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Traveling while pregnant: Your complete guide

Unless you're nearing your due date or have certain complications, your healthcare provider will generally give you the green light for pregnancy travel. Here's how to safely explore – plus what to consider before making plans.

Is traveling while pregnant safe?

When to avoid pregnancy travel, when is the best time to travel while you're pregnant , can pregnant women travel during covid, when should you stop traveling while pregnant, your pregnancy travel checklist, when to call your doctor while traveling.

Yes, it's generally safe to travel during pregnancy as long as you're not too close to your due date and you're not experiencing any serious pregnancy complications. There are special precautions to take, of course, and you may find yourself stopping to use the bathroom more than you're used to, but that babymoon can be within reach.

Before you pack your suitcase, talk with your healthcare provider to make sure it’s safe for you to travel and that your destination is a good choice. You'll want to avoid places where infectious diseases are prevalent (or there are high outbreaks of Zika or malaria, for example). The COVID-19 pandemic has made people reconsider where they feel safe traveling as well; if you're fully vaccinated, the CDC says you can travel Opens a new window , but it's always best to check with your doctor first.

And bear in mind that the activities you take part in might be different than normal – you'll want to skip the Scuba diving lessons, for example (though snorkeling is okay!).

It's safe to fly when you're pregnant as well, and most airlines will allow you to fly domestically until about 36 weeks of pregnancy. International routes may have different rules, so be sure to check with your airline before booking anything. Your doctor will tell you to avoid flying, however, if you have a health concern that might require emergency care or any other health conditions that aren’t well controlled.

It's best to avoid traveling while pregnant if you have any health conditions that can be life-threatening to both you or your baby. If you have any of the following conditions, your doctor will almost certainly advise you against travel:

Placental abruption
Preeclampsia
You're in preterm or active labor
Cervical insufficiency (incompetent cervix)
Premature rupture of membranes (PROM)
A suspected ectopic pregnancy
Vaginal bleeding

You might also need to be extra-cautious or skip travel if you're experiencing intrauterine growth restriction , you have placenta previa , or you have other conditions that may place your pregnancy at a higher risk. It’s always a good idea to discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider before travel regarding any medical conditions you have, and they'll be able to advise you on what's best, depending on the trip.

The sweet spot for pregnancy travel is during your second trimester , between 14 weeks and 27 weeks. By the second trimester, any struggles you’ve had with morning sickness and fatigue during the earlier weeks of pregnancy should have hopefully subsided – and after 12 weeks, your risk of miscarriage decreases significantly as well. And you're not too far along to worry about third trimester exhaustion or going into preterm labor yet, either.

Your energy levels are likely to be good during your second trimester too (bring on the sightseeing!), and it will still be relatively easy and comfortable for you to travel and move around at this time. Keep in mind that once you hit that third trimester, pregnancy travel might be more difficult as you find it harder to move around and stay still for long periods of time.

It's complicated (and often a personal decision based on your own risk factors), but the CDC says that if you're fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you can travel. Of course, it's important you still do everything you can to keep yourself and others around you safe, including following all mask-wearing and social distancing guidelines in the destination you visit.

Women are at an increased risk for severe illness if they contract COVID-19 while pregnant , and they're more likely to experience preterm birth and other poor pregnancy outcomes. (This is why the CDC, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine all recommend that women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or are planning on becoming pregnant get the COVID vaccine .)

If you're vaccinated and decide to travel, the CDC advises avoiding international destinations that are designated Level 4, due to high rates of local COVID-19 transmission.

Take all this information into account and talk to your doctor before you decide on where and when to travel while you're pregnant. And if you experience any symptoms of COVID-19, whether while traveling or at home, call your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

The guidelines for when to stop traveling while you're pregnant vary based on your mode of travel, but more or less, you should wrap up travel before you're 36 weeks pregnant.

Most airlines will let pregnant women fly domestically until they're 36 weeks pregnant – and many cut that off earlier for international travel. This rule is often enforced on an honor system policy, but some airlines may ask for a doctor’s note – so make sure you have that from your healthcare provider if you're traveling in the third trimester, just in case.

Most cruise ships don't allow travel after 24 weeks of pregnancy. Some cruise lines' cutoff dates vary, so verify policies before booking a cruise.

As for road trips, there's no official deadline for when you need to stop traveling, but your personal comfort level (physically and emotionally) – and your doctor's advice – might help you decide. You can drive while pregnant all the way up until your due date, but things may get considerably less comfortable on longer trips as you approach full term.

Travel of any kind requires advance preparation, but when you're pregnant and traveling, that pre-trip checklist gets a little longer. Give yourself a little more time than usual to plan for a trip – and use the tips below to stay safe and comfortable on your next adventure.

Before you travel

Talk to your healthcare provider to determine if your trip is safe for you and if there are any medical concerns to consider. It's a good idea to discuss any activities you plan to do while you're away too. If you're planning an international trip, make sure to ask about any vaccines you may need for the areas you're visiting.
Make sure you know your prenatal test schedule. Plan travels around any prenatal tests you need to schedule, including ultrasounds and other important screening tests.
Book an aisle seat. You'll likely be more comfortable being able to get up to stretch or go to the bathroom on longer flights.
Buy travel insurance. You don't need special travel insurance when you're pregnant, but it's never a bad idea to secure a policy. You may want to consider one with a “cancel for any reason” clause that reimburses you for money lost on cancelled trips for reasons (read: any reason) beyond what’s listed on the base policy. Check with your personal health insurance, too, to make sure it covers potential pregnancy complications while traveling internationally (some don’t). Consider adding evacuation insurance as part of a travel insurance plan, too.
Gather your medical records and health information . If you’re in your second or third trimester, ask your ob-gyn or midwife for a digital copy of your prenatal chart, and have that easily accessible during your trip. Typically, this chart includes your age, your blood type, the name and contact information for your healthcare provider, the date of your last menstrual period, your due date, information about any prior pregnancies, your risk factors for disease, results of pregnancy-related lab tests (including ultrasounds or other imaging tests), your medical and surgical history, and a record of vital signs taken at each visit.
Keep a list of key names and numbers you may need in the event of an emergency saved on your phone and written on a piece of paper (in case your battery dies).
Have a contingency plan for doctors and hospitals that will take your insurance where you're going in case you go into labor early or experience pregnancy complications that require urgent care while you're away from home.
Pack medicines and prenatal vitamins. That might include an extended supply of prescriptions and over-the-counter remedies , too. Bring enough to cover your entire trip and a written prescription that you can fill if you lose anything. It's a good idea to keep prescription medicine in its original container, so if your bags are searched it will be clear that you're not using medication without a prescription.
Prepare for the unexpected. On a road trip, that might mean an unexpected breakdown, so join an auto club that provides roadside assistance. Download any apps you use for renting cars and accessing boarding passes before you leave so you can easily reschedule things in the event of a last-minute cancellation.
If you're flying during your third trimester, be sure to call the airline to check about the cutoff week for pregnancy travel. A note from your doctor that says you’re cleared to travel is always good to have when traveling during your third trimester.

During your trip

Drink plenty of water and continue to eat healthy foods . Keep in mind that many restaurants abroad commonly serve unpasteurized foods (like soft cheeses and milk), which can be dangerous for pregnant women due to the presence of listeria.
Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat or fish , drinks with ice (which may be contaminated), non-bottled water, and other foods that can cause traveler's diarrhea, which can be more of a problem for pregnant women than other people.
On long flights and drives, take time to stretch by pulling over for a walk or strolling up and down the airplane aisle. And when seated, always wear your seat belt .
Maternity compression socks are handy to have along – both in transit and worn under your clothes while you’re out and about exploring – because they can ease the symptoms of swollen feet and legs. These are a few of our favorite pregnancy compression socks .
Take advantage of help. Many countries have dedicated lines in shops and airports for pregnant travelers, so don't feel any shame taking a shorter wait if you see one.
Go easy on yourself. Remember, you're growing a baby. You might not have quite the stamina for sightseeing and late nights like you used to pre-pregnancy. Make the most of your vacation but don't fret you miss out on things because you need more downtime from exploring than you usually would.
Don’t forget to get photos of your bump. When your baby is older, you'll have fun showing them all the places you traveled with them before they were born.
Go for the comfy shoes. Travel during pregnancy is the best reason ever to forgo those strappy stilettos for your favorite sneakers .
Pack snacks so you always have something to curb your appetite if there’s a long wait for a restaurant or you get stuck in transit or someplace remote with no food offerings.
Try to be in the moment with your travel partners as much as possible. Once your baby is born, your attention will be pulled in a whole new direction.

If you have any medical concerns traveling while pregnant, don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and call your doctor for advice. The below are a few symptoms that definitely warrant calling your ob-gyn or health care provider or seeking emergency care while traveling or at home:

Signs of pre-term labor (including a constant, low dull backache, bleeding, etc.)
Ruptured membranes (your water breaks)
Severe cramping
Spiking blood pressure
Severe nausea or vomiting
COVID-19 symptoms

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BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies .

AAFP. 2020. Ultrasound during pregnancy. American Academy of Family Physicians. https://familydoctor.org/ultrasound-during-pregnancy/ Opens a new window [Accessed April 2023]

ACOG. 2020. FAQ055: Travel during pregnancy. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/travel-during-pregnancy Opens a new window [Accessed April 2023]

CDC. 2019. Pregnant Travelers. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2020/family-travel/pregnant-travelers Opens a new window [Accessed April 2023]

CDC. 2022. Domestic Travel During Covid-19. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html Opens a new window [Accessed April 2023]

CDC 2023. International Travel During Covid-19. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel-during-covid19.html Opens a new window [Accessed April 2023]

CDC. 2022. Covid-19: Pregnant and Recently Pregnant People. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/pregnant-people.html Opens a new window [Accessed April 2023]

Terry Ward is a freelance travel, health, and parenting writer who has covered everything from flying with toddlers to why you should travel with your kids even when they're too young to remember it. She lives in Tampa, Florida, with her husband and their young son and daughter, and enjoys camping, sailing, scuba diving, skiing, and almost anything else done in the great outdoors.

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Travel During Pregnancy

As long as there are no identified complications or concerns with your pregnancy, it is generally safe to travel during your pregnancy. The ideal time to travel during pregnancy is the second trimester . In most cases, you are past the morning sickness of the first trimester and several weeks from the third stage of pregnancy when you are more easily fatigued .

Is it safe to travel during pregnancy?

Traveling by air is considered safe for women while they are pregnant; however, the following ideas might make your trip safer and more comfortable.

Most airlines allow pregnant women to travel through their eighth month. Traveling during the ninth month is usually allowed if there is permission from your health care provider.
Most airlines have narrow aisles and smaller bathrooms, which makes it more challenging to walk and more uncomfortable when using the restroom. Because of potential turbulence that could shake the plane, make sure you are holding on to the seatbacks while navigating the aisle.
You may want to choose an aisle seat which will allow you to get up more easily to reach the restroom or just to stretch your legs and back.
Travel on major airlines with pressurized cabins and avoid smaller private planes. If you must ride in smaller planes, avoid altitudes above 7,000 feet.
Although doubtful, the risk of DVT can be further reduced by wearing compression stockings.

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the International Air Travel Association recommend that expecting mothers in an uncomplicated pregnancy avoid travel from the 37th week of pregnancy through birth. Avoiding travel from 32 weeks through birth is recommended for women who have complicated pregnancies with risk factors for premature labor, such as mothers carrying multiples.

Risk factors that warrant travel considerations include the following:

Severe anemia
Cardiac disease
Respiratory disease
Recent hemorrhage
Current or recent bone fractures

Traveling by Sea During Pregnancy

Traveling by sea is generally safe for women while they are pregnant; the motion of the boat may accentuate any morning sickness or make you feel nauseous all over again. There are a few considerations to make your trip safer and more comfortable:

Check with the cruise line to ensure that there is a health care provider on board in case there are any pregnancy complications .
Review the route and port-of-calls to identify if there is access to any medical facilities if needed.
Make sure any medications for seasickness are approved for women who are pregnant and that there is no risk to the developing baby.
Seasickness bands use acupressure points to help prevent upset stomach and maybe a good alternative to medication.

International Travel During Pregnancy

Traveling overseas has the same considerations that local or domestic travel has, but it also has additional concerns that you need to know about before making an international trip. The information below is provided to help you assess whether an international trip is good for you at this time:

It is important to talk with your health care provider before you take a trip internationally to discuss safety factors for you and your baby.
Discuss immunizations with your health care provider and carry a copy of your health records with you.
With international travel, you may be exposed to a disease that is rare here in the United States but is common in the country you visit.
Contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at (800) 311-3435 or visit their website at www.cdc.gov to receive safety information along with immunization facts related to your travels.
Diarrhea is a common concern when traveling overseas because you may not be used to the germs and organisms found in the food and water of other countries. This can lead to a problem of dehydration .

