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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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Pregnant travelers can generally travel safely with appropriate preparation. But they should avoid some destinations, including those with risk of Zika and malaria. Learn more about traveling during pregnancy and steps you can take to keep you and your baby healthy.

Before Travel

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.

Zika and Malaria

Zika can cause severe birth defects. The Zika virus is spread through mosquito bites and sex. If you are pregnant, do not travel to  areas with risk of Zika . If you must travel to an area with Zika, use  insect repellent  and take other steps to avoid bug bites. If you have a sex partner who lives in or has traveled to an area with Zika, you should use condoms for the rest of your pregnancy.

Pregnant travelers should avoid travel to areas with malaria, as it can be more severe in pregnant women. Malaria increases the risk for serious pregnancy problems, including premature birth, miscarriage, and stillbirth. If you must travel to an area with malaria, talk to your doctor about taking malaria prevention medicine. Malaria is spread by mosquitoes, so use  insect repellent and take other steps to avoid bug bites.

Make an appointment with your healthcare provider or a travel health specialist  that takes place at least one month before you leave. They can help you get destination-specific vaccines, medicines, and information. Discussing your health concerns, itinerary, and planned activities with your provider allows them to give more specific advice and recommendations.

Plan for the unexpected. It is important to plan for unexpected events as much as possible. Doing so can help you get quality health care or avoid being stranded at a destination. A few steps you can take to plan for unexpected events are to  get travel insurance ,    learn where to get health care during travel ,  pack a travel health kit ,  and  enroll in the Department of State’s STEP .

Be sure your healthcare policy covers pregnancy and neonatal complications while overseas. If it doesn’t get travel health insurance that covers those items. Consider getting medical evacuation insurance too.

Recognize signs and symptoms that require immediate medical attention, including pelvic or abdominal pain, bleeding, contractions, symptoms of preeclampsia (unusual swelling, severe headaches, nausea and vomiting, and vision changes), and dehydration.

Prepare a  travel health kit . Pregnant travelers may want to include in your kit prescription medications, hemorrhoid cream, antiemetic drugs, antacids, prenatal vitamins, medication for vaginitis or yeast infection, and support hose, in addition to the items recommended for all travelers.

During Travel

Your feet may become swollen on a long flight, so wear comfortable shoes and loose clothing and try to walk around every hour or so. Sitting for a long time, like on long flight, increases your chances of getting blood clots, or deep vein thrombosis. Pregnant women are also more likely to get blood clots. To reduce your risk of a blood clot, your doctor may recommend compression stockings or leg exercises you can do in your seat. Also, see CDC’s Blood Clots During Travel page for more tips on how to avoid blood clots during travel.

Choose safe food and drink. Contaminated food or drinks can cause travelers’ diarrhea and other diseases and disrupt your travel. Travelers to low or middle income destinations are especially at risk. Generally, foods served hot are usually safe to eat as well as dry and packaged foods. Bottled, canned, and hot drinks are usually safe to drink. Learn more about how to choose safer  food and drinks  to prevent getting sick.

Pregnant women should not use bismuth subsalicylate, which is in Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate. Travelers to low or middle income  destinations  are more likely to get sick from food or drinks. Iodine tablets for water purification should not be used since they can harm thyroid development of the fetus.

After Travel

If you traveled and feel sick, particularly if you have a fever, talk to a healthcare provider immediately, and tell them about your travel. Avoid contact with other people while you are sick.

More Information

CDC Yellow Book: Pregnant Travelers

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Travelling in pregnancy

With the proper precautions such as travel insurance, most women can travel safely well into their pregnancy.

Wherever you go, find out what healthcare facilities are at your destination in case you need urgent medical attention. It's a good idea to take your maternity medical records (sometimes called handheld notes) with you so you can give doctors the relevant information if necessary.

Find out more about getting healthcare abroad .

Make sure your travel insurance covers you for any eventuality, such as pregnancy-related medical care during labour, premature birth and the cost of changing the date of your return trip if you go into labour .

When to travel 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. So, many women find the best time to travel or take a holiday is in mid-pregnancy, between 4 and 6 months.

Flying in pregnancy

Flying isn't harmful to you or your baby, but discuss any health issues or pregnancy complications with your midwife or doctor before you fly.

The chance of going into labour is naturally higher after  37 weeks (around 32 weeks if you're carrying twins), and some airlines won't let you fly towards the end of your pregnancy. Check with the airline for their policy on this.

After week 28 of pregnancy, the airline may ask for a letter from your doctor or midwife confirming your due date, and that you are not at risk of complications. You may have to pay for the letter and wait several weeks before you get it.

Long-distance travel (longer than 4 hours) carries a small risk of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis (DVT)) . If you fly, drink plenty of water and move about regularly – every 30 minutes or so. You can buy a pair of graduated compression or support stockings from the pharmacy, which will help reduce leg swelling.

Travel vaccinations when you're pregnant

Most vaccines that use live bacteria or viruses aren't recommended during pregnancy because of concerns that they could harm the baby in the womb.

However, some live travel vaccines may be considered during pregnancy if the risk of infection outweighs the risk of live vaccination. Ask your GP or midwife for advice about specific travel vaccinations. Non-live (inactivated) vaccines are safe to use in pregnancy.

Malaria tablets

Some anti-malaria tablets aren't safe to take in pregnancy so ask your GP for advice.

Zika virus is mainly spread by mosquitoes found in some parts of the world. For most people it's mild and not harmful, but can cause problems if you're pregnant.

If you are pregnant, it is not recommended to travel to parts of the world where the Zika virus is present, such as parts of:

• South and Central America
• the Caribbean
• the Pacific islands

Check before you travel

It's important to check the risk for the country you're going to before you travel.

Find out more about the Zika virus risk in specific countries on the Travel Health Pro website

Car travel in pregnancy

It's best to avoid long car journeys if you're pregnant. However, if it can't be avoided, make sure you stop regularly and get out of the car to stretch and move around.

You can also do some exercises in the car (when you're not driving), such as flexing and rotating your feet and wiggling your toes. This will keep the blood flowing through your legs and reduce any stiffness and discomfort. Wearing compression stockings while on long car journeys (more than 4 hours) can also increase the blood flow in your legs and help prevent blood clots.

Tiredness and dizziness are common during pregnancy so it's important on car journeys to drink regularly and eat natural, energy-giving foods, such as fruit and nuts.

Keep the air circulating in the car and wear your seatbelt with the cross strap between your breasts and the lap strap across your pelvis under your bump, not across your bump.

Road accidents are among the most common causes of injury in pregnant women. If you have to make a long trip, don't travel on your own. You could also share the driving with your companion.

Sailing in pregnancy

Ferry companies have their own restrictions and may refuse to carry heavily pregnant women (often beyond 32 weeks on standard crossings and 28 weeks on high-speed crossings ). Check the ferry company's policy before you book.

For longer boat trips, such as cruises, find out if there are onboard facilities to deal with pregnancy and medical services at the docking ports.

Food and drink abroad in pregnancy

Take care to avoid food- and water-borne conditions, such as stomach upsets and travellers' diarrhoea . Some medicines for treating stomach upsets and travellers' diarrhoea aren't suitable during pregnancy.

