Navigating pregnancy over the holidays: Your guide for traveling, shopping, and hosting

Pregnant woman seated with her hand on her belly on a plane or bus. — Women should plan ahead if traveling while pregnant.

The upcoming holidays will surely bring some of the busiest travel days of the year, and as families lose themselves in the haze of planning, coordinating, and packing, it’s worth considering whether special accommodations are needed for those carrying something more precious than luggage.

While plenty of pregnant women travel safely every day, the stress of it can still be challenging, and precautions should be taken to minimize the risk of harm and discomfort.

So, before you commit to any big plans and overtax yourself, here are some general tips to keep in mind:

Pay attention to how you are feeling, especially if you are in the first trimester. It is not selfish to prioritize comfort. If you have morning sickness, you may not feel at ease staying in someone else's home. Shared bathrooms, strange cooking scents, and difficulty planning your eating schedule can be stressful. The fatigue that’s common in the first trimester also can make traveling difficult to endure, so if you wish to stick closer to home this year, that would be a reasonable request.
Consider your previous pregnancies. If you had an earlier pre-term delivery or another high-risk condition, it may be best to forgo any traveling. It would also be a good idea to consult your Ob/Gyn ahead of the holidays to develop an action plan in case something urgent comes up.
Consider your potential destination. What is the health care infrastructure of the place where you will be staying? This may not be the best time to go for a remote hike or visit a remote region or country without the same availability of health care service. It’s also important to prepare for emergency situations, such as the preterm rupture of membranes. What would it be like to stay in an unfamiliar city or hospital long term? Do you have support in the area if that were to happen?
Wash your hands regularly. It’s still the most effective method of reducing the risk of catching and spreading viruses such as the flu, the common cold, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) – a virus that is seeing an increase in infant hospitalizations this season. In small spaces such as airplanes or shared car rides, strongly consider wearing a mask to reduce the risk of contracting airborne illnesses.
Travel with an updated copy of your medical records. One of the best aspects of UT Southwestern’s MyChart system is the ability to access your own information easily. But be sure you have already downloaded the mobile app and requested a code, if needed, before you travel. If there is an emergency, a doctor can use your records to understand how far along you are, what medicines you’re taking, and how to contact your Ob/Gyn.

Once you have booked your trip and made all the necessary preparations, there are other ways to make traveling easier and more comfortable.

Pilot in cockpit with sun streaming through the windshield — Be sure to check for any specific policies from the airlines before deciding on air travel during pregnancy.

Flying

In general, it's a good idea to avoid being too far from home after the 36-week mark. Some airlines require passengers who are pregnant to provide medical documentation that they are cleared for travel if they are within two to four weeks of their delivery date. See specific requirements for Delta, Southwest, United, and American Airlines.

While airports and airlines no longer require universal masking, you should consider taking the extra precaution as common airborne viruses and potentially crowded flights may spread infections.

Flight passengers are exposed to small amounts of cosmic radiation. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) says the risk of associated pregnancy complications is negligible for infrequent travelers. Airline crew members and frequent travelers should talk with a doctor about their personal risk level.

Here are a few more tips about flying while pregnant:

Wear support stockings, move your legs periodically, and stay hydrated to minimize the risk of blood clots.
If possible, choose an aisle seat to make stretching and taking trips to the restroom easier. Let the flight attendant know you are pregnant and may get up to walk the plane every 2 hours or so if safe to do so.
Buckle up when seated to prevent the risk of trauma caused by sudden turbulence.
Bring snacks and any medications you might need in a carry-on bag. Hydrate well – at least 8 ounces of water every hour, as the air circulating in the plane is dry. Delayed flights might make for long layovers, so keep what you might need with you.
Use sunscreen if you will be outdoors, whether at the beach or in the mountains.

Pregnant woman watching the sunset from a car. — Women who are pregnant should regularly stretch their legs when traveling by car for long distances.

Driving

There are no restrictions on driving based on how far along you are in pregnancy, but there are things you can do to make longer road trips safer and more pleasant.

Secure your seat belt with the lap belt below your belly and the shoulder strap between your breasts and over the shoulder. Hydrate well to ensure that after every hour or two of driving, you will stop to stretch your legs while you go to the bathroom. This will reduce the chances of a blood clot.