Here are some tips to avoid diarrhea and help keep you safe:

Drink plenty of bottled water
Used canned juices or soft drinks as alternatives
Make sure the milk is pasteurized
Avoid fresh fruits and vegetables unless they have been cooked or can be peeled (such as an orange or a banana)
Make certain that all meat and fish has been cooked completely; if you are unsure, do not eat it

Travel Tips During Pregnancy

Whether you are going by car, bus, or train, it is generally safe to travel while you are pregnant; however, there are some things to consider that could make your trip safer and more comfortable.

It is essential to buckle-up every time you ride in a car. Make sure that you use both the lap and shoulder belts for the best protection of you and your baby.
Keep the airbags turned on. The safety benefits of the airbag outweigh any potential risk to you and your baby.
Buses tend to have narrow aisles and small restrooms. This mode of transportation can be more challenging. The safest thing is to remain seated while the bus is moving. If you must use the restroom, make sure to hold on to the rail or seats to keep your balance.
Trains usually have more room to navigate and walk. The restrooms are usually small. It is essential to hold on to rails or seat backs while the train is moving.
Try to limit the amount of time you are cooped up in the car, bus, or train. Keep travel time around five to six hours.
Use rest stops to take short walks and to do stretches to keep the blood circulating.
Dress comfortably in loose cotton clothing and wear comfortable shoes.
Take your favorite pillow.
Plan for plenty of rest stops, restroom breaks and stretches.
Carry snack foods with you.
If you are traveling any distance, make sure to carry a copy of your prenatal records.
Enjoy the trip.

Want to Know More?

How to Treat Jet Lag Naturally During Pregnancy

Compiled using information from the following sources:

1. Planning Your Pregnancy and Birth Third Ed. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Ch. 5. William’s Obstetrics Twenty-Second Ed. Cunningham, F. Gary, et al, Ch. 8.

2. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Air Travel and Pregnancy (Scientific Impact Paper No. 1), https://www.rcog.org/uk, May 22, 2013.

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Checklist: What to Bring When Traveling While Pregnant

Whoever said it’s about the journey and not the destination has never flown economy while pregnant. Whether you’re on vacation or a business trip, the usual indignities only get worse when you’re expecting—crowded seats feel super-cramped, and dry, recirculating air does extra damage on pregnancy-sensitive skin. Then there’s the heightened risk of blood clots and dehydration, just to name a few more inconveniences standing in the way between you and that sandy-white beach (or a drab but now appealingly expansive conference hall). We can’t make the misery disappear, but we can recommend a few expert-approved items to stash in your carry-on that’ll make a world of a difference.

1. Anti-nausea Treatment

Not-so-fun fact: Women who are prone to motion sickness are likelier to suffer from morning sickness , says Shannon M. Clark, associate professor of maternal-fetal medicine at University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. If you’re one of the unlucky ducks vulnerable to this double-whammy, then you definitely need to bring your ginger tea or lollipops , prescription anti-nausea meds or motion-sickness bands —whatever works for you on the ground will help in the air.

2. Comfortable Shoes

Note the plural. That’s because you need to make sure to wear flats onto the plane. (We’re partial to ballet flats—they’re cute, easy to slip on and off at the security gate, and are comfy for walking up and down the aisle during the flight—which you definitely should do to keep that circulation going). But you should also pack a pair of flip-flops, which Clark did when traveling with twins on the way. “Your feet will swell up, so your size at the end of the trip won’t be necessarily the same as they were in the beginning of the trip,” Clark says. Rather than cramming them into your shoes, flip-flops are an easy solution (as are some other light but stretchy weather-appropriate shoe).

3. Compression Socks

These are helpful even if you’re not pregnant, but if you are, they’re practically mandatory, given that your circulation will be poor in the lower part of your legs. Wear these socks on board and you’ll keep your circulation humming along, preventing varicose veins as well as potentially life-threatening clots. Choose a pair that feels snug but not restrictive. (And yes, you still need to walk around every couple of hours, even when you’re wearing these socks.)

What kind depends on you. If you’re suffering from back pain, you might consider a lumbar support pillow—you know, the kind you slip onto an office chair. Others might prefer a neck-support pillow or a moldable pillow, which you can squish any which way until you feel comfortable. Clark says she was comfy with just a pillow from home.

5. Pregnancy Support Belt

If you’ve got a big-time belly, these belly bands can provide support, whether you’re racing from gate to gate at the airport or trying to get comfortable in your seat, Clark says.

6. Panty Liners and an Extra Panty

We don’t have to remind you that pregnancy can bring along more discharge than usual. An extra pair of underwear and a good stash of liners can keep you feeling a teensy bit fresher than you would otherwise.

7. Reflux Meds

If you’re experiencing GI troubles, you’re more likely to suffer from them while traveling, so be sure to pack whatever you’ve been taking at home. (By the way, remember to grab your prenatal vitamins when traveling too.)

You’re shivering one moment but raging hot the next. Dress in layers (complete with a tank top as your base layer) and don’t leave home without this handy cover-up, which also doubles as a blanket. Bring it in a neutral color and it’ll work as an extremely versatile accessory too.

Cravings don’t stop just because you’re thousands of feet up in the air, and those tiny pretzel packets won’t cut it. Spare yourself the misery and keep a stash of your favorites on your person at all times. (High-protein picks keep cravings in check—anything with peanut butter or full-on nuts is a good bet.)

Obviously. Grab a bottle size that’s appropriate for the duration of your trip—plus an extra. “You never know if you’ll end up with delays,” says Clark, who prefers to bring her own bottle. “I like to see where my water comes from,” she says. If you end up having to ask your flight attendant for water, specify that you want “water from a bottle,” she adds.

Published December 2017

Plus, more from The Bump:

Travel Tips for Moms-to-Be

How Late is Too Late to Fly While Pregnant?

11 Babymoon Trips and Tips from Real Couples

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Flying while pregnant? Here’s what you need to know

Editors note: This guide has been updated with the latest information.

During pregnancy, seemingly harmless things like eating deli meat and cleaning your cat's litter box are suddenly off-limits, along with more obvious restrictions on sports like skiing and scuba diving.

But what about "grey area" activities like flying in an airplane?

There's no single set of guidelines governing air travel during pregnancy and every airline has different restrictions, timelines and requirements. Some airlines may also require a medical certificate from a primary attending doctor or midwife for air travel during the final months of pregnancy, though even that varies, with U.S. airlines typically offering more flexibility than international carriers.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

In the absence of clear guidelines, TPG turned to Dr. Nithya Gopal , a board-certified OB-GYN physician and the Director of OB-GYN services at Viva Eve in New York City, for her expert recommendations on safe air travel during pregnancy.

Here's what she had to say:

Is it safe to fly when you are pregnant?

There is no evidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes due to flying, according to Dr. Gopal.

"The general consensus is that it is safest to fly in the first and second trimesters," Dr. Gopal told The Points Guy. "While the first and third trimesters tend to be when the most obstetric emergencies are going to happen, I personally become more cautious with my patients after 32 weeks because of the increased risk for premature labor and the possibility of needing urgent medical attention when you are in the sky."

The most important thing you can do, no matter how far along you are in your pregnancy, is to consult with your healthcare provider before flying.

"Any time you are planning to fly during pregnancy , you should be having that conversation," Dr. Gopal said. Your provider will be familiar with any safety precautions you should take to ensure a safe and healthy flight.

Related: Guide to flying in each trimester of pregnancy

The airline you are flying may have its own cutoff, so you will want to confirm with it beforehand whether you will be allowed to fly if you are in (or nearing) your third trimester. We've included a chart below that outlines the rules for most major airline carriers.

What can you do to stay comfortable on a flight?

When you factor in morning sickness and general pregnancy discomfort with the increased risk for blood clots that all fliers need to be aware of, flying during pregnancy can be uncomfortable even when it is deemed safe.

Dr. Gopal shared her recommendations for addressing these common issues when you take to the (baby-) friendly skies during pregnancy. Her number one tip for staying comfortable while in flight is to wear compression socks to help maintain blood flow and reduce swelling in the legs.

In addition, "I also tell my patients to get up and move at least every hour when they are on the plane," Dr. Gopal said.

To prevent clotting, "some doctors may also prescribe a low-dose aspirin," she added. "It isn't something that is recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), but it isn't harmful, either."

If it's nausea or acid reflux that ail you, there are medications generally considered safe that you can take to alleviate your symptoms. These would be the same ones prescribed by your doctor for morning sickness, so speak with your provider before your flight to ensure you have what you need at the ready.

Dr. Gopal also advises wearing loose, unrestrictive clothing (along with your seatbelt, or course) and drinking extra fluids to counteract the pressurized air in the cabin and keep you hydrated.

"Over-the-counter Gas-X may also help with bloating that can happen as a result of the pressurized air," Dr. Gopal said.

Related: What happens when a baby is born in flight?

Must you speak with your healthcare provider before flying?

Even if your pregnancy is considered low-risk, it's always a smart idea to speak with your healthcare provider before flying. "There are a number of potential risks that go along with flying during pregnancy and those risks can change from week to week and month to month, so it's important to have that honest conversation with your doctor," Dr. Gopal said.

Related: Things You Should Do Before, During and After Flying to Stay Healthy

There are certain pregnancy conditions that may make flying more risky or unadvisable. If you are hypertensive, asthmatic or prone to clotting disorders, it's even more critical to speak with your doctor before flying.

Airline policies differ, but if you need documentation, it never hurts to include enough detail to satisfy the most stringent airline requirements.

"As with many things related to air travel, it's better to be safe than sorry," Dr. Gopal said. "It's definitely worth it, and sometimes necessary, to have medical documentation from your provider's office."

A thorough medical certificate or waiver should state:

The number of weeks of pregnancy.
The estimated delivery date.
Whether the pregnancy is single or multiple.
Whether there are any complications.
That you are in good health and fit to travel through the date of your final flight.

Additionally, the certificate should be:

Written on official clinic or hospital letterhead if possible.
Signed by the doctor or attending midwife.
Be dated no later than 72 hours before the departure date.
Be written in clear, simple English.

Carry this certificate with you on your flight. Some airlines won't ask to see it, but others will. Some airlines also may have their own documentation requirements. See the chart below to find out which airlines require it.

Airline policies for pregnant women

Bottom line.

Even though it may be deemed safe, flying during pregnancy can be uncomfortable — and it is perfectly acceptable to implement your own cutoff for flying with your baby bump in tow. The majority of the time, though, flying is perfectly safe during pregnancy, providing that you follow the guidelines of the airline and your healthcare provider. Read on to learn more about traveling before, during and after pregnancy:

What to expect in every trimester of pregnancy
4 tips for planning travel while planning a pregnancy
Babymoon boom! These are the top 10 spots for a US getaway before the baby comes
Flying with a baby checklist

Additional reporting by Katherine Fan and Tarah Chieffi.

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11 Rules for Road Trips While Pregnant, Including When To Stop Traveling by Car

A car trip can be a memorable vacation while pregnant, especially if flying is out of the question, but there are some precautions to take before you hit the road.

Everyone loves a good road trip. And if you're pregnant, a babymoon by car may be exactly what's needed before you're elbows-deep in dirty diapers. While it's generally safe to fly while expecting , some airlines have a cutoff of 36 weeks (and many even earlier), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Pregnant people who do fly should check with their doctors first, but they can make travel safer with simple steps like holding onto seatbacks when walking during turbulence and wearing compression socks to prevent deep vein thrombosis.

The great news is that car travel is safe for most pregnant people. If you have complications, you may need to stick closer to home but unless you're on bedrest or have other doctor-imposed limitations, you should be able to hit the road. Ask your health care provider when you should stop long road trips, but in most cases, it's safe until close to your due date.

To ensure the only bump on the road is your belly, here are 11 tips pregnant travelers should know before setting off on a long drive.

1. Talk To Your Health Care Provider

No matter the mode of travel, pregnant people should always start by contacting their health care provider, said Kecia Gaither, MD , maternal-fetal medicine specialist affiliated with NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln in the Bronx, New York. "Certain medical conditions may preclude any degree of travel, be it by air or land," says Dr. Gaither. "Those conditions may include placenta previa , prior preterm labor , or clotting disorders."

Placenta previa, for example, happens when the placenta completely or partially covers the cervix. It can cause bleeding during pregnancy, as well as serious complications—like hemorrhage or preterm birth—that would be difficult to navigate in an unfamiliar location.

Additionally, traveling is a risk factor for blood clots, according to the CDC—and pregnant people already have a heightened chance of developing them. Certain conditions and disorders may increase the risk of blood clots too much for long road trips.

2. Plan for Your Second Trimester

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) says the ideal time to travel is during the second trimester, between 14 and 28 weeks. "During these weeks, your energy has returned, morning sickness is improved or gone, and you are still able to get around easily," recommends the organization. "After 28 weeks, it may be harder to move around or sit for a long time."

Not only is the middle of the pregnancy when pregnant people will likely feel the best, but it also carries a lower risk of any complications.

3. Prepare for the Pregnancy Road Trip

Advanced planning can make any road trip easier. This includes thoughtful packing like easy-to-change clothing if you get too hot or too cold and taking healthy foods, snacks, and drinks. Also, make sure your route is accurate to avoid delays and check for safe places to stop.