Always check if tap water is safe to drink. If in doubt, drink bottled water. If you get ill, keep hydrated and continue eating for the health of your baby, even if you're not hungry.

Find out about a healthy diet in pregnancy , and foods to avoid in pregnancy .

Page last reviewed: 17 August 2022 Next review due: 17 August 2025

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Travel during pregnancy

Being pregnant doesn’t mean you have to be stuck at home. If you’re going on a business trip or taking a vacation, there are ways you can stay healthy and safe when traveling during pregnancy.

Is it safe to travel when you’re pregnant?

If you have a healthy pregnancy, it’s usually safe to travel. But talk to your health care provider before planning any trip.

If you have a health condition, such as heart disease, or if you’ve had pregnancy complications, such as  gestational diabetes , your provider may suggest you limit travel.

Even if your pregnancy is healthy, tell your provider about your travel plans. You may need to rearrange your prenatal care visits so you don’t miss any while you’re away.

When is the best time to travel during pregnancy?

The best time to travel depends on how you feel. Many pregnant women like to travel during the second trimester. At this time, you may not have as much  morning sickness  or be as tired as you were at the beginning of your pregnancy. And while your belly’s getting bigger, it’s still comfortable for you to move around. As you get closer to your  due date , walking, sitting and even sleeping can be very uncomfortable.

During the second trimester, you’re also less likely to have a pregnancy emergency, such as  miscarriage  or preterm labor. Miscarriage is when a baby dies in the womb before 20 weeks of pregnancy. Preterm labor is labor that happens too early, before 37 weeks of pregnancy.

How can you get ready for your trip?

Plan ahead and follow these tips to stay safe when traveling during pregnancy:

• Ask your airline if they have a cut-off time for traveling during pregnancy. You can fly on most airlines up to 36 weeks of pregnancy. But if you’re flying out of the country, the cut-off time may be earlier.
• Check to see what medical care your health insurance covers. Health insurance helps you pay for medical care. Most insurance plans cover emergency medical care no matter where you are. But you need to know what your plan means by “emergency” to know exactly what it will pay for.
• Think about buying travel insurance. This is insurance you buy in addition to your regular health insurance. It covers you for medical care while traveling in another country. You also can buy travel insurance that refunds some of your costs if you have to cancel your trip. Visit  USA.gov  to learn more about the different kinds of travel insurance.
• Learn about medical care available where you’re headed. Your provider may be able to recommend a provider in the area where you’re going. If you’re traveling in the United States, you can find a provider through the  American Medical Association . If you’re traveling overseas, find a provider through the  International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers’ database .
• Pack a copy of your medical records, your provider’s phone number, your  prenatal vitamins  and any medicine you need. Keep these things in your purse, a carry-on or a bag you plan to have with you at all times. This way, they’re always handy.
• Visit the  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  for information about  vaccinations ,  travel alerts , managing health conditions during your trip and other ways you can stay healthy during travel.
• If you can, travel with someone. Don’t travel alone if you don’t have to.

Is it safe to travel to places where Zika is spreading if you're pregnant?

Zika virus (also called Zika) can cause illness that lasts several days to a week. It usually spreads to people through mosquito bites. But if you get infected with  Zika during pregnancy , you can pass the virus to your baby. Zika infection during pregnancy can cause serious problems for your baby. 

If you're pregnant or trying to get pregnant, don't travel to a Zika-affected area unless you absolutely have to. If you do travel, protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites. Check  CDC travel alerts  often for updates. 

When should you seek medical care during travel?

If you have any of the following signs and symptoms during your trip, get medical help right away:

• Belly pain or cramps
• Contractions  (when the muscles of your uterus get tight and then relax)
• Severe headaches
• Leg swelling or pain
• Vaginal bleeding  (when blood comes out of your vagina) or you pass blood tissue or clots
• Vision problems
• Your water breaks. This can be in a large gush or a continuous trickle.

How can you stay safe when traveling by plane?

If your pregnancy is healthy, it’s usually safe to travel by plane.

Follow these tips when traveling by air:

• If you’ve had morning sickness during pregnancy, ask your provider if you can take medicine to help with nausea.
• Book an aisle seat so you don't have to climb over other passengers when you need to get up to use the restroom or walk around. Try sitting towards the front of the plane where the ride feels smoother.
• Drink plenty of water. Don’t drink carbonated drinks, such as soda. And don’t eat foods, such as beans, that may cause gas. Gas in your belly can expand at high altitudes and make you feel uncomfortable.
• Fasten your seat belt when you’re in your seat. This can help keep you from getting hurt in case of turbulence. Turbulence happens when the air around a flying plane causes a bumpy ride.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Flex your ankles during the flight, and take a walk when it's safe to leave your seat. Doing these things can help your blood flow and lower your risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot inside a vein. Sitting for long stretches of time during any kind of travel raises your chances of having DVT. Ask your health care provider if you should wear support stockings during your flight. They may help prevent DVT. But if you have  diabetes  or problems with blood circulation, you probably shouldn’t wear them.
• Tell the flight attendant if you feel sick or very uncomfortable during your flight. Contact your provider as soon as you can.

How can you stay safe when traveling by car?

If you're pregnant and traveling by car, follow these tips:

• Wear your seat belt.
• Try not to drive more than 5 to 6 hours per day. If you can, break your trip into several days with shorter drive times each day.
• During long drives, drink water, wear loose-fitting clothes and take breaks to get out of the car to walk around and stretch. And ask your provider if you should wear support stockings. Doing these things can lower your risk of DVT. Don’t turn off your car’s air bags. Airbags can keep you and your baby safe in a crash.
• Tilt your seat and move it as far as possible from the dashboard or steering wheel. If you’re driving, though, make sure you can reach the foot pedals.
• If you’re in an accident, get medical help right away.

How can you stay safe when traveling by ship?

If you’re pregnant and traveling on a ship, such as a cruise vacation, follow these tips:

• Call your cruise line to confirm that a health care provider will be on the ship at all times. Ask what medical care may be available at each port stop. Ask if your ship has passed a  CDC health inspection .
• Ask your provider if you can take medicine to help prevent or treat sea sickness.
• Wash your hands  often and wash any fruits and vegetables you eat during the cruise to help avoid getting infections.

How can you stay safe when traveling out of the country?

If your pregnancy is healthy, it may be safe for you to travel abroad. But check with your provider before you make plans. If you have certain pregnancy complications, such as incompetent cervix (when the cervix opens too early), or if you’re pregnant with  twins, triplets or more , your provider may recommend that you not travel out of the country.

If you’re thinking about traveling out of the country, follow these tips:

• Talk to your provider about your travel plans. Ask about pregnancy complications and if it’s safe to travel to the country you’re planning to visit. Ask your provider about vaccinations you need before your trip and about taking medicine with you.
• Find out what your health insurance covers when traveling outside the country. And think about buying travel insurance.
• Find a provider or a medical center in the country you’re planning to visit before you leave home. Look for a center where providers can manage pregnancy complications, perform emergency  cesarean sections (c-sections)  and care for premature babies. The  International Association for Medical Assistance  can help find this kind of information.
• Make sure the country you’re planning to visit regularly screens stored blood for  HIV , hepatitis B and hepatitis C. This is very important if you need a blood transfusion or if your baby is at risk of  Rh disease . Visit the  U. S. Department of State website  for information on blood screening by country.
• Take a copy of your medical records with you. Know what your blood type is.
• Register with the American embassy or consulate  once you arrive. Staff there can help if you need to get out of the country during an emergency.
• If you don’t speak the local language, take a dictionary.

