MediLeave Editorial Team. Medically Reviewed by Dr Sabrina Campbell BSc MBBS MRCGP FRACGP MSc. Last reviewed 11th Feb 2026.
Many women travel while pregnant and most experience safe and healthy trips. However, pregnancy does require additional planning, particularly when travelling long distances or overseas. If you are considering travel during pregnancy, it is important to speak with your GP or maternity care provider as early as possible. They can help assess your individual risk and provide advice based on your medical history, stage of pregnancy and travel destination.
Some pregnancies carry a higher risk of complications and may require additional precautions or a recommendation to delay travel. You should seek medical advice before travelling if you have any of the following:
• A multiple pregnancy such as twins or triplets
• Vaginal bleeding during this pregnancy
• Your first pregnancy and you are over 35 years of age
• Gestational diabetes or high blood pressure
• A history of miscarriage, stillbirth, ectopic pregnancy or premature birth
• Pregnancy following IVF or other fertility treatments
Your doctor can help determine whether travel is safe for you and advise on any additional monitoring or precautions that may be required.
Healthcare standards vary between countries and access to maternity services may be limited in some destinations. If complications arise, it may be difficult to obtain appropriate care. Before travelling overseas, it is important to:
• Research medical facilities at your destination
• Identify the nearest hospital with maternity services
• Ensure you have appropriate travel insurance
Travel insurance is essential and you must inform your insurer that you are pregnant. Many policies do not automatically cover pregnancy-related complications or care for a newborn if delivery occurs overseas, so check the policy carefully before booking.
For most women with uncomplicated pregnancies, the second trimester, between 12 and 24 weeks, is considered the safest and most comfortable time to travel. During this period:
• Morning sickness often improves
• Energy levels may be higher
• The risk of miscarriage is lower compared to early pregnancy
Travel later in pregnancy may be more physically uncomfortable and carries a higher risk of complications.
Most airlines allow pregnant women to fly if the pregnancy is uncomplicated, but restrictions vary. General guidelines include:
• Domestic flights are usually permitted up to 36 weeks
• International flights are often restricted between 32 and 35 weeks
Always check airline policies before booking, as documentation requirements differ. Your doctor may need to provide a letter confirming your due date and fitness to travel.
While flying, it is recommended to:
• Choose an aisle seat to allow easy movement
• Walk and stretch regularly during the flight
• Drink plenty of water
• Wear compression stockings to reduce the risk of blood clots, which are more common in pregnancy
Some vaccines are not recommended during pregnancy, particularly live vaccines. These include:
• Measles, mumps and rubella
• Chickenpox
• Yellow fever, unless the risk of exposure is high
• Certain Japanese encephalitis vaccines
Vaccination against influenza and COVID-19 is recommended during pregnancy, as these infections can be more severe in pregnant women. The influenza vaccine is free for pregnant women in Australia.
Malaria poses a greater risk during pregnancy and some preventative medications are not suitable. Preventing mosquito bites is especially important, and your doctor can advise on safe prevention strategies and medications.
Medications commonly used to treat travel-related illnesses, such as traveller’s diarrhoea, may not be safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. A pre-travel consultation allows your GP to recommend safe treatment options and help you prepare a pregnancy-safe travel health kit.
Certain activities are not recommended during pregnancy due to increased risk, including:
• Scuba diving
• Water skiing
• Using hot spas or hot tubs
• Travelling to very high altitudes above 4,000 metres
• Travelling above 2,500 metres late in pregnancy
Gentle activities such as walking, swimming and snorkelling are usually safe in uncomplicated pregnancies, but individual advice should be sought.
To support a safe and comfortable trip:
• Carry your antenatal records with you
• Know where medical services are located at your destination
• Stay well hydrated, particularly in hot climates
• Allow time for rest and avoid overexertion
• Seek urgent medical care if you experience vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, reduced fetal movements or signs of early labour
With appropriate planning and medical advice, travel during pregnancy can be both safe and enjoyable for many women.
If you are pregnant and planning travel, a telehealth consultation provides convenient access to personalised advice. A MediLeave partner doctor can:
• Assess your fitness to travel
• Provide pregnancy-specific travel health advice
• Recommend and prescribe travel vaccinations that are safe in pregnancy and issue online scripts for these
• Advise on malaria prevention and mosquito protection
• Review medications and provide pregnancy-safe alternatives
Booking a consultation before your trip helps reduce health risks and ensures you travel with confidence.
The content provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, nor is it a substitute for professional medical consultation. The views or recommendations expressed in this article and any linked resources do not necessarily reflect those of MediLeave or its affiliates.
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