4. Drink Enough Water

There's a link between dehydration and uterine contractions, so keeping on top of water intake is crucial, says Dr. Gaither. Have a sufficient supply of water readily available in the car and make sure to drink even more if you've been sweating or exercising. Pregnant people should drink eight to 12 cups (or 64 to 96 ounces) of water each day, according to ACOG. This ensures healthy digestion, amniotic fluid formation, and nutrient circulation.

5. Bring Extra Medications or Supplements

Taking the proper medications and supplements while pregnant is imperative, and it's even more important on a road trip. Dr. Gaither says pregnant travelers will want to double-check that they've packed any medications and vitamins they need.

It's also important to bring extra, in case they're on the road longer than originally anticipated. Include over-the-counter medicines approved by your health care provider, so you'll have them if you need them. And, don't forget to pack your prenatal vitamin !

6. Always Wear a Seat Belt

Wearing a seat belt in a car is one of the most important car safety tips, especially when you're pregnant. The myth that a seat belt could harm the fetus is pure fiction, but there's a proper way to wear one if you're pregnant, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Pregnant people should wear the shoulder belt away from their neck and across their chest. The lap belt should be secured below the belly so it fits snugly. Pregnant people should also keep as much distance as possible between their belly and the steering wheel, while still ensuring they can reach the wheel and pedals. Additionally, the NHTSA recommends pregnant people don't disable the airbags.

7. Get Out and Stretch Often

Dr. Gaither says pregnant travelers should stop "at least every two hours" and get out of the car, stretch, and walk around. This increases blood flow to the lower body which helps prevent complications like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the legs. These blood clots usually dissolve on their own. However, in rare cases, they can break off, travel to the lungs, and block blood flow. This potentially life-threatening condition is called a pulmonary embolism.

While the risk for DVT is low, it does increase with pregnancy. The CDC recommends knowing the signs of DVT, which include swelling and/or redness in the leg (or arm), unexplained pain or tenderness, and skin that feels warm when touched. Signs of a pulmonary embolism include difficulty breathing, fast or irregular heartbeat, and chest pain or discomfort.

8. Dress Comfortably

Being comfortable during pregnancy is key, and that's especially true during a road trip. Luckily, a few essentials can make the ride more relaxing—and safer. Non-medical compression socks or support hosiery may be a good idea to help support blood flow.

Other helpful travel accessories include a lumbar pillow, comfortable shoes, and a good water bottle (because hydration is key to a healthy pregnancy ). A cooler, sunglasses, and sunscreen also may be helpful. And, avoid wearing too-tight clothing and shoes.

9. Avoid Remote Locations

Nothing is stopping most pregnant people from traveling, but it's always smart to be mindful of where you're going. If possible, maintain a steady speed (instead of speeding up and slowing down) and avoid winding, hilly, bumpy roads, and frequent lane changes. Also, don't travel to extremely remote areas where medical care may be difficult to find in case of an emergency.

10. Have an Emergency Plan in Place

Pregnant travelers will want to have a plan in case any unexpected health concerns pop up, as they can happen quickly during pregnancy. If you don't have access to an electronic health record, take a copy of your medical record with you. If any problems do arise during a road trip, Dr. Gaither recommends pregnant people contact their health care provider and the nearest hospital for advice, evaluation, and possible treatment.

11. Relax and Have Fun

There are lots of things to take into consideration when planning a road trip while pregnant, but always remember to have fun! Advanced planning and a comfortable wardrobe will help make the trip easier. Plan a trip you're excited about and indulge in a little pre-baby R&R.

Pregnant Travelers . Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . 2022.

Blood Clots and Travel: What You Need to Know . Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . 2023.

Travel During Pregnancy . American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists . 2023.

How Much Water Should I Drink During Pregnancy? . American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists . 2020.

If You're Pregnant: Seat Belt Recommendations for Drivers and Passengers . National Highway Traffic Safety Administration .

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Pregnancy week by week

Is it safe to fly during pregnancy?

Generally, air travel before 36 weeks of pregnancy is considered safe for people who aren't dealing with any pregnancy problems. Still, if you're pregnant, it's a good idea to talk with your health care provider before you fly.

Your provider might suggest that you not fly if you have certain pregnancy complications that could get worse because of air travel or that could require emergency care. Examples include a history of miscarriage or vaginal bleeding, severe anemia, and high blood pressure or diabetes that's not well controlled. If you had preeclampsia during a previous pregnancy — a condition that causes high blood pressure and extra protein in urine — flying may not be advised. The same is true if you're pregnant with twins or other multiples.

Tell your provider how far you are flying, as the length of the flight might make a difference. Also, be aware that some airlines may not allow pregnant people on international flights. Check with your airline before you make travel arrangements.

After 36 weeks of pregnancy, your health care provider may advise against flying. And some airlines don't allow pregnant people to fly after 36 weeks. The airline also may require a letter from your health care provider that states how far along in your pregnancy you are and whether flying is advised.

If your health care provider says it's okay for you to fly, and your plans are flexible, the best time to travel by air might be during the second trimester. The risks of common pregnancy emergencies are lowest during that time.

When you fly:

Buckle up. During the trip, keep your seatbelt fastened when you are seated, and secure it under your belly.
Drink plenty of fluids. Low humidity in the airplane could cause you to become dehydrated.
Avoid gassy foods and drinks before you fly. Gases expand during flight, and that could make you uncomfortable. Examples of foods and drinks to avoid include broccoli and carbonated soda.
Think about medical care. Plan for how you'll get obstetric care during your trip if you need it. Bring copies of your medical information in case you need care while you're away.

Blood clots

Air travel can raise the risk for blood clots in the legs, a condition called venous thrombosis. The risk is higher for pregnant people. Moving your legs may help prevent this problem. Take a walk up and down the aisle every hour during the flight. If you must remain seated, flex and extend your ankles from time to time. In general, it's best to avoid tightfitting clothing, as that can hinder blood flow. Wearing compression stockings can help with blood circulation during a long flight.

Radiation exposure linked to air travel at high altitudes isn't thought to be a problem for most people who fly during pregnancy. But pilots, flight attendants and others who fly often might be exposed to a level of radiation that raises concerns during pregnancy. If you must fly frequently during your pregnancy, talk about it with your health care provider.

Mary Marnach, M.D.

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Allergy medications during pregnancy
AskMayoExpert. Health considerations for air travelers: Pregnancy considerations. Mayo Clinic; 2022.
Air Travel During Pregnancy: ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 746. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2018/08/air-travel-during-pregnancy. Accessed Dec. 1, 2022.
Ram S, et al. Air travel during pregnancy and the risk of venous thrombosis. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2022; doi:10.1016/j.ajogmf.2022.100751.

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Ready Steady Baby

Travelling when pregnant.

Whether you’re doing short journeys in the car or getting on a plane for a holiday abroad, it’s important to take extra care of yourself when you’re pregnant. Making a few small changes and planning ahead will help to make sure you have a comfortable and safe journey.

Wherever you’re going, it’s a good idea to take your maternity notes with you in case you need medical help.

It’s fine to drive or be a passenger in a car while you’re pregnant.

It’s important to wear a seat belt as you normally would. Make sure the straps don’t go over your bump by:

placing the lap strap across your hips so it fits comfortably under your bump
placing the diagonal strap between your breasts and around your bump

Take regular breaks when driving and make sure you bring some water and snacks with you for the journey.

Going on holiday or abroad

If you’re planning a holiday, seek health advice as early as possible.

You should give some thought to where you want to go as:

the things you may normally love, like hot sunny weather, may not be a great idea if you’re uncomfortable or finding it hard to sleep
you shouldn’t travel to areas where there’s malaria or the Zika virus if you can avoid it

You should also consider the quality of medical care in the country you plan to visit.

Fitfortravel has more advice for pregnant travellers

Staying safe on holiday

Activities like walking and swimming are fine while you’re pregnant, but it’s not a good idea to do any activity where you might fall.

Take care to avoid coming into contact with water or food that could cause tummy upsets. Some medicines for treating diarrhoea may not be suitable in pregnancy.

Talk to your midwife if you have questions.

Travel vaccinations

You’ll need vaccinations before you travel to certain countries.

There are some vaccinations you shouldn’t have when you’re pregnant, especially in the first 3 months, so always check before you book anything.

Find out which travel vaccinations you might need

Travel insurance

Before you travel, you’ll need special travel insurance that:

covers any medical costs
allows you to cancel for any issues with your pregnancy

If you don’t tell your insurer you’re pregnant before you travel, your insurance may not be valid.

If you’re travelling in Europe, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) may allow you to use the health services in these countries.

Apply for a European Health Insurance Card

Flying while pregnant

Air travel is generally safe if you’re having an uncomplicated pregnancy.

If you have any pregnancy complications, check with your midwife or GP that there’s no medical reason to stop you flying, such as high blood pressure or a risk of deep vein thrombosis .

Most airlines won’t let you fly if you’re within about a month of your due date. Some will need a letter from your GP or midwife saying you’re fit to fly when you’re 7 months pregnant. Check with the airline before you book.

Having a comfortable flight

When travelling by plane:

drink plenty of water as you’re much more likely to get dehydration while flying.
take healthy snacks with you so you can follow your own eating plan
take whatever makes you more comfortable, such as an extra pillow or warm socks

Be aware it may take you a bit longer than before to recover from jet lag.

Deep vein thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot in a deep vein in your leg, calf or pelvis.

You’re more likely to get DVT if:

you sit for long periods of time
do very little activity

If you’re travelling on a long-distance flight or sitting for 4 hours or more, talk to your midwife as you may need medication. F ollow your midwife or doctor’s advice.

More about deep vein thrombosis

Further information, other languages and alternative formats

Translations and alternative formats of this information are available from Public Health Scotland .

If you need a different language or format, please contact [email protected].

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Last updated: 14 December 2023

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As you start the 2nd half of your pregnancy, you'll be entering a period of rapid growth.

Your baby is getting ready for life outside the womb and developing essential skills including sucking and breathing.

What's happening in my body?

You may start feeling a little unsteady as your bump gets bigger. This is because your center of gravity has changed and your joints are looser.

If you have a tumble, try not to panic as your baby is well protected, but do let your midwife know as soon as possible.

If you travel on public transport, think about getting a baby on board badge to prompt other commuters to give up their seats.

Your baby is moving around a lot now, and establishing waking and sleeping patterns. The only trouble is, your baby may be wide awake when you are ready to sleep.

Have naps when you can to make up for lost sleep at night. Read more sleep tips .

Dump the junk food

A healthy diet, with lots of fresh fruit and veg, will give you more energy than junk food.

Research shows that if you eat well, your baby will too, and you're both less likely to get conditions like diabetes.

Try to eat 5 portions of fruit and veg a day , and go for wholegrain, low-fat and low-sugar options when you're given the choice.

Here are some easy recipes you can try.

Simple food swaps

Swap takeaways for healthier and tastier homemade alternatives. Give these a go:

cheats' pizza calzone
chicken and banana korma (you can use tofu if you're vegetarian)
homemade fish and chips

2nd trimester pregnancy symptoms (at 21 weeks)

This week, your signs of pregnancy could include:

tiredness and sleeping problems ( week 19 has information about feeling tired )
stretch marks (read about stretch marks on week 17's page )
swollen and bleeding gums ( week 13 has information about gum health during pregnancy )
pains on the side of your baby bump, caused by your expanding womb ("round ligament pains")
piles ( read about piles on week 22's page )
indigestion and heartburn ( week 25 talks about digestive problems )
bloating and constipation (read about bloating on week 16's page )
leg cramps ( week 20 explains how to deal with cramp )
feeling hot
swollen hands and feet
urine infections
vaginal infections ( see week 15 for vaginal health )
darkened skin on your face or brown patches – this is known as chloasma or the "mask of pregnancy"
greasier, spotty skin
thicker and shinier hair

You may also experience symptoms from earlier weeks, such as:

mood swings ( week 8's page has information on mood swings )
morning sickness (read about dealing with morning sickness on week 6's page )
weird pregnancy cravings (read about pregnancy cravings on week 5's page )
sore or leaky breasts (read about breast pain on week 14's page )
a white milky pregnancy discharge from your vagina and light spotting (seek medical advice for any bleeding)

Read Tommy's guide to common pregnancy symptoms .

What does my baby look like?

Your baby, or foetus, is around 26.7cm long from head to toe. That's approximately the size of a carrot.

Your baby is now heavier than the placenta. The placenta basically doubles up as a larder and toilet, by providing food and removing waste. It will keep on growing during your pregnancy to do its vital work.

Meanwhile your baby has been developing a fine, downy layer of hair called "lanugo" – the purpose of this fur coat is probably to keep your baby at the perfect temperature, and it usually vanishes before the birth. Your baby is also developing hair and eyebrows.

Your baby can now hear noises and voices outside the womb. If you sing to your bump, no matter how bad it sounds, they will be your biggest fan.

Action stations

Pregnancy can be a happy time, but for some it's stressful and there are lots of difficult decisions to make.