Last reviewed: April, 2016

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Pregnancy Travel Tips: How to Make Travel Safe and Fun While Pregnant!

By Liesel Teen

BSN, RN, Practicing Labor and Delivery Nurse

This article may contain affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Learn more about affiliate links.

Questions surrounding pregnancy travel come up a lot over in my DMs and just in general with the pregnant people in my life.

So many of us are interested in traveling, whether it’s to see family, go on a babymoon, work-related, or just an escape! But we all want to make sure we’re doing it safely!

Here we’re going to talk about safe travel during pregnancy, share some pregnancy travel tips to keep you feeling your best during your getaway, and address a little bit about babymoons too!

Are you ready to get your travel on? Then you’re in the right place!

4. Take precautions against gas pains

4. what to pack.

Follow @mommy.labornurse on Instagram to join our community of over 640k for education, tips, and solidarity on all things pregnancy, birth, and postpartum!

Travel safety during pregnancy

First off, make sure you talk to your provider about traveling before you travel – even if it’s in the car! They can provide specific guidelines for you in YOUR pregnancy.

They will be able to give you tips and advice for staying comfortable. But they will also be able to talk you through when to call and what to do if anything happens. You just never know what can happen in pregnancy, so it’s always best to communicate changes to your normal routine.

You’ll also want to make sure your destination is pregnancy-friendly from a health standpoint. Your provider can help you determine this, as well as the CDC website . At the broadest level, this means that the destination does not currently have a Zika outbreak and that COVID transmission levels are low.

Airplane travel during pregnancy

Can I fly during pregnancy?

So, the quick answer is that it depends on where you’re at in pregnancy, whether you are high-risk or not, and where you are going!

It’s true that most domestic airlines allow low-risk pregnant women to fly up to the 36th week of their pregnancy. But some airlines will request a travel certificate from your provider saying what week you are – so make sure to check if they need one!

International airlines all kind of differ based on the airline, flight duration, and destination. For this reason, I recommend calling directly to ask about their protocols. International flights almost always require a travel certificate.

If you are considered high-risk your provider may recommend you stop travel well before 36 weeks, so it’s important to have a chat with them.

How to stay comfortable flying

1. stay hydrated.

I know that whenever I fly, pregnant or not, I get super dehydrated. Embrace the fact that you are going to have to pee a lot and overcompensate. You will feel so much better and energized by upping your water intake while traveling.

What’s more, dehydration in pregnancy can lead to uterine cramping, Braxton Hicks , make swelling worse, and in extreme cases even preterm labor! So drink up, mama.

2. Book an aisle seat if possible

It is recommended to take walking and stretching breaks about every hour while flying. This helps prevent blood from pooling and can reduce swelling, which is a common complaint of many pregnant women who fly.

I also recommend wearing loose clothing and compression socks. These things will also help combat swelling and deep vein thrombosis too.

It’s also likely that you will need to take some additional trips to the bathroom. Having the aisle seat will make getting up a lot less of a hassle.

3. See if you can board early or upgrade to priority seating

Many airlines don’t explicitly state special arrangements for pregnant passengers, but if you say something at the desk when you arrive at your gate, I’m willing to bet some perks are coming your way.

Typically, this means preboarding, and they may be able to change your seat if there is availability. By boarding early you can ensure overhead storage space and room to navigate the tiny plane.

Yes, this is a thing you should have on your radar! Avoid foods & drinks that can cause gas for you, and bring some gas medication just in case you need it on the flight.

Gas can be quite uncomfortable, and it expands in low air pressure in airplane cabins, which can cause you lots of discomforts!

Road trips during pregnancy

At a certain point in pregnancy, sitting in a car for long periods just isn’t going to be comfortable. So, if a road trip is on your bucket list, most experts recommend the second trimester or early third trimester – but this isn’t a hard and fast rule!

Similar to airplane travel tips, swelling and circulation can be an issue with being in the car for long periods of time. You want to make sure you’re staying well-hydrated and wearing loose-fitting clothing.

You’ll also want to plan to get out and stretch your legs at least every 2 hours to keep your blood flowing.

Related Reading: 8 Fun Things to do During Pregnancy

Other tips for pregnancy travel

1. be mindful of general safety best practices.

What do I mean here?

• Make sure that you are always wearing your seatbelt properly
• Follow general pregnancy safety recommendations re: activities and diet
• Be aware of the nearest hospital/urgent care clinic at your destination
• Wear sunscreen as appropriate
• Be mindful about your water intake
• Listen to your body!

2. Don’t over-plan and take breaks

With all of that baby-growing happening, you will get more tired than usual, no matter your point in pregnancy.

Don’t plan too many big outings and make sure to have a good mix of more active events and downtime. Take naps and be sure to put your feet up to avoid swelling.

3. Ask for help

If you’re pregnant and traveling, I advise you to play the pregnancy card! Seriously. I’m not one who wants extra attention all the time, but during pregnancy, it’s okay to ask for help!

Don’t be shy about asking for a seat on the train instead of standing, seeing if airlines can make extra accommodations, asking for help with luggage, or even if you can get a table a little sooner at that crowded restaurant.

When it comes to pregnancy and travel – I highly recommend prioritizing comfort! And with all the great options these days you can definitely achieve style and comfort with ease. Some of my favorite options are from Kindred Bravely , Belly Bandit , and Amazon of course!

Bring some comfortable footwear, too! Especially if your travel involves lots of walking and exploring. A lot of women deal with swollen feet during pregnancy so a shoe with great arch support and a wide footbed is ideal. I’ve heard good things about BOBs actually.

You also don’t want to forget to pack your prenatal vitamins and other medications/supplements. This means prenatal vitamins and any other supplements or prescriptions you might be on during pregnancy. Make sure to bring a few extra days’ worth in case your travel plans are disrupted.

You’re pregnancy-travel ready!

The bottom line on pregnancy travel is to check in with your provider, drink lots of water, listen to you body, and keep safety in mind! The rest of the tips in this article will help fill in the gaps.

Now, you should be feeling calmer about your upcoming travel so that you can plan accordingly for a fun, comfortable, and most of all safe trip!

Bon voyage, mama!

Liesel Teen

As a labor and delivery nurse, I’ve spent countless hours with women who felt anxious — even fearful — about giving birth. I want you to know it doesn’t have to be that way for you!

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What to expect when traveling in each trimester of pregnancy

So you're pregnant? Congrats! It's an exciting time but also one in which many aspects of your life will begin to change, including travel. While you'll quickly need to understand the airline industry's rules for flying while pregnant , there are some more personal tips I'd like to share with you based on my experience traveling throughout the first, second and third trimesters of both of my pregnancies.

A few truths about pregnancy

Picky, starving moms need to travel with snacks.

I didn't know I was pregnant when I took the first flight of my second pregnancy. I was on a mileage run from Houston to Los Angeles, and by the time we landed, I was super tired, kinda grumpy and oh-my-so-hungry.

