After being cooped up for more than a year, many of us are itching to get outdoors and do a bit of traveling. According to ABC News, airlines are experiencing a pre-pandemic record number of people taking to the skies. But what if you’re pregnant? There are already standard rules like not traveling by air past 36 weeks’ gestation, but what about traveling while pregnant post-COVID? As the world starts to reopen, many wonder what guidelines will be different and which ones will stay the same.

We’re still learning and developing pregnancy guidelines regarding the pandemic, but here are a few tips to keep in mind about traveling while pregnant post-COVID.

First, a Note About Pregnancy and COVID-19

COVID-19 is the kind of virus that impacts everyone differently. Some who contract it may have no symptoms or have it present as a mild cold. But for others, it can be debilitating or deadly. Pregnant people are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 and its effects. When diagnosed with the virus, they are at greater risk for severe illness and health complications. COVID-19 during pregnancy can result in admittance to the ICU, possible preterm labor or miscarriage, the need for a ventilator, and death.

If you’re interested in getting vaccinated, consult your doctor to determine whether it’s safe for you. Early research shared by the CDC and FDA suggests that COVID-19 vaccines aren’t likely to pose a risk for pregnant people. Current data also favors breastfeeding during and after getting vaccinated.

And to date, there also haven’t been any reports of pregnant people experiencing any unique side effects other than those already associated with two-dose vaccines like Pfizer and Moderna. Of course, monitoring and research are still ongoing, so it’s best to stay up-to-date on CDC guidelines wherever possible.

1. Visit Your Doctor Before You Travel

If you plan on traveling while pregnant post-COVID, consult your OB/GYN or midwife a few weeks before you return to the jet setting lifestyle — especially if you have a higher risk of complications during your pregnancy. If you’re flying internationally, consult them a few months in advance.

Make sure that these medical professionals clear you for travel, and be sure to heed any additional precautions they may prescribe you. Even the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has its restrictions, such as not recommending travel for pregnant people with complications like preeclampsia or premature rupture of membranes (PROM).

2. Limit Your Exposure

If you work in retail, healthcare, education, hospitality, or the restaurant industry, you should be especially careful when interacting with the public. This same caution applies when deciding to travel while pregnant post-COVID. Traveling, especially by airplane, increases your exposure rates and the likelihood of coming into close contact with someone who has contracted COVID-19.

One way to reduce potential anxiety about flying during the pandemic is to follow a few precautions to help limit your exposure:

• Continue to wear a mask, even when it is not mandatory.
• Avoid large groups. Remember: both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals can still spread the virus!
• Use hand sanitizer.
• Wipe down surfaces during your trip.
• Continue practicing social distancing.
• Avoid high-touch surfaces like door handles, railings, and buttons.
• Continue to wash your hands frequently.

Note: If you have been vaccinated and are two weeks post-vaccination, the CDC does offer a new set of guidelines for travel that can inform your traveling decisions.

3. Have a Labor Plan

Whether you’re planning to travel or planning to keep your feet on solid ground, this one is an all-around must. But there are a few extra considerations if you’re hitting on the road.

As a safety precaution, you should purchase travel insurance when booking your flights. That way, should another round of lockdowns occur, or you develop concerning symptoms pre-travel, you can postpone or cancel your flight without the headache of losing money.

Going into labor while traveling is also not uncommon. You should pack a copy of your medical records and birth plan, know your blood type, and prepare a list of physicians local to your destination. If you’re traveling abroad, feel free to contact the International Association for Medical Assistance for Travelers. They can help you find an English-speaking physician to bring your little one(s) into the world while abroad.

4. Check the COVID-19 Map

Before traveling while pregnant post-COVID, check the COVID-19 map for anywhere you’re going. Luck always favors the prepared, and knowing the status of your destination will not only save you a lot of frustration, but it can potentially save the lives of both you and your baby.

Check the map regularly, as the CDC frequently makes updates to indicate areas with high infection rates, aka “hot spots.” Stay informed on how rapidly COVID and its variants are spreading at your destination and use the information to determine how safe it is to venture there. 

5. Choose a Window Seat

Before the pandemic made us hyper-aware of germs and transmission rates, experts advised pregnant women to sit in the aisle seat, making it easier for them to make frequent bathroom trips.

But nowadays, data shows that grabbing that window seat reduces your chances of exposure. That’s because you come in less frequent contact with other passengers and staff on the plane as they move around. If possible, select a window seat to reduce your contact with strangers.

6. Don’t Overdo It

When you travel, you may feel pressured to hit every item on your itinerary and make things picture-perfect, especially if it’s your babymoon. However, pushing yourself too far when you’re in such a delicate condition can weaken your immune system, making you more vulnerable to the virus.

To protect yourself, resist the urge to see an endless flurry of friends and family. Instead, take the time to relax and enjoy the time before your baby arrives. You can reunite with loved ones when the time is right. It’s not worth putting you and your baby in harm’s way. 

2Me Healthcare

Even as the world begins to reopen, there are many precautions you need to take when traveling while pregnant post-COVID. These tips are but a few examples of the extra care that goes into planning a safe and delightful trip, whether it’s for work, a babymoon, or another special occasion.

Another challenging and potentially stressful part of motherhood is finding and choosing the right provider for your pregnancy and birth. 2Me Healthcare offers various prenatal services, including pandemic-appropriate concierge care and our Home Birth Hybrid Program to ensure your delivery is a success.

Interested in learning more about our services? Contact our office today!

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