If you were given any unexpected news at your anomaly scan, you may be feeling very worried. Try talking through your options with your doctor or midwife.

You could also call the free helpline run by a charity called Antenatal Results and Choices .

You do not have to tell your employer for several more weeks, but as soon as you do, you will have maternity rights and can attend antenatal appointments during paid work time. You can also ask for a risk assessment of your work place.

If you want to wait, the latest you can leave it is 15 weeks before the baby is due, which is around week 25.

It's a good time to tone up your pelvic floor muscles. Gentle exercises can help to prevent leakage when you laugh, sneeze or cough.

Get the muscles going by pretending that you're having a pee and then stopping midflow.

Visit Tommy's for more information on pelvic floor exercises.

Ask your midwife or doctor about online antenatal classes – they may be able to recommend one. The charity Tommy's has lots of useful information on antenatal classes and preparing you for birth .

Ask your partner if they would like to take part in the antenatal classes. Even if you've had children before, antenatal classes are still worth going to as you can meet other parents-to-be.

The NCT offers online antenatal classes with small groups of people that live locally to you.

Do your best to stop smoking and give up alcohol , and go easy on the tea, coffee and anything else with caffeine .

Ask your midwife or GP for support.

To keep bones and muscles healthy, we need vitamin D.

From late March/early April to the end of September, most people make enough vitamin D from sunlight on their skin. However, between October and early March, you should consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement because we cannot make enough from sunlight.

Some people should take a vitamin D supplement all year round, find out if this applies to you on the NHS website.

You just need 10 micrograms (it's the same for grown-ups and kids). Check if you're entitled to free vitamins .

It's recommended that you do 150 minutes of exercise a week while pregnant .

You could start off with just 10 minutes of daily exercise – perhaps take a brisk walk outside. Check out Sport England's #StayInWorkOut online exercises (scroll to the pregnancy section).

Listen to your body and do what feels right for you.

There's no need to eat for 2. You do not need any extra calories until the third trimester, which starts in week 28.

You just need to eat a healthy balanced diet, with a variety of different foods every day, including plenty of fruit and veg. Have a look at our guide to healthy eating in pregnancy .

You may be able to get free milk, fruit and veg through the Healthy Start scheme .

More in week-by-week

As you start the 2nd half of your pregnancy, you'll be entering a period of rapid growth. Your baby is getting ready for life outside the womb and developing essential skills including sucking and breathing.

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Travelling while pregnant

Find useful information and considerations to help you prepare for safe and healthy travels outside Canada while pregnant.

With careful preparation, travelling while pregnant can be safe. The decision to travel should be made in consultation with your health care professional, based on your personal health circumstances.

consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic at least 6 weeks before travelling to get personalized health advice and recommendations
check our Travel Advice and Advisories for country-specific information, including about possible health risks
know how to seek medical assistance outside of Canada
review the policy and the coverage it provides
most policies do not automatically cover pregnancy-related conditions or hospital care for premature infants
ask your insurance provider about coverage for medical care during pregnancy, giving birth and intensive care for you and your fetus or newborn
carry a copy of your prenatal records
talk to your health care professional about any additional items you may want to bring that are specific to your health needs

Local laws and medical services relating to pregnancy can differ from Canada. Learn the local laws, and how these may apply to you before you travel.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

Many vaccines can be safely given during pregnancy. Due to a higher risk of more severe outcomes for you and your fetus, some vaccines are recommended specifically during pregnancy, such as tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (DTaP) and influenza.

Don’t take medications you may still have from prior trips. Tell the health care professional about your pregnancy, or intended pregnancy, before filling any prescriptions. The decision to get any pre-travel vaccinations or medications should be discussed with your health care professional.

The decision can depend on:

your purpose of travel (e.g., tourism, visiting friends and relatives)
your planned destination(s)
the length of your trip
your risk of getting a disease
how severe the effect of a disease would be to you and/or your fetus
your planned activities
any underlying medical issues and/or pregnancy-related complications

Malaria could cause major health problems for a mother and her unborn baby. A pregnant woman may want to consider avoiding travel to areas where malaria transmission occurs.

Description of malaria risk by country and preventative measures.

If you can’t avoid travelling to an area where malaria is present:

some medications to prevent or treat malaria may not be safe during pregnancy
take extra care to protect yourself from mosquito bites

Zika virus infection during pregnancy can pose significant risks to your fetus even if you don’t develop symptoms. While pregnant, you may want to consider avoiding travelling to a country or areas with risk of Zika virus.

Latest travel health advice on Zika virus.

If you choose to travel, take precautions to avoid infection with Zika virus:

prevent mosquito bites at all times
protect yourself from contact with semen, vaginal fluid and blood
always use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact while in countries or areas with risk of Zika virus

Learn more about Zika virus and pregnancy:

Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy
Zika virus: Advice for travellers
Pregnancy and travel (tropical medicine and travel)

Monitor your health and be prepared

Emergencies can happen at any time. Know where the nearest hospital or medical centre is while you are travelling and confirm they will accept your medical insurance.

Seek medical attention immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms while travelling:

persistent vomiting and/or diarrhea
dehydration
vaginal bleeding
passing tissue or clots
abdominal pain, cramps or contractions
your water breaks
excessive swelling of face, hands or legs
excessive leg pain
severe headaches
visual problems

If you develop these symptoms after your return to Canada, you should see a health care professional immediately and tell them about your recent trip.

Transportation

Always wear a seatbelt when travelling by plane or car. When using a diagonal shoulder strap with a lap belt, the straps should be placed carefully above and below your abdomen. If only a lap belt is available, fasten it at the pelvic area, below your abdomen.

If you have any medical or pregnancy-related complications, discuss with your health care professional whether air travel is safe for you.

Most airlines restrict travel in late pregnancy or may require a written confirmation from a physician. Check this with the airline before booking your flight.

During long flights, you may be at higher risk of developing blood clots, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The risk of deep vein thrombosis can be reduced by:

getting up and walking around occasionally
exercising and stretching your legs while seated
selecting an aisle seat when possible
wearing comfortable shoes and loose clothing

Your health care professional may recommend additional ways to reduce your risk such as wearing compression stockings.

Always stay well hydrated while travelling.

Land travel

The risk of deep vein thrombosis can be reduced by:

stopping the vehicle to walk around every couple of hours

Motion sickness

Certain medications used to treat nausea and vomiting during pregnancy may also be effective in relieving motion sickness.

If you think you might experience motion sickness during your trip, speak to your health care professional about the use of these medications.

Environmental and recreational risks

Some activities may not be recommended or may require additional precautions. Discuss your travel plans, including any planned or potential recreational activities with a health care professional.

High altitude

You should avoid travelling to an altitude above 3,658 metres (12,000 feet).

However, if you have a high-risk pregnancy and/or are in the late stages of pregnancy, the highest altitude should be 2,500 metres (8,200 feet).

If you have pregnancy-related complications, you should avoid unnecessary high-altitude exposure.

Keep in mind that most high-altitude destinations are far from medical care services.

Personal protective measures

Food-borne and water-borne diseases.

Eat and drink safely while travelling while travelling. Many food-borne and water-borne illnesses can be more severe during pregnancy and pose a risk to the fetus.

This can include:

toxoplasmosis
listeriosis
hepatitis A and E

To help avoid food-borne and water-borne diseases:

before eating or preparing food
after using the bathroom or changing diapers
after contact with animals or sick people
before and after touching raw meat, poultry, fish and seafood
if you’re at a destination that lacks proper sanitation and/or access to clean drinking water, only drink water if it has been boiled or disinfected or if it’s in a commercially sealed bottle
use ice made only from purified or disinfected water
this could cause the fetus or newborn to develop thyroid problems
unpasteurized dairy products, such as raw milk and raw milk soft cheeses
unpasteurized juice and cider
raw or undercooked eggs, meat or fish, including shellfish
raw sprouts
non-dried deli meats, including bologna, roast beef and turkey breast
don’t use bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol®)
Information on travellers’ diarrhea

Illnesses acquired from insect and other animals

Protect yourself from insect bites:

wear light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
prevent mosquitoes from entering your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows
use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes can’t be prevented from entering your living area
information on insect bite and pest prevention

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. You should avoid contact with animals including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats.

Information for if you become sick or injured while travelling outside Canada.

For help with emergencies outside Canada, contact the:

nearest Canadian office abroad
Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa

More information on services available at consular offices outside Canada.

21 Weeks Pregnant

Medical review policy, latest update:, your baby at week 21, at a glance, 21 weeks pregnant is how many months, how big is my baby at 21 weeks, baby's moving and sleeping, baby's taste buds develop, baby's getting coordinated, your body at week 21.

Stretch marks

Relieving anxiety, pregnancy symptoms week 21, tips for you this week.

What to Expect When You’re Expectin g, 5th edition, Heidi Murkoff. WhatToExpect.com, How to Remove Hair During Pregnancy Safely , March 2021. WhatToExpect.com, " Pregnancy Brain" or Forgetfulness During Pregnancy , August 2022. WhatToExpect.com, Stuffy Nose and Nosebleeds During Pregnancy , June 2023. WhatToExpect.com, Constipation During Pregnancy , October 2022. WhatToExpect.com, Allergies During Pregnancy , August 2022. National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, Fetal Development , July 2021. National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, Cell Reports, Development of the Fetal Bone Marrow Niche and Regulation of HSC Quiescence and Homing Ability by Emerging Osteolineage Cells , October 2014. Current Biology, Early Influences on the Development of Food Preferences , May 2013. American Academy of Dermatology, Stretch Marks: Why They Appear and How to Get Rid of Them , November 2023. National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, Stretch Marks , August 2023. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Weight Gain During Pregnancy , January 2013, reaffirmed 2023. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Nutrition During Pregnancy , June 2023. National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, Eating Right During Pregnancy , November 2022. National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, Canadian Family Physician, Safety of Skin Care Products During Pregnancy , June 2011. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Skin Conditions During Pregnancy , July 2022. National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements, Iron , June 2023. Clinics in Dermatology, Striae Gravidarum , March 2006. National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Risk Factors for the Development of Striae Gravidarum , January 2007. WhatToExpect.com, Stretch Marks During and After Pregnancy , April 2021. WhatToExpect.com, How Many Weeks, Months and Trimesters in a Pregnancy? , May 2022. WhatToExpect.com, When Babies Develop Taste Buds and Start Tasting Food , May 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Anxiety During Pregnancy , April 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Edema (Swelling of the Ankles and Feet) During Pregnancy , October 2022. WhatToExpect.com, Walking During Pregnancy , November 2021. WhatToExpect.com, How to Help Your Child Prepare for Your New Baby , February 2019. WhatToExpect.com, The Best Pregnancy Workouts and Exercises You Can Do While Expecting , July 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Clumsiness During Pregnancy , September 2022. WhatToExpect.com, When Can You Feel Your Baby Move and Kick? , February 2023. WhatToExpect.com, Has Your Appetite Increased During Pregnancy? , December 2022. WhatToExpect.com, What to Do About Bloating During Pregnancy , February 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Back Pain During Pregnancy , January 2022. WhatToExpect.com, Sore and Bleeding Gums During Pregnancy , January 2022. WhatToExpect.com, Nail Changes During Pregnancy , November 2022.

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Florida's 6-week abortion ban is now in effect, curbing access across the South

Stephanie Colombini

Thousands of abortion rights protesters rallied in Tampa on Oct. 2, 2021. Stephanie Colombini/WUSF hide caption

Thousands of abortion rights protesters rallied in Tampa on Oct. 2, 2021.

TAMPA, Fla. — Starting today, people can no longer access legal abortions in Florida beyond six weeks of pregnancy, except in rare circumstances.

The restriction replaces a 15-week ban that's been in effect since July 2022, shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade .

Abortion rights supporters say it will dramatically curb access to the procedure for thousands of residents in Florida and around the South. Proponents of the ban say it "protects life."

Abortion rights on the ballot may not be bad news for Republicans everywhere

Voters will have a say on the matter in November when a proposal to enshrine abortion rights into the state constitution will appear on the election ballot. Regardless of what happens this fall, the ban could have far-reaching effects.

Opponents of the ban stress that many people don't realize they are pregnant at six weeks. But for those that do, abortion services remain available in the state until that time frame.

Abortion care providers in the state like Planned Parenthood are doing ultrasounds earlier and have extended their hours to accommodate as many patients as they can.

"We want to be able to help everyone with information in order to access care as quickly as possible," says Barbara Zdravecky, interim CEO of Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida.

Still, she expects many patients will be too far along when they reach out for help.

"The emotional turmoil that's going to happen, the anger, the fear, the anxiety is going to be great," says Zdravecky, who adds centers are ramping up support staff to respond to patients' concerns and help them navigate their options.

Adding to scheduling challenges are Florida's 24-hour mandatory waiting period and a ban on using telemedicine for abortions. Patients have to attend two in-person appointments, one for a consultation and another for the procedure at least one day later.