Then began a mad search for food. Luckily, Counter Burger was open and serving up sweet potato fries and burgers. Out of habit, I went for the veggie burger but I quickly regretted my decision, which left me far from satisfied with ground-up veggie mush.

In the early stages of pregnancy, your normal travel habits of going a little hungry for a while, or making due with what's around, may not work well.

Throughout your pregnancy, travel with water to stay hydrated and snacks to stave off hunger pangs and keep you going through travel delays. If you're feeling particularly food sensitive, research the food options at your destination ahead of time. I virtually lived on chicken noodle soup for a whole week early in my pregnancy and then, for a couple of days, all I wanted were hush puppies. I know how to get those items at home but when you are on the road, you either need to do more research or be more flexible -- which is sometimes easier said than done.

Related: 4 tips for planning travel while planning a pregnancy

Research and make choices about inflight radiation and other risks

I'm not an expert, but because I fly often, I have given some thought to inflight radiation exposure , especially during the early stages of pregnancy.

For pregnant flight attendants and pilots, the Federal Aviation Administration recommends a limit of 1 mSv during pregnancy, with no more than 0.5 mSv per month. I don't fly as much as an airline employee, but it doesn't take much research to learn that the amount of radiation you (and your gestating baby) are exposed to in the air varies dramatically from route to route. The highest-level routes are typically longer, higher-altitude polar routes. Here's some information from NASA about polar flights and radiation .

Every expectant mother should discuss the risks of flying during pregnancy with her doctor before getting on a plane. For me, nine months was a tiny moment in my traveling life, so I was OK adjusting my behavior a bit out of an abundance of caution. However, I didn't adjust to the point of never leaving my house. We still flew when I was pregnant, but I was judicious about when and where I would fly.

Check your health insurance policy

If you aren't familiar with your medical insurance coverage for when you travel, brush up on those facts now. Look at in-network and out-of-network benefits, as well as coverage for procedures for medical emergencies in other countries, if relevant. Most likely, if you do have coverage for treatment in other countries, you will still be on the hook to pay for your care up front and then submit for reimbursement from your health insurer. Plan accordingly and plan for the unexpected. If your baby decides to arrive early, for instance, check to make sure your insurance would cover possible extended and expensive care in an intensive care unit in a hospital away from your home.

Be sure to check what your health insurance coverage provides if you deliver at another facility later in your pregnancy. I once had an insurance plan that specifically did not cover out-of-network deliveries after 36 weeks, so that is something you would want to know before venturing away from home late in pregnancy.

Consider travel insurance

Trip insurance can be helpful if you are traveling while pregnant. Read the plan's fine print to determine what might be covered and whether you are covered if you already knew you were pregnant when you purchased the plan. Typically, a normal pregnancy or normal delivery would not be covered but if there are unexpected complications with the pregnancy, then related trip-cancellation or trip-interruption coverage may kick in on certain plans in certain situations.

Here are some travel insurance providers to check out: Allianz Travel Insurance, Travel Guard and Travelex Insurance . You can also compare a variety of plans at a portal like SquareMouth .

Here are some articles that will help you brush up on your travel insurance knowledge:

• The best travel insurance policies and providers
• What is independent travel insurance and when is it worth it?
• When to buy travel insurance versus when to rely on credit card protections
• Is credit card travel insurance sufficient on its own?
• Why I buy travel insurance

Traveling in the first trimester

Traveling in the first trimester can range from "no big deal" to "I think I'm going to die from misery right this very instant." Symptoms in early pregnancy can vary widely and can change by the day. A flight in your first trimester may be no different from any other flight you've ever taken or it may feel like you are flying with the worst hangover of your life.

Unless you are very high risk or have other extenuating medical issues, your doctor will probably give you the green light to travel in early pregnancy. Feeling extra tired, nauseous and queasy doesn't make for the perfect travel experience, so here are some tips to make travel easier:

Pick an aisle seat and move about the cabin

When you do hit the skies early on, choose a seat where you will be the most comfortable, likely an aisle seat so you can get to the restroom easily. I also recommend getting up to walk around and stretch your legs. (Here are tips for credit cards that will defeat basic economy and let you get a seat assignment in advance.)

Room service come to the rescue

In my first trimester of my second pregnancy, I went on a trip with my daughter and parents to New York City to see the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and I was met with another challenge. I was at the point in my pregnancy when I needed food immediately upon waking or I was going to get queasy. Since I was staying in a hotel room with my young daughter, this meant room service. I also had granola bars and fruit on hand, but that was not enough to really do the trick some mornings. Had my husband been there, he could have gone in search of a warm bagel and juice, but since he wasn't on this trip, we had to improvise. Thanks goodness Marriott elite status helped defray the cost of most of the breakfast!

Take it easy when you need to

Once you are further along in your pregnancy and you actually look pregnant, you will sometimes get a little sympathy or, at least, empathy while traveling. Strangers may offer to help with your bag and people may have more patience with you if you're moving slowly. However, in the first trimester nobody can tell you are pregnant, and no one is going to feel sorry for you. If you act queasy on the plane, you will pretty much be treated like you have Ebola, and any other issue or ailment will pretty much not interest anyone. I once told the flight attendant I was pregnant when she was giving me the eye about looking queasy.

Take care of yourself, don't overdo it and know when to say enough is enough. You may be used to very busy travel days, but now find yourself needing a nap during your first trimester, and that's OK. Listen to your body and adjust accordingly.

Traveling in the second trimester

You have probably heard that the second trimester is generally the easiest of the three trimesters for most expecting moms. You usually aren't as sick and or as tired as in the first trimester, and you aren't as large, uncomfortable and exhausted as in the third trimester. From roughly weeks 13 to 27 of a pregnancy, your activity and comfort levels are often good, and this means that it can be a great time to travel. Couples that like to take "babymoons" (one last couples trip before the baby arrives) often try to schedule them in the second trimester.

Related: The best babymoon destinations for every month of the year

The beginning and end of the second trimester are quite different

You will probably enter the second trimester not really looking pregnant, and end it looking quite different. This means that you may feel very different at the beginning and end of the second trimester. The second trimester is when lots of belly growing happens and this can mean that some types of travel will be more uncomfortable toward the end of these few months of pregnancy than at the beginning.

Consider where you are comfortable traveling

A very personal and important decision to make during the second trimester is to determine if there are certain restrictions you will place on yourself in terms of where you're comfortable traveling. Some types of travel will ban women from traveling during the second trimester. For example, many cruise lines will not allow a woman to book a cruise if she will enter her 24th week of pregnancy (or later) while on the voyage.

Royal Caribbean's policy bars pregnant women from sailing at and after the 24th week. It was developed in concert with the Cruise Lines International Association endorsement of the American College of Emergency Physicians Health Care Guidelines for Cruise Ship Medical Facilities .

Many consider unborn fetuses to be viable if born beginning around 24 weeks (though that age threshold is getting earlier and earlier). This means that a baby born at 24 weeks gestation would have anywhere from a 50% to 70% chance of survival outside the womb if (and only if) there is immediate access to advanced medical care. A cruise ship clearly doesn't have an advanced neonatal care unit on board, so presumably the policy is related to why cruise lines draw the line for pregnant passengers.

