregnancy.

Being pregnant and swimming with sharks, admiring penguins on the ice, eating sushi in Japan, hiking with snowshoes to a mountain refuge, steering a houseboat... All these experiences will remain engraved in my heart and are already part of the story we will tell our baby when he is older.

You know, when you were in my belly, you...

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