The South loses a major abortion access point

An examination room in a clinic that provides abortion care on April 30, 2024, in Jacksonville, Fla. Joe Raedle/Getty Images hide caption

An examination room in a clinic that provides abortion care on April 30, 2024, in Jacksonville, Fla.

Florida joins eleven other states in the South that have already severely restricted abortion in recent years, either with six-week bans or total bans. Residents in those places have relied on Florida to access the procedure.

Out-of-state residents fueled a steady increase in abortions in Florida despite the 15-week ban. Nearly 8,000 people traveled to the state last year for abortions, according to data from the state Agency for Health Care Administration. That's nearly 10% of all patients.

"We don't want to be an abortion tourism destination," Gov. Ron DeSantis said last fall .

Florida is no longer an option for the rest of the region. North Carolina allows abortions until 12 weeks of pregnancy, but has a 72-hour mandatory waiting period with in-person requirements, so it isn't always a viable alternative.

Shots - Health News

How florida and arizona supreme court rulings change the abortion access map.

Instead, advocates that help people access abortions are advising them to travel further to places like Virginia, Illinois or Washington, D.C. That will become increasingly difficult if clinics in states with expanded abortion access struggle to accommodate the influx of patients.

"We're estimating about 90% of our callers are going to need to go out-of-state and that we'll have a large increase in callers because this is going to be a whole new cost for people seeking abortions," says McKenna Kelley, a volunteer board member with the Tampa Bay Abortion Fund.

Abortion funds can help pregnant people cover the cost of abortion procedures and relieve some of the logistical challenges associated with seeking care. But paying for flights, hotel stays and other expenses associated with long-distance travel is much more challenging than giving someone a ride to a nearby clinic.

While what Kelley calls "rage donations" poured in from supporters angry about the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision in 2022, abortion funds say Florida's recent ban hasn't been met with the same response. Organizers fear they won't be able to help everyone in need, but say funds are working together to form a stronger support network around the country.

Even with assistance, travel may not be an option for some people, which means they may choose to self-manage their abortions or carry unwanted pregnancies to term.

"This truly is an American health care crisis," says Zdravecky with Planned Parenthood.

Supporters of the ban suggest pregnancy centers that oppose abortion as alternatives

Orlando Police officers move back anti-abortion rights protesters near the "Rally to Stop the Six-Week Abortion Ban" in Orlando, Fla., on April 13, 2024. Joe Raedle/Getty Images hide caption

Orlando Police officers move back anti-abortion rights protesters near the "Rally to Stop the Six-Week Abortion Ban" in Orlando, Fla., on April 13, 2024.

Opponents of abortion rights in Florida advocated for the state's six-week ban and have also been busy gearing up for its implementation.

"Our position is we need to protect unborn children, we need to celebrate life, protect life, that's the chief role of government," says John Stemberger, president of Liberty Counsel Action, a religious liberty organization that supports abortion bans.

The group has been briefing the nearly 200 crisis pregnancy centers in Florida about the law and how to prepare for a potential increase in demand for services, he says.

These centers are usually run by faith-based organizations. They encourage pregnant women not to get abortions and to consider parenting or adoption instead. They sometimes offer free ultrasounds or baby supplies.

"We really want to appeal to young mothers or even older mothers who are in what we'd consider a crisis pregnancy to basically think differently about the issue," says Stemberger.

The law that imposes the six-week abortion ban also increased funding for pregnancy centers to $25 million, up from roughly $4 million in 2022.

Some crisis pregnancy centers have been known to provide people with misleading or inaccurate medical information. There have also been calls for more oversight.

Adoption services in the state are also preparing to support more birth mothers who may choose that option.

Florida's six-week ban includes exceptions for some vulnerable communities and when a mother or fetus' life is in danger.

Survivors of rape, incest or human trafficking can access abortions until 15 weeks of pregnancy under the new law, but it mandates they provide documentation, such as a police report or medical record, and providers may be obligated to report the crime in some cases.

Many survivors don't feel safe or comfortable reporting assaults, says Stephanie Loraine Piñeiro, executive director of the abortion fund Florida Access Network. She calls the requirements "unrealistic" and "incredibly cruel."

As with the previous 15-week ban, there are exceptions to save the pregnant person's life or avert "substantial and irreversible" bodily harm. Patients can also access abortions until the third trimester if physicians detect the fetus has a fatal abnormality.

Voters can weigh in on the ban in November

Supporters of President Joe Biden cheer as they await his speech about reproductive freedom at Hillsborough Community College-Dale Mabry Campus in Tampa, Fla., on April 23, 2024. Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Supporters of President Joe Biden cheer as they await his speech about reproductive freedom at Hillsborough Community College-Dale Mabry Campus in Tampa, Fla., on April 23, 2024.

On the same day that it upheld the 15-week ban, which allowed the six-week ban to go into effect, the Florida Supreme Court also allowed a proposal to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution to remain on the November ballot.

If passed, Amendment 4 would allow abortion access in Florida until fetal viability, which is usually around 24 weeks, "or when necessary to protect the patient's health, as determined by the patient's healthcare provider."

Supporters and opponents of abortion rights have made it a priority moving forward.

"It's critical that we turn out the vote this fall for people to protect their freedoms. The [state] Supreme Court has basically put this issue in the voters' hands," says Florida House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell, a Democrat.

President Joe Biden made abortion the focus of a visit to Tampa last Monday , while Vice President Kamala Harris is scheduled to talk about it in Jacksonville on Wednesday.

Opponents of the ballot initiative call it a "radical, no-limits" abortion amendment and are campaigning against it.

"Prop 4, the abortion lobby's dream amendment, is extremely misleading," says Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America President Marjorie Dannenfelser in a statement following President Biden's visit to Tampa.

The wording of the proposal was at the heart of the state's legal challenge to the effort. Attorney General Ashley Moody argued it would confuse voters. But in its 4-3 opinion, the state Supreme Court wrote that the proposal was "plainly stated in terms that clearly and unambiguously reflect the text of the proposed amendment."

The increased attention on the ballot initiative is appreciated, says Megan Jeyifo, executive director of the Chicago Abortion Fund, which has been working with partners in Florida to help patients travel to the Midwest for care. But she worries people may devote all their resources to getting that passed and forget the pregnant people affected by the ban now.

"Because [Amendment 4] will be won on the backs of those people, you know it will be won, and people will give birth when they didn't want to," she says.

Other states have successfully passed ballot initiatives to protect abortion rights, but none had quite as high a threshold as Florida. For Amendment 4 to pass, 60% of voters need to approve it.

Florida’s 6-Week Abortion Ban Makes It A ‘Terrifying Time To Be A Pregnant Person’

Florida ’s six-week abortion ban took effect Wednesday, essentially shutting down the last abortion safe haven in the entire Southeast region of the country.

Abortion providers, clinic staff, pro-choice advocates and lawmakers along the East Coast have been preparing for this day since the Florida Supreme Court greenlighted the six-week ban in April. Despite months of preparation, physicians and staff at Planned Parenthood health centers throughout Florida were gutted.

“It is truly a terrifying time to be a pregnant person in Florida — and that is the devastating reality,” Dr. Chelsea Daniels, a Florida abortion provider, said during a Wednesday morning press conference at Planned Parenthood’s Golden Glades-Miami health center.

Almost all of Daniels’ patients who came to the clinic Tuesday for abortion consultations were over six weeks pregnant and will need to travel out of state if they have the resources. Daniels said she had to turn away patients Wednesday morning while she was in the clinic, just before the press conference started. Many of the patients were just days over the new abortion ban’s pregnancy limit.

“I’ve spent my life and my career doing this, and I have the training to do this, and I have people who do not have the training, expertise or knowledge to do this telling me that I can’t,” she said. “More importantly, telling women that their reproductive freedoms and their bodily autonomy don’t matter, and what matters is their political aims by bad actors.”

Advocates likened the restriction to a near-total ban because most people do not know they’re pregnant at six weeks. Though Florida had a 15-week abortion ban prior to Wednesday, it was still a lifeline for people seeking abortion care in the Southeast. Georgia and South Carolina have six-week abortion bans, while Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and several other states to the west have near-total bans. North Carolina has a 12-week abortion ban in effect, and providers are already at capacity, Gov. Roy Cooper (D-N.C.) said last month.

The Florida ban also prohibits sending abortion pills through the mail, which means pregnant people will need two in-person appointments, 24 hours apart, to receive care before six weeks. But some online pharmacies that send abortion pills by mail said they will continue to ship to Florida for women seeking care after six weeks.

Many providers in other parts of the U.S. are protected by state shield laws that allow them to ship to Florida. Additionally, pregnant people can access medication abortion through community groups or online through international services like Aid Access.

Florida’s Planned Parenthood affiliates have been working with abortion funds and clinics in North Carolina, Illinois and Virginia to make the process for patients traveling out of state go as smoothly as possible. Most patients who can travel will likely go to Virginia or Illinois, since North Carolina has a 72-hour waiting period between appointments — one of the longest waiting periods in the country.

There are 84,000 patients who sought abortion care last year. There is no way that the national fabric of abortion care can take care of these women. Alexandra Mandado, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of South, East and North Florida

Despite the tireless work of reproductive rights groups from the East Coast, there will be pregnant people seeking abortions in the Southeast region of the U.S. who will not be able to get care, said Alexandra Mandado, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of South, East and North Florida.

“There were 84,000 patients who sought abortion care last year. There is no way that the national fabric of abortion care can take care of these women,” she said. “When we talk about 21 states that have bans or restrictions, where are these women going to go?”

Planned Parenthood clinics in Virginia have increased resources in the last few months in anticipation of Florida’s abortion ban, said Paulette McElwain, president and CEO of the Virginia League for Planned Parenthood. Clinics have added hours to their schedules, increased staff on their call lines and ramped up telehealth services for gender-affirming care and medication abortion. The VLPP also recruited more providers and nurses in four of its abortion clinics to increase the clinics’ capacity. Some clinics are also training nurse practitioners in abortion care since Virginia law allows it.

Currently, Planned Parenthood’s Virginia clinics can offer same-day access to abortion care, McElwain told reporters during a Wednesday call, although she anticipates it will be harder to get an appointment the longer the Florida ban is in effect.

In 2022, around 3% of the VLPP’s abortion patients were from out of state. With more states in the region enacting abortion bans, over 20% of their patients were traveling from out of state each month as of April. Yesterday, more than 30% of patients making abortion appointments at Virginia’s Planned Parenthood clinics were from out of state.

“No one provider or even one state can meet the need created by Florida’s extreme ban,” McElwain said.

Abortion funds in the region, many of which were already hanging by a thread , are worried they will not be able to meet the demand for care now that Florida has effectively gone dark.

“Florida’s limited abortion access has functioned as a band-aid for the South. That band-aid is now being ripped off,” Jade Hurley, communications manager at the DC Abortion Fund, said in a statement.

This year alone, DCAF has served 34 Floridians, and 13 of those reached out after the state Supreme Court greenlighted the six-week ban.

“We still don’t have the dollars, appointments or capacity to serve everyone who will need us this summer,” Hurley said.

Florida’s six-week abortion ban does have exceptions for rape, incest and victims of human trafficking, as well as for fatal fetal diagnoses and the life and health of the pregnant person. But several advocates noted that these would likely be useless in practice.

“They are in the law in name only to pull the wool over voters’ eyes, making this ban seem less extreme than it really is,” Dawnyelle Singleton, manager of volunteers and community programs at Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida, said during a Wednesday press conference at Planned Parenthood’s abortion clinic in Sarasota, Florida.

Pro-choice groups in the state hope the ban won’t be in effect forever. Amendment 4, an abortion rights amendment, will be on the ballot in November to hopefully enshrine access to care until fetal viability, or around 24 weeks. Many advocates said they will be focusing their efforts on getting Floridians to vote yes on the amendment, also titled “ Amendment to Limit Government Interference with Abortion ,” ahead of the general election.

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Trump Is Fine With States Monitoring Pregnant Women So They Don't Get Abortions
Florida's 6-Week Abortion Ban Is About To Go Into Effect

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - APRIL 30: The examination room in A Woman's Choice of Jacksonville clinic, which provides abortion care on April 30, 2024, in Jacksonville, Florida. A six-week abortion ban that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed will go into effect on May 1st. Kelly Flynn, President/CEO of A Woman's Choice of Jacksonville, said, “People have been calling us in desperation all week. We're staying open to see every patient in need. But there are still thousands who we know Florida abortion care providers cannot see before Wednesday. To the north and the west, Alabama has a total ban; Georgia and South Carolina have six-week bans and many more states have bans in place that prevent people from taking control of their own lives. All the patients we can't see will now have to travel a very long way IF they have the resources to make the trip. I know many cannot. We hoped we would never have to operate under these oppressive conditions, and we will help as many as we can to get the abortion care they need and deserve.

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Section 5 - Rubella
Section 5 - Smallpox & Other Orthopoxvirus-Associated Infections

Rubeola / Measles

Cdc yellow book 2024.

Author(s): Paul Gastañaduy, James Goodson

Infectious Agent

Transmission, epidemiology, clinical presentation.