I personally draw the line for travel at 23 or 24 weeks when talking about destinations that don't have the same level of advanced medical care as the United States -- or long flights or a flight path that could hinder prompt access to advanced medical care if I happened to unexpectedly go into labor. The Maldives is an example of somewhere I would not want to travel in this instance because there would be significant delays in obtaining medical care on these remote islands.

Plan big, but not too big

The second trimester is a great time to squeeze in a pre-baby trip or two since you will probably feel relatively like to your pre-pregnant self much of the time. We went to Aruba when I was 14 weeks pregnant and it was a fantastic trip. I had lots of energy and a normal appetite. Flying was not uncomfortable because my belly was still pretty small and the only real adjustment was to make sure I had a somewhat larger bathing suit before the trip.

At 23 weeks, I traveled to Spain and still felt pretty energetic and "normal." I will admit that the flight in economy wasn't super comfortable since I did have a belly that was hindering curling up in positions that usually help me sleep on the plane, but our time on the ground in Spain wasn't really impacted at all by the pregnancy other than missing out on the Spanish wine.

The great thing about both of those trips was that they were at my own pace. This meant that if I didn't feel like doing much one afternoon, I could take it easy. Even though you may feel great in the second trimester, you can still tire more quickly than normal, so be sure to limit your vacation activities to those you can manage. There are also activities that some doctors might advise against by the second trimester like thrill rides, scuba diving or horseback riding, so double-check any restrictions before planning more adventurous outings.

Traveling in the third trimester

Pregnancy isn't an illness or disease. For many families, it's just a normal phase in a woman's life before a new baby joins the family. Assuming things are going well, it's not a time when you have to cancel all travel. However, once the third trimester rolls around, travel can get a more complicated and does eventually have to stop.

The beginning and end of the third trimester are quite different

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

In the final months of pregnancy, some activities are probably going to be more comfortable and enjoyable than others. For example, swimming and spa time may be exactly what you need.

I give strong preference to visiting beach and resort destinations in the final trimester. Trust me when I say that few activities are as comfortable in the third trimester as floating in the water! We went to The Phoenician (a Marriott property) in Scottsdale, Arizona, when I was about 31 weeks pregnant and even with my big belly, it was the perfect mix of spa, swimming and fun activities for our 5 year old before both our lives changed.

You are going to get uncomfortable

Maybe this isn't universal and there are some magical creatures out there who never feel uncomfortable during pregnancy, but every mom I know eventually hit a point in her pregnancy when she wasn't comfortable. For many, this means that sitting for an extended time in a small airline seat, standing in long lines or trekking around in the heat to explore a city all day eventually become pretty miserable activities.

No one can tell you when you will hit that point, but it will likely happen in the third trimester. For me, my back started giving me a bunch of trouble at around week 30 or 31. I was incredibly grateful there were no more flights scheduled during that pregnancy beyond that point.

If you are going to fly during the later weeks of your third trimester and have the ability to secure a more comfortable seat up front, or at least one with extra legroom so you can stretch out, it may well be a good investment in your comfort. I brought a tennis ball with me when I flew so I could give myself a bit of a "back massage" against the airplane seat.

Bring your own pillows

Sleep becomes a challenge in the third trimester for many women and a pillow fort of sorts becomes a necessity to get some good shut-eye. Many pregnant moms find that using some sort of body pillow or pillow arrangement helps to keep their bellies supported and comfortable at night. You can't assume that the hotel will have similar pillows, so bring your own if they become essential to good rest in your third trimester. I had no shame in hauling my pillow fort with me on our last road trip at eight months pregnant.

See if you are allowed to fly

Even if your doctor OKs it, many airlines have rules about women flying in the third trimester. Check out airline rules for traveling while pregnant for complete details, but generally speaking, most U.S. airlines don't have many flight restrictions until the last month of pregnancy. However, many international airlines do have restrictions and documentation requirements beginning at 28 weeks. If you are pregnant with more than one baby, the restrictions kick in even earlier.

Decide when to stop traveling

I'm all for traveling while pregnant but, realistically, most women will want to stop traveling at some point in the third trimester. I would imagine by about 36 or 37 weeks, most women will probably decide to stay closer to home. I went on a road trip about three hours from home at 35 weeks and then called it quits for the rest of the pregnancy. There's still a whole new world of travel waiting once a new baby joins the family .

Bottom line

There is usually no reason to stop traveling when you're expecting. During my last pregnancy, I went on 12 trips, 28 flights, visited four countries and I'm very glad I had the opportunity to stay that active. I'm also glad that I grounded myself from flight after 31 weeks and from road trips at 35 weeks because those were the right decisions for my comfort level.

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Is It Safe to Fly During the First Trimester?

With the proper precautions, flying during the first trimester of pregnancy is safe. Here's what you should know about air travel during early pregnancy.

• Myths About Pregnancy and Air Travel

Tips for Flying During Early Pregnancy

The bottom line.

If you're currently pregnant, planning to be, or just curious, it's possible you've wondered about whether or not it's safe to fly during the first trimester. After all, the first three months of pregnancy are crucial, and most instances of pregnancy loss occur during the first trimester, so it's understandable to have questions or concerns about air travel during that time.

However, the good news is that air travel during the first trimester is generally considered safe. Ahead, learn more about flying during early pregnancy, what experts have to say about precautions, and tips for having a safe flight during the first trimester.

Common Myths About Pregnancy and Air Travel

The first trimester is actually an especially low-risk time to travel during pregnancy . Contrary to popular belief, noise vibration, cosmic radiation, and cabin pressure create no increased risks for the pregnant air traveler. And if you were concerned that security equipment could radiate or somehow hurt your baby, set those fears aside. "Metal detectors are not a risk to the baby," says Raul Artal, M.D., vice chairman of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) committee on obstetric practice.

That being said, it's still a good idea to chat with an OB-GYN or health care provider before you schedule your babymoon or any work trips during the first trimester. A health care professional can give you specific, individualized advice, based on your needs and unique pregnancy journey.

Below are a few more travel tips for the first trimester.

Check your health before you go

Travel isn't recommended for those with high-risk pregnancy conditions (hypertension, sickle-cell disease, history of premature labor, placental abnormalities such as placenta previa, etc.) Pregnant people with preexisting medical conditions (like heart disease) should also check with a health care provider before flying.

Move around

One issue of concern for all air passengers—pregnant or not—is the formation of blood clots, or thrombosis, especially during long flights. Pregnant travelers should take special precautions to minimize risks, like wearing support stockings and/or moving your lower extremities every half-hour or so. "Wiggle your toes," Dr. Artal suggests, "Move your legs around, and take a stroll up the cabin every once in a while."

Book a comfortable seat

The aisle seat will make it easier to get up frequently for restroom trips or walking through the cabin. The bulkhead seats, which are located right behind a dividing wall between cabins, tend to have the most legroom. If you're concerned about a bumpy ride, try choosing a seat over a wing, which will give you the smoothest flight.

Make sure you buckle up, keeping the seatbelt low on the hips and under the belly. Flying can be unpredictable when it comes to severe turbulence, which can cause injury. Therefore, it is wise to buckle up and remain buckled while seated throughout the entire flight.

