Anytime you travel, it’s rewarding, recharging, and rejuvenating. However, there are certain circumstances that can make your next trip feel less exciting—maybe even daunting. Traveling while pregnant is one of those travel situations that can leave you feeling uneasy and unsure about the vacation altogether. With the right pregnancy travel essentials, though, you can make the journey more comfortable and enjoyable. I encourage you to take all those trips!
Whether this is your first baby or fifth baby, you will cherish these special, intentional moments before your newborn comes. I remember before Caden was born, just relishing the last few trips I got where it was just my husband and I. Then, when I was pregnant with Willow, I soaked in every moment I got to spend with Caden and Jason as a family of 3 before she arrived. The point is, that traveling while pregnant is worth the hassle.
Truthfully, it’s not as hard as it may seem. (Neither is traveling with a newborn once they’re here!) With the right essentials and tips, pregnant women can feel empowered to travel wherever they want and embrace these last experiences before they enter a new chapter of their lives.
So, today, I am sharing a round-up of essentials that’ll make traveling while pregnant much easier. 🙂 Here’s what you need:
12 Pregnancy Travel Essentials
Compression Socks
I still traveled often even into my third trimester. (With the consent of my doctor, of course). However, I had terrible swelling in my feet, ankles, and calves starting at about 35 weeks, and air travel made it even worse. Plus, there’s always the increased risk of blood clots when traveling while pregnant.
Needless to say, compression socks are an essential pregnancy travel item for me! (And, a partner that’s willing to help you squeeze into them.) I recommend Bombas or Comrad Compression.
Belly Band
Discomfort and soreness come with pregnancy. When you travel during pregnancy, all of that is amplified. There is nothing particularly comfortable about traveling, whether you’re sitting for hours in an unsupportive airplane seat or walking for miles to complete a hike. To help relieve pain and discomfort from body changes during pregnancy, I recommend a belly band! It gives you extra support for your hips and lower back to make travel days way more manageable.
The Right Shoes
The right shoes are everything when you’re pregnant. I hesitate to recommend any specific shoe, because everyone’s experience is different. However, make sure the shoes you choose you’ve already broken into and tested thoroughly. Even if they’re not your most stylish pair, wear what’s going to make you the most comfortable!
Travel Maternity Pillow
A travel maternity pillow is another must-have for travel in the second and third trimesters. Sleeping well is essential to a positive experience, so make extra room in your bag for this Momcozy Pregnancy Pillow. It’s definitely worth it!
Nausea and Reflux Remedy
Whether you’re fighting morning sickness, motion sickness, or acid reflux, make sure you bring your remedy of choice on your trip. For morning sickness, I like Pink Stork’s tea and sweets, Pregnancy Drops, and Gin-Gins. For acid reflux, you know TUMS will save the day, and if motion sickness is a pregnancy struggle, try motion sickness glasses, sea bands, or pregnancy-safe medication. (Talk to your doctor first.)
Sick Bags
Despite your efforts, you may get sick. Hopefully, if this happens, you’ll be at your rental. However, nausea may hit in a rideshare, on the plane, or while doing an activity. Have sick bags in your purse just in case a receptacle isn’t handy.
Hand Sanitizer and Wet Wipes
When pregnant, most of us are more mindful about getting sick. Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes are key to staying clean and healthy in questionable sanitary areas like airports, rentals, hotel rooms, restaurants, and other venues.
Panty Liners or Period Underwear
Some women really struggle with extra discharge and even incontinence when pregnant. Having panty liners on hand or wearing period underwear can help keep you dry and comfortable. Make sure to keep extras in your carry-on while flying and extras in your purse while exploring your destination.
Water Bottle
Staying hydrated will keep you and baby happy and healthy while on your trip. It can also help fight nausea and fatigue. So, bring your favorite water bottle (I like my knock-off Stanley) and keep it filled all day.
Snacks
No one wants a hangry pregnant woman. Pack plenty of snacks for flights and activities. Not only will they help you fight hunger, but things like nuts and crackers can help alleviate nausea.
Good Book
This is your time to relax and invest in your new baby. A book is a great way to unwind and invest in yourself. Depending on your itinerary, there may be activities that you can’t participate in. While the rest of the family is off adventuring, you can have some much-needed quiet time with a good book. Here are some of my top recommendations for moms:
- Like a Mother: A Feminist Journey Through the Science and Culture of Pregnancy by Angela Garbes
- What to Expect When You’re Expecting by Heidi Murkoff
- Cribsheet: A Data-Driven Guide to Better, More Relaxed Parenting, from Birth to Preschool by Emily Oster
- Bringing Up Bébé: One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting by Pamela Druckerman
Comfortable Layers
If you are pregnant or you have been pregnant, you know how one minute you’re freezing and the next minute you’re burning up. To help this, pack maternity clothes that are layerable. A tank with a cardigan with some lightweight joggers, for example, would be a great way to dress for both occasions. You can find more maternity airport outfit ideas here.
Important Documents
This goes for any trip, but all your important documents must be handy when you’re pregnant. Of course, have the usual items like a passport, driver’s license, and travel insurance, but also bring contact information for your OBGYN or midwife, your hospital information, and a letter from your doctor expressing your safe to travel. Keep these items with you at all times!
Not sure where or how to pack all of this? Here’s a list of my top mom backpacks for travel! These are some of the most useful bags I’ve come across for both pregnancy and motherhood!
These essentials will make traveling while pregnant easier and more comfortable.
When you’re pregnant, your body needs a lot of extra support. These must-have travel items will hopefully help you stay healthy, comfortable, and pampered throughout your vacation. For more tips on traveling and motherhood, head back to the blog. I have a lot more wisdom to share with you. Have a great trip!
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