INFECTIOUS AGENT: Measles virus

TRAVELER CATEGORIES AT GREATEST RISK FOR EXPOSURE & INFECTION

PREVENTION METHODS

Rubeola is a vaccine-preventable disease

DIAGNOSTIC SUPPORT

Measles virus is a member of the genus Morbillivirus of the family Paramyxoviridae .

Measles is transmitted from person to person via respiratory droplets and by the airborne route as aerosolized droplet nuclei. Infected people are usually contagious from 4 days before until 4 days after rash onset. Measles is among the most contagious viral diseases known; secondary attack rates are ≥90% among susceptible household and institutional contacts. Humans are the only natural host for sustaining measles virus transmission, which makes global eradication of measles feasible.

Measles was declared eliminated (defined as the absence of endemic measles virus transmission in a defined geographic area for ≥12 months in the presence of a well-performing surveillance system) from the United States in 2000. Measles virus continues to be imported into the country from other parts of the world, however, and recent prolonged outbreaks in the United States resulting from measles virus importations highlight the challenges faced in maintaining measles elimination.

Given the large global measles burden and high communicability of the disease, travelers could be exposed to the virus in any country they visit where measles remains endemic or where large outbreaks are occurring. Most measles cases imported into the United States occur in unvaccinated US residents who become infected while traveling abroad, often to the World Health Organization (WHO)–defined Western Pacific and European regions. These travelers become symptomatic after returning to the United States and sometimes infect others in their communities, causing outbreaks.

Nearly 90% of imported measles cases are considered preventable by vaccination (i.e., the travelers lacked recommended age- and travel-appropriate vaccination). Furthermore, observational studies in travel clinics in the United States have shown that 59% of pediatric and 53% of adult travelers eligible for measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine at the time of pretravel consultation were not vaccinated at the visit, highlighting a missed opportunity to reduce the likelihood of measles introductions and subsequent spread. Encourage all eligible travelers to receive appropriate MMR vaccination. Outbreak investigations are costly and resource intensive, and infected people—in addition to productivity losses—can incur direct costs for the management of their illness, including treatment, quarantine, and caregiving.

The incubation period averages 11–12 days from exposure to onset of prodrome; rash usually appears ≈14 days after exposure. Symptoms include fever, with temperature ≤105°F (≤40.6°C); conjunctivitis; coryza (runny nose); cough; and small spots with white or bluish-white centers on an erythematous base appearing on the buccal mucosa (Koplik spots). A characteristic red, blotchy (maculopapular) rash appears 3–7 days after onset of prodromal symptoms. The rash begins on the face, becomes generalized, and lasts 4–7 days.

Common measles complications include diarrhea (8%), middle ear infection (7%–9%), and pneumonia (1%–6%). Encephalitis, which can result in permanent brain damage, occurs in ≈1 per 1,000–2,000 cases of measles. The risk for serious complications or death is highest for children aged ≤5 years, adults aged ≥20 years, and in populations with poor nutritional status or that lack access to health care.

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a progressive neurologic disorder caused by measles virus that usually presents 5–10 years after recovery from the initial primary measles virus infection. SSPE manifests as mental and motor deterioration, which can progress to coma and death. SSPE occurs in ≈1 of every 5,000 reported measles cases; rates are higher among children <5 years of age.

Measles is a nationally notifiable disease. Laboratory criteria for diagnosis include a positive serologic test for measles-specific IgM, IgG seroconversion, or a significant rise in measles IgG level by any standard serologic assay; isolation of measles virus; or detection of measles virus RNA by reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) testing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Measles Virus Laboratory is the national reference laboratory; it provides serologic and molecular testing for measles and technical assistance to state public health laboratories for the collection and shipment of clinical samples for molecular diagnostics and genetic analysis. See detailed information on diagnostic support .

A clinical case of measles illness is characterized by generalized maculopapular rash lasting ≥3 days; temperature ≥101°F (38.3°C); and cough, coryza, or conjunctivitis. A confirmed case is one with an acute febrile rash illness with laboratory confirmation or direct epidemiologic linkage to a laboratory-confirmed case. In a laboratory-confirmed or epidemiologically linked case, the patient’s temperature does not need to reach ≥101°F (38.3°C) and the rash does not need to last ≥3 days.

Treatment is supportive. The WHO recommends vitamin A for all children with acute measles, regardless of their country of residence, to reduce the risk for complications. Administer vitamin A as follows: for infants <6 months old, give 50,000 IU, once a day for 2 days; for infants 6 months old and older, but younger than 12 months, give 100,000 IU once a day for 2 days; for children ≥12 months old give 200,000 IU once a day for 2 days. For children with clinical signs and symptoms of vitamin A deficiency, administer an additional (i.e., a third) age-specific dose of vitamin A 2–4 weeks following the first round of dosing.

Measles has been preventable through vaccination since a vaccine was licensed in 1963. People who do not have evidence of measles immunity should be considered at risk for measles, particularly during international travel. Acceptable presumptive evidence of immunity to measles includes birth before 1957; laboratory confirmation of disease; laboratory evidence of immunity; or written documentation of age-appropriate vaccination with a licensed, live attenuated measles-containing vaccine 1 , namely, MMR or measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV). For infants 6 months old and older, but younger than 12 months, this includes documented administration of 1 dose of MMR; for people aged ≥12 months, documentation should include 2 doses of MMR or MMRV (the first dose administered at age ≥12 months and the second dose administered no earlier than 28 days after the first dose). Verbal or self-reported history of vaccination is not considered valid presumptive evidence of immunity.

1 From 1963–1967, a formalin-inactivated measles vaccine was available in the United States and was administered to ≈600,000–900,000 people. It was discontinued when it became apparent that the immunity it produced was short-lived. Consider people who received this vaccine unvaccinated.

Vaccination

Measles vaccine contains live, attenuated measles virus, which in the United States is available only in combination formulations (e.g., MMR and MMRV vaccines). MMRV vaccine is licensed for children aged 12 months–12 years and can be used in place of MMR vaccine if vaccination for measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella is needed.

International travelers, including people traveling to high-income countries, who do not have presumptive evidence of measles immunity and who have no contraindications to MMR or MMRV, should receive MMR or MMRV before travel per the following schedule.

Infants (6 months old and older, but younger than 12 months): 1 MMR dose. Infants vaccinated before age 12 months must be revaccinated on or after the first birthday with 2 doses of MMR or MMRV separated by ≥28 days. MMRV is not licensed for children aged <12 months.

Children (aged ≥12 months): 2 doses of MMR or MMRV separated by ≥28 days.

Adults born in or after 1957: 2 doses of MMR separated by ≥28 days.

One dose of MMR is ≈85% effective when administered at age 9 months; MMR and MMRV are 93% effective when administered at age ≥1 year. Vaccine effectiveness of 2 doses is 97%.

Adverse Reactions

In rare circumstances, MMR vaccination has been associated with anaphylaxis (≈2–14 occurrences per million doses administered); febrile seizures (≈1 occurrence per 3,000–4,000 doses administered, but overall, the rate of febrile seizures after measles-containing vaccine is much lower than the rate with measles disease); thrombocytopenia (≈1 occurrence per 40,000 doses during the 6 weeks after immunization); or joint symptoms (arthralgia develops among ≈25% of nonimmune postpubertal females from the rubella component of the MMR vaccination, and ≈10% have acute arthritis-like signs and symptoms that generally persist for 1–21 days and rarely recur; chronic joint symptoms are rare, if they occur at all). No evidence supports a causal link between MMR vaccination and autism, type 1 diabetes mellitus, or inflammatory bowel disease.

Contraindications

People who experienced a severe allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, hives, hypotension, shock, swelling of the mouth or throat) following a prior dose of MMR or MMRV vaccine, or who had an anaphylactic reaction to topically or systemically administered neomycin, should not be vaccinated or revaccinated. People who are allergic to eggs can receive MMR or MMRV vaccine without prior routine skin testing or the use of special protocols.

Immunosuppression

Enhanced replication of live vaccine viruses can occur in people who have immune deficiency disorders. Death related to vaccine-associated measles virus infection has been reported among severely immunocompromised people; thus, severely immunosuppressed people should not be vaccinated with MMR or MMRV vaccine. For a thorough discussion of recommendations for immunocompromised travelers, see Sec. 3, Ch. 1, Immunocompromised Travelers .

MMR vaccination is recommended for all people with HIV infection aged ≥12 months who do not have evidence of measles, mumps, and rubella immunity, and who do not have evidence of severe immunosuppression. The assessment of severe immunosuppression can be based on CD4 values (count or percentage); absence of severe immunosuppression is defined as CD4 ≥15% for ≥6 months for children aged ≤5 years, or CD4 ≥15% and CD4 count ≥200 cells/mL for ≥6 months for people aged >5 years.

People with leukemia in remission and off chemotherapy, who were not immune to measles when diagnosed with leukemia, may receive MMR vaccine. At least 3 months should elapse after termination of chemotherapy before administering the first dose of vaccine.

Steroids & Other Immunosuppressive Therapies

Avoid vaccinating people who have received high-dose corticosteroid therapy (in general, considered to be ≥20 mg or 2 mg/kg body weight of prednisone, or its equivalent, daily for ≥14 days) with MMR or MMRV for ≥1 month after cessation of steroid therapy. Corticosteroid therapy usually is not a contraindication when administration is short-term (<14 days) or a low to moderate dose (<20 mg of prednisone or equivalent per day).

In general, withhold MMR or MMRV vaccine for ≥3 months after cessation of other immunosuppressive therapies and remission of the underlying disease. See Sec. 3, Ch. 1, Immunocompromised Travelers , for more details.

MMR vaccines should not be administered to pregnant people or people attempting to become pregnant. Because of the theoretical risk to the fetus, people should be counseled to avoid becoming pregnant for 28 days after receiving a live-virus (e.g., MMR) vaccine.

Precautions

Personal or family history of seizures of any etiology.

Compared with administration of separate MMR and varicella vaccines at the same visit, use of MMRV vaccine is associated with a higher risk for fever and febrile seizures 5–12 days after the first dose among children aged 12–23 months. Approximately 1 additional febrile seizure occurs for every 2,300–2,600 MMRV vaccine doses administered. Use of separate MMR and varicella vaccines avoids this increased risk for fever and febrile seizures.

Thrombocytopenia

The benefits of primary immunization are usually greater than the potential risks for vaccine- associated thrombocytopenia. Avoid giving subsequent doses of MMR or MMRV vaccine, however, if an episode of thrombocytopenia occurred ≤6 weeks after a previous dose of vaccine.

Postexposure Prophylaxis

Measles-containing vaccine or immune globulin (IG) can be effective as postexposure prophylaxis. MMR or MMRV administered ≤72 hours after initial exposure to measles virus might provide some protection. If the exposure does not result in infection, the vaccine should induce protection against subsequent measles virus infection.

When administered ≤6 days of exposure, IG can be used to confer temporary immunity in a susceptible person. If the exposure does not result in modified or typical measles, vaccination with MMR or MMRV is still necessary to provide long-lasting protection. Six months after receiving intramuscularly administered IG, or 8 months after receiving intravenously administered IG, administer MMR or MMRV vaccine, provided the patient is aged ≥12 months and the vaccine is not otherwise contraindicated.

CDC website: Measles

The following authors contributed to the previous version of this chapter: Paul A. Gastañaduy, James L. Goodson

Bibliography

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prevention of measles, rubella, congenital rubella syndrome, and mumps, 2013: summary recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR Recomm Rep. 2013;62(RR-04):1–34.

Gastañaduy P, Redd S, Clemmons N, Lee AD, Hickman CJ, Rota PA, et al. Measles. In: Roush SW, Baldy LM, Kirkconnell Hall MA, editors. Manual for the surveillance of vaccine-preventable diseases. Atlanta: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 2019. Available from: www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/surv-manual/chpt07-measles.html .

Hyle EP, Fields NF, Fiebelkorn AP, Taylor Walker A, Gastañaduy P, Rao SR, et al. The clinical impact and cost-effectiveness of measles-mumps-rubella vaccination to prevent measles importations among US international travelers. Clin Infect Dis. 2019;69(2):306–15.

Hyle EP, Rao SR, Bangs AC, Gastañaduy P, Parker Fiebelkorn A, Hagmann SHF, et al. Clinical practices for measles-mumps-rubella vaccination among US pediatric international travelers. JAMA Pediatr. 2020;174(2):e194515.

Hyle EP, Rao SR, Jentes ES, Parker Fiebelkorn A, Hagmann SHF, Taylor Walker A, et al. Missed opportunities for measles, mumps, rubella vaccination among departing U.S. adult travelers receiving pretravel health consultations. Ann Intern Med. 2017;167(2):77–84.

Lee AD, Clemmons NS, Patel M, Gastañaduy PA. International importations of measles virus into the United States during the post-elimination era, 2001–2016. J Infect Dis. 2019;219(10):1616–23.

National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System. Measles (rubeola): 2013 case definition. Atlanta: CDC; 2013. Available from: https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/measles/ .