Stay hydrated

The cabin of an aircraft has low humidity, which can cause anyone to have a dry nose and throat. Make sure to drink water throughout the flight to avoid dehydration .

Prevent air sickness

Morning sickness and fatigue often kick in around seven to eight weeks of pregnancy . Ask a health care provider for tips to help with nausea, and inquire about safe anti-nausea medication to take with you, just in case.

Don't drink or eat gas-producing items

Try to avoid consuming food and drinks that are known to cause gas (such as beans, cruciferous vegetables, and carbonated beverages) before or during your flight. Entrapped gas expands at higher altitudes and can give you a stomachache.

Prepare for digestion problems

You may want to ask a health care provider about diarrhea medications or remedies that are safe to use during pregnancy, especially if you are traveling internationally, which can elevate the risk of exposure to bacteria that can cause diarrhea.

Consider updating your vaccinations

Depending on where your final destination is, you may be required to be vaccinated against certain diseases, especially if you're traveling internationally. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers a travel vaccine and medication guide that covers travel-related diseases you can be inoculated against from food-borne illnesses to influenza.

Always tell a health care provider about your plans before booking your trip. Depending on your travel plans, you may need to pre-book a prenatal appointment at your destination. Educate yourself on hospitals located near where you will be staying while traveling, and purchase travel insurance.

Check on travel advisories

Before flying anywhere , it is worth checking for any health or travel advisories that could pose a risk to pregnant travelers. The CDC compiles up-to-date data on travel health advisories as well as other safety information for countries around the globe. You can easily look up your destination and check to make sure that there are not any health alerts that could put you or your pregnancy at risk.

Ultimately, flying during the first trimester of pregnancy is considered safe for many people. However, those with pre-existing medical conditions or high-risk pregnancies might be advised to skip air travel during those early weeks. When in doubt, be sure to consult with an OB-GYN or health care provider. Together, you can determine the right course of action and travel plans for you.

ACOG. Early Pregnancy Loss .

ACOG. Air Travel During Pregnancy .

Csorba R, Tsikouras P. Air travel during pregnancy . Hippokratia. 2017 Jan-Mar;21(1):62. PMID: 29904265; PMCID: PMC5997026.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pregnant? Don't Overlook Blood Clots .

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What to Expect When You’re Expecting , 5th edition, Heidi Murkoff. WhatToExpect.com, Headaches During Pregnancy , July 2021. WhatToExpect.com, What Sunscreen Is Safe During Pregnancy? , April 2022. WhatToExpect.com, 18 Best Foods to Eat During Pregnancy , April 2022. Mayo Clinic, Fetal Development: The 1st Trimester , June 2022. KidsHealth From Nemours, Week 8 , May 2022. National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, Fetal Development , July 2021. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, How Your Fetus Grows During Pregnancy , December 2021. Johns Hopkins Medicine, The First Trimester , August 2021. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Morning Sickness: Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy , December 2021. National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy , June 2011. UpToDate, Patient Education: Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy (Beyond the Basics) , April 2023. Society for Endocrinology, Relaxin , Jul 2021. American College of Gastroenterology, Belching, Bloating, and Flatulence , January 2022. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Skin Conditions During Pregnancy , July 2022. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Exercise During Pregnancy , March 2022. WhatToExpect.com, Morning Sickness and Nausea During Pregnancy , December 2022. WhatToExpect.com, How Many Weeks, Months and Trimesters in a Pregnancy? , May 2022. WhatToExpect.com, Home Remedies for Pregnancy Morning Sickness , October 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Chinese Gender Predictor , May 2023. WhatToExpect.com, Hot Tubs and Saunas During Pregnancy , October 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Bleeding After Sex During Pregnancy , July 2022. WhatToExpect.com, Melasma (Mask of Pregnancy) , March 2023. WhatToExpect.com, Sensitive Skin During Pregnancy , February 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Baby Registry Checklist: Exactly What to Put on a Baby Registry , April 2023. WhatToExpect.com, Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy (Leukorrhea) , January 2022. WhatToExpect.com, Fatigue During Pregnancy , November 2022. WhatToExpect.com, What to Do About Bloating During Pregnancy , February 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Food Cravings and Aversions During Pregnancy , April 2021.

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8  weeks  pregnant

• Pregnancy Symptoms Week 8
• Pregnancy Checklist

Highlights this week

Your baby's fingers and toes.

Your baby's hands and feet – which look like paddles – are sprouting webbed fingers and toes . Nerves, bones, and muscles are developing inside your baby's tiny limbs.

Breast changes

Your breasts may be tender and swollen by now. If your old bras are feeling tight, buy a few good maternity bras  for support.

Pregnancy and work

If you work with other expecting moms or people with young children, you may want to ask for their support and advice on being pregnant at work .

Your baby registry

It's not too soon to check out Registry Builder , which finds the best baby registries for you and helps you manage them in one place.

Baby development at 8 weeks

Baby movements.

Your baby is moving! These first movements are more like spontaneous twitches and stretches. They start at about 7 to 8 weeks and are visible on ultrasound. You won't feel your baby move until sometime between 16 and 22 weeks, though. Until then, your baby's movements aren't strong enough for you to notice.

Getting ready to breathe

Your baby's respiratory system is forming. Breathing tubes extend from your baby's throat to the branches of their developing lungs .

Nerve network

A network of nerves is spreading through your baby's body, making connections not only with each other but also with muscles and other tissues, as well as organs like the eyes and ears.

Having twins?

Learn more about being  8 weeks pregnant with twins .

Your baby is about the size of a kidney bean

Pregnancy symptoms during week 8, white discharge.

You may notice an increase in white creamy discharge early in pregnancy, due to higher levels of estrogen. White vaginal discharge (called leucorrhea) is nothing to worry about: This discharge is normal and can be clear to milky white, thin or thick, and mild-smelling or odorless. But vaginal discharge that's green, smells unpleasant, causes pain or itching, or seems unusual in any other way could be a sign of infection or another problem.

Growing breasts

Rising levels of hormones cause your breasts to grow in preparation for making breast milk. Don't be surprised if you go up a cup size or two, especially if it's your first baby. Other breast changes you may see include visible veins on your breasts, darker nipples, and more pronounced bumps on your areolas.

Abdominal bloating

Hormonal changes in early pregnancy may leave you feeling bloated , similar to the feeling some women have just before their period. That's why your clothes may feel more snug than usual at the waistline, even early on when your uterus is still relatively small.

Heightened sense of smell

You might feel like you have a superhuman sense of smell right now. Unfortunately, most of what you're smelling may make you want to throw up. A heightened sense of smell often goes hand in hand with food aversions – both are linked to surging levels of pregnancy hormones, and both tend to fade by the second trimester.

Weird pregnancy dreams

First you give birth to ... your partner. Then you make a speedy getaway in a school bus. Finally, you're engulfed by a tidal wave. Pregnancy dreams are all over the place, and can reflect the excitement you feel, as well as the fear and worries you may have about becoming a parent.

