Despite what your mother or even your friends tell you, it is simply not true that you cannot travel while you are pregnant. You may have close friends and family who are protectively telling you that traveling during pregnancy is not recommended, but as long as you don’t have complications during pregnancy, traveling, whether by plane or car, should be fine.

In fact, enjoy your trip.

Naturally, you will want to take some safety precautions if you are driving or flying for an extended period of time during pregnancy. It will be easier if you don’t go alone, of course. A friend or partner can take turns being the driver, or help you load things at the airport to lighten your load.

Driving during pregnancy

You may have your own travel concerns. You may worry about spending most of your time in the air or in the car with your head in a paper bag, unable to enjoy the scenery. There is no evidence that pregnancy increases the chances of motion sickness. However, if you have had motion sickness in the past, you may have it again during pregnancy.

If you are driving to your destination, try to sit in the front seat and keep the window open to allow fresh air to circulate through the vehicle. It can be helpful to focus on a remote object on the horizon while in the car.

It is important to wear a seat belt correctly when traveling during pregnancy. It may be uncomfortable, but the belt will protect both you and your baby. Your lap belt should be tight over your hip bones or directly below your abdomen. Do not allow the seat belt to roll up and cross or rise above your belly. The shoulder belt should be worn across your breasts, not your neck.

If your seat has an air bag, it is recommended to slide the seat as far back as possible.

Since the baby is likely pressing on your bladder, you may need to make frequent stops to go to the bathroom, which will give you a chance to get out and stretch your legs.

If the worst-case scenario occurs and you have an accident, don’t hesitate to get examined in an emergency room, even if it was a minor accident. While your uterus is a safe and protective environment for your baby, there are complications that could occur as a result of a car accident. Get a checkup, just to be sure.

Flying during pregnancy

As long as your pregnancy is normal and healthy, you should be able to fly a commercial airplane until 35 weeks.

While there is no greater danger for women who fly during the early stages of their pregnancy, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has recommended that the safest time to fly is when you are between 18 and 24 weeks pregnant. This is the time when the chance of a miscarriage has decreased and before you are most at risk for preterm labor.

If you plan to fly, you may feel more comfortable sitting in an aisle or bulkhead seat as these tend to have more legroom.

As you should when driving, make sure the seat belt is securely fastened at the hips and below the abdomen.

Make an effort to get up and walk about every 30 minutes when flying. If you can’t do this, try flexing your feet and ankles as much as possible to help with your circulation.

Whether you travel by boat, car or plane, enjoy your vacation. Drink lots of water, eat healthy meals, get enough sleep, and have fun.

Your greatest adventure is about to happen with the arrival of your baby. Before this happens, take the time to take care of yourself.