Patel MK, Goodson JL, Alexander JP Jr., Kretsinger K, Sodha SV, Steulet C, et al. Progress toward regional measles elimination—Worldwide, 2000–2019. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2020;69(45):1700–5.

Pike J, Leidner AJ, Gastañaduy PA. A review of measles outbreak cost estimates from the US in the post-elimination era (2004–2017): Estimates by perspective and cost type. Clin Infect Dis. 2020;1(6):1568–76.

World Health Organization. Measles vaccines: WHO position paper—April 2017. Wkly Epidemiol Rec. 2017;92(17):205–27.

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Pregnant woman falls to death from train in Tamil Nadu, kin fault railways

The victim, Kasthuri (22) of Tirusulam in Chennai, was travelling on Kollam Express with husband Suresh Kumar and other relatives for the function to be held in Tenkasi.

CUDDALORE: A 21-year-old pregnant woman, who was travelling on a train with her family members for her baby shower function, accidentally fell from the train on Thursday night between Ulundurpet and Vriddhachalam and died.

Efforts to save her by the family members failed as the emergency chain in the train compartment allegedly failed to work and they had to rush to the adjacent compartment to pull the chain to stop the train. But the express train had travelled for a distance of eight km by then and the woman could not be saved on time.

The victim, Kasthuri (22) of Tirusulam in Chennai, was travelling on Kollam Express with husband Suresh Kumar and other relatives for the function to be held in Tenkasi. Speaking to reporters, family members alleged that Kasthuri, who was seven months pregnant, could not be saved because of the failure of the train’s emergency brake.

“Immediately after she fell off the train, we attempted to stop the train by pulling the chain in S9 coach. As the train didn’t stop, we rushed to S8 coach and pulled the chain. But by the time the train halted, it had crossed several kilometres from the spot where she fell,” they said.

‘Brake failure allegation to be probed’

“If the train had stopped in the first attempt, we could have extended emergency medical support and saved her,” they said.

Suresh Kumar (25) of Melaneelidanallur near Sankarankoil in Tenkasi district, who works in a private company in Chennai, married S Kasthuri of Periyar Nagar nine months ago. The couple were travelling on the train with their family members to attend a temple festival in Melaneelidanallur on Saturday and organise a baby shower event for Kasthuri. The family had booked tickets on Kollam Express train from Chennai Egmore to Kollam.

According to Vriddhachalam railway police, the incident happened when Kasthuri stood near the washbasin close to the entrance of the S9 coach. “As she was continuously vomiting, Kasthuri was standing near the washbasin. After the train crossed Ulundurpet railway station, her family members heard some strange sound and immediately rushed to the entrance but they couldn’t find Kasthuri there.

They alerted other passengers and stopped the train by pulling the emergency brake,” police said. After the train came to a halt, police personnel on the train tried to locate Kasthuri but they couldn’t trace her. The train was then stopped at Vriddhachalam junction railway station.

Her body was eventually found near Railway Overhead Bridge at Pu Mambakkam village in Kallakurichi district, about 19 km from Vriddhachalam station, and taken to a GH. An autopsy was conducted on Friday and the body was handed over to her family members. Vriddhachalam revenue divisional officer Saeed Mahamood inspected the body and held inquiries with her family.

Railway sources said the allegation about brake failure would be investigated by a mechanical expert team. “Usually, trains may not stop immediately after the emergency brake lever is pulled. We suspect there might have been confusion about the braking sequence,” sources said.

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Florida’s Six-Week Abortion Ban Is Now Law, With Political Implications

The ban, which took effect on Wednesday, was part of Gov. Ron DeSantis’s push into cultural conservatism. But Florida politics is rarely that simple.

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By Patricia Mazzei

Reporting from Miami

As Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida prepared to run for president last spring, he gathered anti-abortion activists in his Capitol office for an unusual bill signing, held late at night and behind closed doors.

Florida lawmakers had just approved a ban on abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, a major policy shift that would sharply restrict access to the procedure for women in neighboring states as well as for Floridians. That law took effect on Wednesday.

For Mr. DeSantis, the move seemed like something that would play well among some Republican presidential primary voters in states like Iowa. But this was Florida, and public opinion polls suggested broad opposition to such a strict law.

So Mr. DeSantis, who typically crisscrosses the state to sign bills, enacted the six-week ban in April 2023 with little fanfare, part of a headlong push into cultural conservatism meant to bolster his national campaign.

Mr. DeSantis dropped out of the presidential race in January. His culture wars appear to have peaked, at least for now. Voters in a string of states, including more traditionally Republican ones, have chosen to protect or expand abortion rights. A similar ballot measure will go before Florida voters in November, with the potential to significantly influence contests down the ballot.

Perhaps the biggest political question in Florida, though, is just how much abortion might swing the election. Is it unique enough to turn around a state that has trended reliably Republican?

The proposed constitutional amendment, known as Amendment 4, would allow abortions “before viability,” or up to about 24 weeks, and would need more than 60 percent support to pass. That threshold is high, especially in the face of an organized opposition campaign characterizing the language as too far-reaching.

“The average Floridian, when they hear the truth about this extreme amendment, they will vote it down,” State Representative Jenna Persons-Mulicka, a Fort Myers Republican, said last month.

But some Floridians, including some Republicans, have wondered whether a relentless pursuit of divisive policies ahead of Mr. DeSantis’s presidential run might now be forcing a bit of recalibration to be more in line with the state’s diverse electorate.

The governor and Republican lawmakers pursued fewer culture war fights during this year’s legislative session. They made it harder for residents to file book challenges in schools. The state also settled a lawsuit filed by opponents of a law prohibiting instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity through the eighth grade.

“We’re very much Middle America,” said the Rev. Sarah Robinson, pastor of the Audubon Park Covenant Church in Orlando, who attended a “Yes on 4” rally last month. “Middle-class people who are trying to raise families and care for their communities. And there are definitely things that they’d rather be doing than fighting these policies.”

National Democrats have expressed optimism that the abortion ballot measure could put Florida in play, despite no clear commitment of how much money the party is willing to spend in the state and a substantial Democratic disadvantage in voter registrations. President Biden briefly spoke about the six-week ban in Tampa last week, and Vice President Kamala Harris will travel to Jacksonville to draw attention to the state ban on Wednesday.

“There is one person responsible for this nightmare: Donald Trump,” Mr. Biden said in a statement about the ban.

Asked on Tuesday about Democrats’ hopeful claims, Mr. DeSantis offered a dismissive “Pfft” and laughed.

“I welcome Biden-Harris to spend a lot of money in Florida. Light up the airwaves,” he said, indicating that the funds would be poorly spent. “We are fine with you doing that here, but I can confidently predict that you will see Republican victories, not just at the top of the ticket but up and down the ballot.”

Former President Donald J. Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, who won Florida in 2016 and 2020 and resides in Palm Beach, has refused to say whether he will vote against the constitutional amendment. He has recently suggested that some states have gone too far in restricting abortion, though in keeping with his shifting views on the issue, he has also said that the decision should lie with the states.

Democrats have tried to pin the strict state abortion laws on Mr. Trump for appointing to the Supreme Court justices who helped overturn Roe v. Wade in June 2022.

For his part, Mr. DeSantis has rarely campaigned on the ban that he signed. On Tuesday, he mostly focused on waiving admission fees for Florida state parks during Memorial Day weekend and on promoting Gulf red snapper season.

“This was done to help Ron DeSantis in his ambitious plan to run for president,” State Senator Lauren Book, the Democratic minority leader, said of the ban. “It didn’t work, and it has really created dire, dangerous consequences for women.”

Florida is full of transplants from the Northeast and Midwest, and their cultural politics have skewed more liberal — or at least more libertarian — than those in other parts of the Deep South. Floridians have elected Republicans while also approving liberal ballot proposals, including ones that raised the minimum wage to $15 an hour, restored felons’ voting rights and legalized medical marijuana.

Before Mr. DeSantis enacted a 15-week abortion ban in April 2022, Florida allowed abortions up to 24 weeks.

John Stemberger, the president of Liberty Counsel Action, an anti-abortion lobbying group, said that Florida’s 24-week law had less to do with public opinion and more to do with legal precedent set by the Florida Supreme Court in 1989. The court ruled then that a privacy clause in the State Constitution extended to abortion rights.

“It didn’t really reflect the demographics of Florida,” Mr. Stemberger said of the old ruling. “It reflected the opinion of seven justices who made a policy-oriented decision.”

The court, now conservative and nearly entirely appointed by Mr. DeSantis, reversed that position on April 1. Mr. Stemberger credited Mr. DeSantis for stocking his administration with “solid social conservatives” willing to push abortion restrictions: “Personnel is policy.”

Even with the 15-week ban in place, there was an uptick in abortions in Florida last year, in part because women from other Southern states with stricter laws had traveled to Florida for the procedure.

Stephanie Loraine Piñeiro, executive director of the Florida Access Network, a fund that helps women in Florida pay for abortions, said that requests for support doubled in April, as the countdown to the six-week ban was underway. The organization increased its budget by 25 percent for the month but still had to turn away some patients.

“The reality is that people are going to continue to need abortion access,” she said, “regardless of the election cycle.”

Patricia Mazzei is the lead reporter for The Times in Miami, covering Florida and Puerto Rico. More about Patricia Mazzei

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What florida’s 6-week abortion ban means for the south and traveling patients.

Lee and Deborah Dorbert of Lakeland were heartbroken when doctors warned that the 23-week-old fetus Deborah was carrying would likely not survive outside the womb. The couple sought an abortion, considering it their safest option.

The state has served as a haven for Southern pregnant women with little or no access to abortions. Then, the Florida Supreme Court upheld a six-week restriction that began this month.

Monica Kelly was thrilled to learn she was expecting her second child.

The Tennessee mother was around 13 weeks pregnant when, according to a lawsuit filed against the state of Tennessee, doctors gave her the devastating news that her baby had Patau syndrome .

The genetic disorder causes serious developmental defects and often results in miscarriage, stillbirth, or death within one year of birth. Continuing her pregnancy, doctors told her, could put her at risk of infection and complications that include high blood pressure, organ failure, and death.

But they said they could not perform an abortion due to a Tennessee law banning most abortions that went into effect two months after the repeal of Roe v. Wade in June 2022, court records show.

So Kelly traveled to a Northwest Florida hospital to get an abortion while about 15 weeks pregnant. She is one of seven women and two doctors suing Tennessee because they say the state’s near-total abortion ban imperils the lives of pregnant women.

More than 25,000 women like Kelly traveled to Florida for an abortion over the past five years, state data shows. Most came from states such as Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi with little or no access to abortion, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows . Hundreds traveled from as far as Texas.

But a recent Florida Supreme Court ruling paved the way for the Sunshine State to enforce a six-week ban that began in May, effectively leaving women in much of the South with little or no access to abortion clinics. The ban could be short-lived if 60% of Florida voters in November approve a constitutional amendment adding the right to an abortion.

In the meantime, nonprofit groups are warning they may not be able to meet the increased demand for help from women from Florida and other Southeastern states to travel for an abortion. They fear women who lack the resources will be forced to carry unwanted pregnancies to term because they cannot afford to travel to states where abortions are more available.

That could include women whose pregnancies, like Kelly’s, put them at risk.

“The six-week ban is really a problem not just for Florida but the entire Southeast,” said McKenna Kelley, a board member of the Tampa Bay Abortion Fund . “Florida was the last man standing in the Southeast for abortion access.”

Travel Bans and Stricter Limits

Supporters of the Florida restrictions aren’t backing down. Some want even stricter limits. Republican state Rep. Mike Beltran voted for both the 15-week and six-week bans. He said the vast majority of abortions are elective and that those related to medical complications make up a tiny fraction.

State data shows that 95% of abortions last year were either elective or performed due to social or economic reasons. More than 5% were related to issues with either the health of the mother or the fetus.

Beltran said he would support a ban on travel for abortions but knows it would be challenged in the courts. He would support measures that prevent employers from paying for workers to travel for abortions and such costs being tax-deductible, he said.

“I don’t think we should make it easier for people to travel for abortion,” he said. “We should put things in to prevent circumvention of the law.”

Both abortion bans were also supported by GOP state lawmaker Joel Rudman . As a physician, Rudman said, he has delivered more than 100 babies and sees nothing in the current law that sacrifices patient safety.

“It is a good commonsense law that provides reasonable exceptions yet respects the sanctity of life for both mother and child,” he said in a text message.

Last year, the first full year that many Southern states had bans in place, more than 7,700 women traveled to Florida for an abortion, an increase of roughly 59% compared with three years ago.

The Tampa Bay Abortion Fund, which is focused on helping local women, found itself assisting an influx of women from Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana, and other states, Kelley said.

In 2023, it paid out more than $650,000 for appointment costs and over $67,000 in other expenses such as airplane tickets and lodging. Most of those who seek assistance are from low-income families including minorities or disabled people, Kelley said.

“We ask each person, ‘What can you contribute?’” she said. “Some say zero and that’s fine.”

Florida’s new law will mean her group will have to pivot again. The focus will now be on helping people seeking abortions travel to other states.