Headaches are common during pregnancy due to factors including increased blood flow and fatigue. Cutting back on caffeine during pregnancy , though important, can also lead to an aching head. Ask your provider before you take pain medicine for a headache. In general, acetaminophen is safe to take as directed during pregnancy, but aspirin , ibuprofen , and most prescription migraine drugs are not. You can also try a number of natural headache remedies to ease your discomfort, like getting a massage, using a compress, practicing relaxation techniques, exercising, and taking a shower.

Severe morning sickness

Most women feel nauseated during pregnancy at some point, and about half vomit. But an unlucky 3 percent of expecting moms experience hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), an extreme form of morning sickness that can lead to dehydration , weight loss , and other complications . Call your provider if you can't keep anything down (including fluids); vomit blood; have lost more than 5 pounds; feel weak, faint, or dizzy; have a fever or abdominal pain; or have dark and strong-smelling urine.

Don't see your symptom?

Wondering about a symptom you have? Find it on our pregnancy symptoms page .

Pregnancy checklist at 8 weeks pregnant

Start documenting your bump.

Create a fun time lapse of your pregnancy by documenting your growing bump every week or so. Check out these tips on how to get the best bump photos week after week. Even if you don't see a noticeable bump yet, start taking photos now so you have a starting point for comparison.

Pay attention to your mental health

It's common to feel moody during pregnancy . But if you're feeling more than a little blue, or if these emotions persist for more than two weeks, take our prenatal depression quiz and discuss the results with your healthcare provider.

Focus on good pregnancy sleep

In early pregnancy you may be more exhausted than you ever imagined you could be. It takes a lot of energy to make a new life! Pregnancy also brings a host of sleep disturbances such as frequent urination, nausea, heartburn, leg cramps, and snoring. Get more rest by turning in early – you'll be glad when you wake up refreshed the next day. Practice the basics of good sleep during pregnancy by watching what and when you eat, using the right pillows, learning how to relax, and practicing good "sleep hygiene." Sleep hygiene means sticking to a sleep schedule, establishing a bedtime routine, and blocking light and noise in your bedroom.

Use sunscreen

It's always important to use sunscreen, but during pregnancy it can help you avoid a condition called melasma or chloasma – darker patches of skin on your face or body, which may be triggered by hormonal changes. Women with darker skin are more likely to experience melasma, but it can happen to any expecting mom. Melasma is also sometimes referred to as the mask of pregnancy because the splotches typically show up around your upper lip, nose, cheekbones, and forehead in the shape of a mask. These darker spots will eventually go away after pregnancy. Staying out of the sun and using a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day (whether or not it's sunny) is the best way to prevent melasma.

Learn about pregnancy weight gain

Wondering how much pregnancy weight to gain? It depends on your pre-pregnancy body mass index and whether or not you're carrying twins or multiples. If you're at a healthy weight, aim to gain 1 to 5 pounds in the first trimester and about 1 pound per week after that. Check out our pregnancy weight gain calculator to find your target weight range.

8 weeks pregnant bellies

For many expecting moms, it's still too early to have a true pregnancy bump. But it may be getting harder to hide the changes your body is undergoing. If you're not ready to share your news, you may have to get creative with loose clothing that hides your chest and belly. An oversized cardigan, button-down shirt, or sweatshirt over leggings may do the trick for now.

The first trimester isn't usually a beauty enhancer. Thanks to fatigue and nausea, you may have dark circles under your eyes and a pale or greenish tint to your skin. (Early pregnancy can bring new meaning to the phrase "green around the gills.") But never fear, it won't be too long before you're sporting a beautiful bump, thicker hair , and glowing skin . Pregnancy affects women differently, but many expecting moms feel (and look) amazing in the second trimester, so hang in there.

This week's video

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 .

ACOG. 2020. How your fetus grows during pregnancy. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.  https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/how-your-fetus-grows-during-pregnancy Opens a new window  [Accessed March 2022]

Mayo Clinic. 2020. Fetal development: The 1st trimester.  https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/prenatal-care/art-20045302 Opens a new window  [Accessed March 2022]

MedlinePlus (ADAM). 2021. Fetal development.  https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002398.htm Opens a new window  [Accessed March 2022]

Marcella Gates is Director of Content Operations at BabyCenter, the world's number one digital parenting resource, and is an expert on pregnancy and parenting. As a mom of three, she loves that her professional life is focused on supporting and empowering parents and expecting parents. Gates lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her family.

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Week 8 of pregnancy: development of the baby and changes in the mother

The eighth week of pregnancy is a time of great changes: the embryo continues to form its organs and, in addition, the placenta acquires its full functionality to begin to nourish the embryo.

On the other hand, the woman may notice that her belly has grown a little or feel tight clothing at 8 weeks, although this is not evident in all cases.

Provided below is an index with the 7 points we are going to expand on in this article.

• 1. The embryo at 8 weeks
• 1.1. Functionality of the placenta
• 1.2. The first ultrasound
• 2. Symptoms in the mother
• 3. Recommendations in week 8
• 4. FAQs from users
• 4.1. When should the first ultrasound of pregnancy be performed?
• 4.2. What if I have bleeding in week 8 of pregnancy?
• 4.3. Why am I 8 weeks pregnant if the fetus is only 6 weeks?
• 4.4. What month does week 8 of pregnancy correspond to?
• 4.5. Is it possible to travel or fly by plane in week 8 of pregnancy?
• 5. Recommended readings
• 6. References
• 7. Authors and contributors

The embryo at 8 weeks

In the eighth week of pregnancy, the embryo continues to grow rapidly. Its head is much larger than the rest of the body, which is already beginning to elongate and take the shape of the future baby.

The embryo's facial features are already more evident: the nose and upper lip are formed, the ears begin to take their shape and the eyes are covered with the skin that will form the eyelids. The size of the embryo at 8 weeks of pregnancy is about 13-18 millimeters and can weigh about 3 grams.

A very important change that occurs in the eighth week is the formation of the skin of the embryo, which is translucent and reveals the skeleton, still formed by soft cartilage.

The heart already has four chambers, the aortic and pulmonary valves are differentiated, and the blood is pumped very strongly and rapidly, about 180 beats per minute.

In week 8 of pregnancy, it is also possible to see how the embryo's arms and legs have elongated and it is possible to distinguish the hands and feet. In addition, the fingers begin to form, although they remain attached by membranes, and the elbows are already visible.

As for the brain , it is not yet fully formed, but it is attached to the spinal cord and neural pathways are appearing.

Functionality of the placenta

At week eight of pregnancy, the embryonic placenta is already implanted in the uterus and will continue to grow in the coming weeks.

Until now, the feeding of the embryo has depended on its vitelline vesicle, an embryonic structure that disappears. The embryo has grown a lot in the last few weeks and its nutritional requirements have increased.

Therefore, the placenta assumes the function of nourishing the future fetus through the umbilical cord from this moment on. Thus, the embryo receives the nutrients and oxygen necessary for its development from the maternal blood.

The first ultrasound

Once a woman finds out she is pregnant with a positive pregnancy test, the first visit to the gynecologist is usually scheduled for approximately week 8.

In this week, it is already possible to see the embryo in a first ultrasound, take its measurements and listen to the heartbeat. This confirms the gestational age of the embryo and checks if the pregnancy is developing normally.

If the embryo or gestational sac is not seen in this first 8-week ultrasound, it could be an anembryonic pregnancy or ectopic pregnancy , respectively, which means that the gestation will end in miscarriage .