Take precautions against respiratory illnesses like the flu or RSV. Pack hand sanitizer, cleaning wipes, and disposable masks to use when you stop at high-traffic hubs, such as gas stations or travel plazas. Get more tips on road trip safety during pregnancy.

Taking a cruise

Since you’ll be at sea with limited medical staff, major cruise lines do not accept passengers during or past 24 weeks of pregnancy. On a cruise, there is also potential for seasickness, injury, or food-related challenges due to the abundance of not-so-pregnancy friendly foods, such as soft cheeses and deli meats.

A big pile of fruits and vegetables — It's okay to enjoy treats over the holidays, but be sure you also eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Holiday treats and eats

Splurging a bit is fine – just take care not to overdo it. Avoid fatty or spicy foods if you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or recurrent heartburn because they can make symptoms worse.

Specific treats and snacks to stay away from include:

Alcohol can have harmful effects on a developing baby and lead to fetal alcohol syndrome. We don’t know how much alcohol is safe during pregnancy, so it’s best to avoid it altogether. The same goes for cannabis products and tobacco.

Eggnog: Many times, this holiday beverage is made from raw eggs and alcohol, so it’s best to avoid.
Excess caffeine: In general, up to 200 milligrams of caffeine per day is safe during pregnancy. (That’s about 1 cup of coffee). Caffeinated drinks are often high in sugar, so if you have diabetes, they can have dramatic effects on your blood sugar levels.
Raw or undercooked foods: Sushi, steak tartare, oysters, mayonnaise, cookie dough, and other similar foods along with unwashed fruits/vegetables can harbor bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella that can lead to food poisoning. Because pregnancy weakens the immune system, these illnesses are more dangerous to pregnant women, and some of the medications that would usually be used for treatment are not suitable or less desirable to use during pregnancy.
Unpasteurized cheeses and deli meats: Brie, feta, and queso fresco are favorite soft cheeses, but they can harbor the bacteria listeria, which can lead to listeriosis, a serious infection that can cause flu-like illness in pregnant women and may lead to pregnancy complications.

The healthiest foods provide protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They include:

Fresh fruits and vegetables
Nuts are a good source of healthy oils and protein.
Lentils and beans add fiber to the diet, which helps with constipation, a common condition during pregnancy.
Fish is a healthy source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. But follow the Food and Drug Administration guidelines and eat no more than two servings a week of high-mercury fish such as swordfish and shark. Low-mercury seafood options such as salmon, light tuna, and shrimp are best.
Water: Staying hydrated is very important when you are pregnant.

Holiday shopping

Buying gifts and party supplies can be overwhelming – even when you’re not pregnant! To reduce some of the stress, shop online or go to the store at off hours. Stamina can become an issue when you’re pregnant, so if you’re visiting a mall that offers valet parking, it may be worth it to save your energy. Once inside, take breaks to sit down, hydrate, and get something to eat.

Keep your budget in mind when you are buying gifts. That new baby will be expensive! For gifts, consider giving an “IOU” for a great baby photo after the baby is born. Family members will want one anyway, and you’ll save some money.

Houseguests

If your family or friends are local, it’s OK to attend festivities that are near your due date. It might actually be really nice to have someone else responsible for planning, hosting, and cleanup. If the get-together is farther away, consider staying home. This gives you a chance to start your own traditions or invite people over instead.

Limit houseguests to those who will be truly helpful and not a burden to you. You don’t have to entertain the whole time if you are feeling tired or anxious. Ask a loved one or your partner to take “shifts” hanging out with your guests or your older children. Delegate prep work or cleanup – many loved ones will jump at the chance to help you.

While traveling with a baby or newborn, ask family members to wash their hands prior to holding your little one. You have the right to ask about vaccination status, such as for whooping cough or flu. I always recommend that my expectant parents ask this of anyone who will be in close contact with their newborn. If you don’t feel comfortable letting loved ones hold the baby or if you would like them to wear a mask while holding the baby, it’s OK to say so.

If you’re concerned about holiday travel, talk with your health care provider. It's better to ask than worry, and we’re happy to answer your questions. To talk with an Ob/Gyn, call 214-645-8300 or request an appointment online.