But the destinations are farther and more expensive. Most women, she predicted, will head to New York, Illinois, or Washington, D.C. Clinic appointments in those states are often more expensive. The extra travel distance will mean help is needed with hotels and airfare.

North Carolina, which allows abortions through about 12 weeks of pregnancy, may be a slightly cheaper option for some women whose pregnancies are not as far along, she said.

Keeping up with that need is a concern, she said. Donations to the group soared to $755,000 in 2022, which Kelley described as “rage donations” made after the U.S. Supreme Court ended half a century of guaranteeing the federal right to an abortion.

The anger didn’t last. Donations in 2023 declined to $272,000, she said.

“We’re going to have huge problems on our hands in a few weeks,” she said. “A lot of people who need an abortion are not going to be able to access one. That’s really scary and sad.”

Gray Areas Lead to Confusion

The Chicago Abortion Fund is expecting that many women from Southeastern states will head its way.

Illinois offers abortions up until fetal viability — around 24 to 26 weeks. The state five years ago repealed its law requiring parents to be notified when their children seek an abortion.

About 3 in 10 abortions performed in Illinois two years ago — almost 17,000 — involved out-of-state residents, up from fewer than a quarter the previous year, according to state records.

The Chicago nonprofit has prided itself on not turning away requests for help over the past five years, said Qudsiyyah Shariyf, a deputy director. It is adding staffers, including Spanish-language speakers, to cope with an anticipated uptick in calls for help from Southern states. She hopes Florida voters will make the crisis short-lived.

“We’re estimating we’ll need an additional $100,000 a month to meet that influx of folks from Florida and the South,” she said. “We know it’s going to be a really hard eight months until something potentially changes.”

Losing access to abortion, especially among vulnerable groups like pregnant teenagers and women with pregnancy complications, could also increase cases of mental illness such as depression, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder, said Silvia Kaminsky , a licensed marriage and family therapist in Miami.

Kaminsky, who serves as board president of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy , said the group has received calls from therapists seeking legal guidance about whether they can help a client who wants to travel for an abortion.

That’s especially true in states such as Alabama, Georgia, and Missouri that have passed laws granting “personhood” status to fetuses. Therapists in many states, including Florida, are required to report a client who intends to harm another individual.

“It’s creating all these gray areas that we didn’t have to deal with before,” Kaminsky said.

Deborah Dorbert holds open a page of the book “I’ll Love You Forever” with the hand and footprints of her son Milo Evan Dorbert, who passed away in March 2023.

Deborah Dorbert of Lakeland said that Florida's 15-week abortion limit put her health at risk and that she was forced to carry to term a baby with no chance of survival.

Her unborn child was diagnosed with Potter syndrome in November 2022. An ultrasound taken at 23 weeks of pregnancy showed that the fetus had not developed enough amniotic fluid and that its kidneys were undeveloped.

Doctors told her that her child would not survive outside the womb and that there was a high risk of a stillbirth and, for her, preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication that can result in high blood pressure, organ failure, and death.

One option doctors suggested was a pre-term inducement, essentially an abortion, Dorbert said.

Dorbert and her husband were heartbroken. They decided an abortion was their safest option.

At Lakeland Regional Health, she said, she was told her surgery would have to be approved by the hospital administration and its lawyers since Florida had that year enacted its 15-week abortion restriction.

Florida’s abortion law includes an exemption if two physicians certify in writing that a fetus has a fatal fetal abnormality and has not reached viability. But a month elapsed before she got an answer in her case. Her doctor told her the hospital did not feel they could legally perform the procedure and that she would have to carry the baby to term, Dorbert said.

Lakeland Regional Health did not respond to repeated calls and emails seeking comment.

Dorbert’s gynecologist had mentioned to her that some women traveled for an abortion. But Dorbert said she could not afford the trip and was concerned she might break the law by going out of state.

At 37 weeks, doctors agreed to induce Dorbert. She checked into Lakeland Regional Hospital in March 2023 and, after a long and painful labor, gave birth to a boy named Milo.

“When he was born, he was blue; he didn’t open his eyes; he didn’t cry,” she said. “The only sound you heard was him gasping for air every so often.”

She and her husband took turns holding Milo. They read him a book about a mother polar bear who tells her cub she will always love them. They sang Bob Marley and The Wailers’ “Three Little Birds” to Milo with its chorus that “every little thing is gonna be alright.”

Milo died in his mother’s arms 93 minutes after being born.

One year later, Dorbert is still dealing with the anguish. The grief is still “heavy” some days, she said.

She and her husband have discussed trying for another child, but Florida’s abortion laws have made her wary of another pregnancy with complications.

“It makes you angry and frustrated. I could not get the health care I needed and that my doctors advised for me,” she said. "I know I can’t go through what I went through again.”

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF — an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about KFF .

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COMMENTS

When to stop traveling when pregnant
The sweet spot for pregnancy travel is during your second trimester, between 14 weeks and 27 weeks. By the second trimester, any struggles you've had with morning sickness and fatigue during the earlier weeks of pregnancy should have hopefully subsided - and after 12 weeks, your risk of miscarriage decreases significantly as well.
What it's like to travel during each trimester of pregnancy
Changes come even more quickly in the third trimester. You enter the third trimester about 28 weeks pregnant and end it with a newborn. This means that types of travel that are possible at 27 and 28 weeks pregnant may be inadvisable, or even prohibited, at 37 and 38 weeks pregnant. Select destinations and activities carefully
Pregnancy Travel Tips: Is It Safe to Travel While Pregnant?
In general, the best time to travel while pregnant is mid-pregnancy (weeks 14 through 18). During the first trimester, you may feel too nauseated and tired to withstand long trips — or enjoy yourself once you get where you're going. ... Pregnancy Week 21. Pregnancy Week 22. Pregnancy Week 23. Pregnancy Week 24. Pregnancy Week 25. Pregnancy ...
What To Know About Traveling While Pregnant
Most people can safely travel by airplane during pregnancy, but talk to your healthcare provider ahead of time to make sure you don't have any medical conditions that could cause a complication ...
Here Are the Rules for Flying When You're Pregnant
According to the ACOG, "The best time to travel is mid-pregnancy (14 to 28 weeks). During these weeks, your energy has returned, morning sickness is improved or gone, and you are still able to get ...
Travel During Pregnancy
The best time to travel is mid-pregnancy (14 to 28 weeks). During these weeks, your energy has returned, morning sickness is improved or gone, and you are still able to get around easily. After 28 weeks, it may be harder to move around or sit for a long time. Preparing for a Trip Expand All.
Travel During Pregnancy
Travel During Pregnancy. As long as there are no identified complications or concerns with your pregnancy, it is generally safe to travel during your pregnancy. The ideal time to travel during pregnancy is the second trimester. In most cases, you are past the morning sickness of the first trimester and several weeks from the third stage of ...
Traveling While Pregnant: What You Should Know
Wear well-fitted compression stockings when traveling during pregnancy. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages and alcohol, as these can lead to dehydration. If possible, try to exercise or walk every 30 minutes. If you're traveling by car, arrange rest breaks and take short walks.
Pregnant Travelers
Before you book a cruise or air travel, check the airlines or cruise operator policies for pregnant women. Some airlines will let you fly until 36 weeks, but others may have an earlier cutoff. Cruises may not allow you to travel after 24-28 weeks of pregnancy, and you may need to have a note from your doctor stating you are fit to travel.
Pregnancy Travel: Traveling Safely by Air, Car, and Cruise Ship
Pregnancy travel by car has some of the same risks and rules as traveling by plane, says Nye. "The big problem is blood clots," she says. "If you are in a car and driving long distances, get out ...
Traveling While Pregnant: What to Pack in Your Carry-On
6. Panty Liners and an Extra Panty. We don't have to remind you that pregnancy can bring along more discharge than usual. An extra pair of underwear and a good stash of liners can keep you feeling a teensy bit fresher than you would otherwise. 7. Reflux Meds.
Travelling in pregnancy
Some women prefer not to travel in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy because of nausea and vomiting and feeling very tired during these early stages. The risk of miscarriage is also higher in the first 3 months, whether you're travelling or not. Travelling in the final months of pregnancy can be tiring and uncomfortable.
Traveling While Pregnant or Breastfeeding
Generally, women are not allowed to travel by air after 36 weeks for domestic travel, and after 28 to 35 weeks for international travel. The decision on whether to travel and how far to travel at any time during pregnancy should be a joint decision between you and your healthcare provider or midwife. According to the CDC, pregnant women with ...
Flying While Pregnant: Tips to Enjoy Your Travel
However, flying when pregnant, especially during the third trimester, is a bit more complicated. After entering your 37th week, there's always a possibility that you could go into labor. The majority of airlines will not allow pregnant women to fly past week 36. Some carriers even require a doctor's letter once you've passed the 28-week mark.
Flying while pregnant? Restrictions & other policies
Virgin Australia. No restrictions. Travel permitted; requires a medical certificate dated within 10 days of departure date once you reach 28 weeks. For flights longer than four hours, travel is not permitted after 36 weeks of pregnancy (32 weeks if pregnant with multiples), or within 48 hours of normal vaginal delivery.
11 Rules for Road Trips and Car Travel While Pregnant
Dr. Gaither says pregnant travelers should stop "at least every two hours" and get out of the car, stretch, and walk around. This increases blood flow to the lower body which helps prevent ...
Air travel during pregnancy: Is it safe?
Answer From Mary Marnach, M.D. Generally, air travel before 36 weeks of pregnancy is considered safe for people who aren't dealing with any pregnancy problems. Still, if you're pregnant, it's a good idea to talk with your health care provider before you fly. Your provider might suggest that you not fly if you have certain pregnancy ...
5 Tips to Stay Safe When Flying While Pregnant
Airlines discourage travel after 36 weeks. Contact your carrier and ask about their policy for pregnant travelers. Ask if you will need a note from your doctor verifying your due date .
Travelling when pregnant
It's fine to drive or be a passenger in a car while you're pregnant. It's important to wear a seat belt as you normally would. Make sure the straps don't go over your bump by: placing the lap strap across your hips so it fits comfortably under your bump. placing the diagonal strap between your breasts and around your bump.
21 weeks pregnant
As you start the 2nd half of your pregnancy, you'll be entering a period of rapid growth. Your baby is getting ready for life outside the womb and developing essential skills including sucking and breathing. Our week-by-week pregnancy guide is full of essential information. From staying fit in pregnancy to advice on your maternity rights, you ...
Travelling while pregnant
You should avoid travelling to an altitude above 3,658 metres (12,000 feet). However, if you have a high-risk pregnancy and/or are in the late stages of pregnancy, the highest altitude should be 2,500 metres (8,200 feet). If you have pregnancy-related complications, you should avoid unnecessary high-altitude exposure.
21 Weeks Pregnant: Baby Development, Symptoms & Signs
Birth month group discussions. At 21 weeks pregnant, your baby has more control over limb movements, which explains why you might be feeling more kicking and stretching going on in there. From the outside, your little one may be leaving his mark in the form of stretch marks — pink, red, purple, reddish-brown or dark brown streaks that can ...
Six-week abortion ban takes effect in Florida : NPR
TAMPA, Fla. — Starting today, people can no longer access legal abortions in Florida beyond six weeks of pregnancy, except in rare circumstances. The restriction replaces a 15-week ban that's ...
Florida's 6-Week Abortion Ban Makes It A 'Terrifying Time To ...
North Carolina has a 12-week abortion ban in effect, and providers are already at capacity, Gov. Roy Cooper (D-N.C.) said last month. The Florida ban also prohibits sending abortion pills through ...
Rubeola / Measles
Pregnancy. MMR vaccines should not be administered to pregnant people or people attempting to become pregnant. Because of the theoretical risk to the fetus, people should be counseled to avoid becoming pregnant for 28 days after receiving a live-virus (e.g., MMR) vaccine. Precautions Personal or Family History of Seizures of Any Etiology
Pregnant woman falls to death from train in Tamil Nadu, kin fault railways
CUDDALORE: A 21-year-old pregnant woman, who was travelling on a train with her family members for her baby shower function, accidentally fell from the train on
Tracking Abortion Bans Across the Country
A 15-week ban remains in effect. A ban on abortion after about six weeks of pregnancy took effect in Florida, following a ruling by the Florida Supreme Court that the privacy protections of the ...
Florida's Six-Week Abortion Ban Will Cut Off Major Access Point
The six-week ban will require most to travel much farther. ... Between 2018 and 2023, about 60 percent of abortions in Florida happened after six weeks of pregnancy, ...
Six-Week Abortion Ban Takes Effect in Florida
A six-week abortion ban that the state's governor, Ron DeSantis, signed last year takes effect on Wednesday. Joe Raedle/Getty Images. The proposed constitutional amendment, known as Amendment 4 ...
What Florida's 6-week abortion ban means for the South and traveling
The extra travel distance will mean help is needed with hotels and airfare. North Carolina, which allows abortions through about 12 weeks of pregnancy, may be a slightly cheaper option for some women whose pregnancies are not as far along, she said. Keeping up with that need is a concern, she said.