The gynecologist will also take the first measurements of the mother's weight and blood pressure to monitor throughout the pregnancy.

After this first visit, subsequent ultrasounds are usually scheduled every 4-6 weeks, unless a problem arises during gestation.

Symptoms in the mother

In the eighth week of pregnancy, an important change occurs in the body of the expectant mother: the uterus begins to grow . This is not yet very evident to the woman because the belly has not yet swollen.

However, it is possible to feel discomfort due to the enlargement of the uterus, such as pins and needles and cramps in the belly and legs. Some women even feel sciatic pain as a result of the pressure exerted by the uterus on this nerve.

The woman may also continue to experience the typical pregnancy symptoms that have accompanied her for the previous weeks, although these may gradually disappear. These are discussed below:

• Constipation.
• Aversion to smells and tastes
• Mood swings
• Fatigue and headache
• Breast augmentation

Some of these symptoms are related to the hormonal changes that the woman has undergone in recent weeks and all are completely normal.

Recommendations in week 8

As pregnancy progresses, a woman must pay more attention to the care her body needs, not only to combat the most bothersome symptoms but also to promote the healthy development of her future baby.

To this end, we are going to discuss some very useful tips that should be followed throughout your pregnancy:

If you want more detailed information about the necessary care during pregnancy, we recommend you to visit the following article: Health in pregnancy.

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FAQs from users

When should the first ultrasound of pregnancy be performed.

According to the SEGO (Spanish Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics) along with other gynecological societies worldwide, the first regulated or official ultrasound of pregnancy should be done between 12 and 14 weeks, at which time the correct dating of the pregnancy is performed, to see if the growth that is observed in the ultrasound coincides with that which marks the date of the last menstrual period . In addition, a first study of fetal morphology is performed and very important ultrasound markers such as the nuchal fold are measured, which combined with other analytical tests (PAPPA and BHCG) allow estimating the statistical risk of genetic disease such as Down Syndrome or Edwards' Syndrome.

What if I have bleeding in week 8 of pregnancy?

Some women may have a pinkish discharge or light bleeding during pregnancy that does not necessarily indicate anything is wrong. However, if this occurs frequently or if the bleeding is heavier, it is best to see your doctor to make sure everything is okay.

Heavy bleeding in pregnancy may be caused by intrauterine hematomas, which could be a threat of miscarriage.

Why am I 8 weeks pregnant if the fetus is only 6 weeks?

The weeks of pregnancy are counted from the woman's last menstrual period. Therefore, they do not correspond to the gestational weeks of the embryo. Normally, when the woman is 8 weeks pregnant, the embryo is 6 weeks gestational.

What month does week 8 of pregnancy correspond to?

The eighth week is the last week of the second month of gestation. Therefore, at 8 weeks pregnant, a woman is exactly 2 months pregnant.

Is it possible to travel or fly by plane in week 8 of pregnancy?

Yes, in principle, there is no problem in taking a trip, whether by car, train or plane, at this stage of pregnancy.

Women who decide to go sightseeing during their pregnancy should be careful to stay well hydrated and take as many breaks as necessary to avoid fatigue.

Recommended readings

If you are pregnant, in the next week you will enter the third month of pregnancy. For more information on changes and care throughout gestation, you can continue reading in the following article: The ninth week of pregnancy.

In the following post, you can find some of the discomforts that women may suffer throughout pregnancy: Common aches and pains during pregnancy.

We make a great effort to provide you with the highest quality information.

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Alcolea Flores, S., Mohamed Mohamed D. Guía de cuidados en el embarazo. Consejos de su matrona. Hospital Universitario de Ceuta (Dirección Territorial de Ceuta e Instituto Nacional de Gestión Sanitaria (ed.). Colección Editorial de Publicaciones del INGESA. ISBN: 978-84-351-0408-1 ( View )

Cunningham F, MacDonald P, Gant N et al. (1996). Adaptación maternal al embarazo. Masson SA. Cunningham F, MacDonald P, Gant N, et al. 4ª ed, Barcelona; pp. 201-237

Eisenber, A. (1991) What to Expect When You’re Expecting, New York, NY: Workman Publishing Company, Inc.

Grupos de trabajo de la Guía de Embarazo y Parto, Guía de Salud Oral, y Guía de Lactancia Materna. Consejería de Sanidad, Dirección General de Salud Pública y Servicio de Salud del Principado de Asturias. Octubre de 2015.

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National Health Service (NHS) (UK) (2009). The Pregnancy Book. Your complete guide to: A healthy pregnancy, Labour and childbirth, The first weeks with your new baby. Crown copyright 2009. Produced by COI for the Department of Health.

Ramírez García O, Martín Martínez A, García Hernández JA. (2003). Duración del embarazo. Modificaciones de los órganos genitales y de las mamas. Molestias comunes del embarazo normal. Panamericana Ed. Tratado de Ginecología, Obstetricia y Medicina de la Reproducción. Cabero Roura L, Madrid.

Salvesen KÅ, Lees C, Abramowicz J, Brezinka C, Ter Haar G, Maršál K. Safe use of Doppler ultrasound during the 11 to 13 + 6-week scan: is it possible? Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2011;37:625–8 ( View )

Sheiner E, Shoham-Vardi I, Abramowicz JS. What do clinical users know regarding safety of ultrasound during pregnancy? J Ultrasound Med 2007;26:319–25 ( View )

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2005). Your Pregnancy and Birth (4th ed.). Washington, DC: Meredith Books.

The American Dietetic Association. (2008) Position of the American Dietetic Association: Nutrition and Lifestyle for a Healthy Pregnancy Outcome. Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 108:553-561 ( View )

FAQs from users: 'When should the first ultrasound of pregnancy be performed?' , 'What if I have bleeding in week 8 of pregnancy?' , 'Why am I 8 weeks pregnant if the fetus is only 6 weeks?' , 'What month does week 8 of pregnancy correspond to?' and 'Is it possible to travel or fly by plane in week 8 of pregnancy?' .

Authors and contributors

Find the latest news on assisted reproduction in our channels.

Hi, I’m 8 weeks pregnant and I can’t deal with nausea and vomiting, everything I eat I end up throwing up. I think I am dehydrated already. Is there anything I can do to stop feeling like this? Thank you

Hello Gayle__,

Nausea is a common symptom at this stage of pregnancy, it can be strong and prevent you from leading as close to normal life as possible.

To combat this nausea, it is recommended to eat smaller meals more times during the day, this way you can keep some food in your stomach but without it being full.

I recommend that you go to your doctor and discuss the problem. There are drugs suitable for this type of case that helps with nausea.

I hope I have helped you.

Best regards

Hi, I am very excited about the pregnancy. I would like to know when I will be able to feel the baby move! I am really looking forward to that moment!!!

Hello Noel,

Fetuses begin to move inside the mother from week 9 of pregnancy but the mother will not feel it until week 16 – 20, based on certain characteristics.

If the mother is a first-time mother, it will take longer to notice the movements, as well as if she is a large woman with a corpulent constitution.

On the other hand, women who have already been mothers or who have a slim constitution will feel the fetal movements earlier, around week 16.

I hope I have helped you,

Best regards.

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