It's fine to do work trips or holiday abroad with your bump but take a few simple precautions, say the Maternity Alliance

If you can choose when to travel during pregnancy, then the second trimester (weeks 14 to 27) is the best time. Morning sickness will be behind you and the chance of miscarriage is lower at this stage. If possible, avoid travelling abroad in early pregnancy until routine blood tests, scans and other screening tests are completed.

You can't be guaranteed a complication-free ride through pregnancy so:

• Find out as much as you can about the medical services at your destination.
• Make sure you get the right type of medical insurance.
  Not all package insurance deals or standard policies cover pregnancy and you may need to pay additional premiums.

Vaccinations during pregnancy

If you're pregnant, you're advised not to travel to countries requiring vaccinations. If this can't be avoided, consult your doctor because as a rule, live vaccines are not given during pregnancy. If you have to visit a country that insists on yellow fever vaccine, check with your travel agent to see
if you'll need a certificate of exemption from your GP. The immigration authorities may demand this before they let you in.

Taking anti-malarial drugs

Chloroquine and Paludrine are powerful drugs and though they're considered safe to take during pregnancy, it would be better to holiday in a non-malarial area and avoid the need to take them, just to be on the safe side. If you have to visit a country where malaria is rife while you're expecting, discuss your plans with your GP.

Flying during pregnancy

It's fine to fly but if your pregnancy is complicated by medical problems such as spotting, diabetes, high blood pressure or a previous pre-term delivery, check with your doctor or midwife before you book.

Airlines have their own policies about pregnancy, so there's no universal cut off date but many are reluctant to carry women more than 32 weeks pregnant. You may need a doctor's letter to
say that you're fit to travel if you're venturing up after that stage.

Ticket agents won't ask if you';re pregnant when you book. It's up to you to tell them, so check at that stage what the policy of the airline is regarding pregnancy.

Will security X-ray harm my baby?

No. When you walk through the security gate at the airport you pass through
a metal detector. Only your luggage is X-rayed.

Will cabin pressure harm my baby?

No. All commercial airlines and many
non-commercial planes are required by the Federal Aviation Administration to maintain a standard level of cabin pressure. There is no evidence that this pressure is harmful to your growing baby.

In-flight comfort

Sitting still for long periods can make your feet and ankles swell and your legs cramp. Keep your blood circulating by strolling down the aisle from time to time and doing some simple stretches:

• Sitting or standing, stretch your leg heel first, then gently flex your foot to stretch your calf muscles.
• When you're sitting, rotate your ankles and wiggle your toes.

Flying during pregnancy can increase your risk of thrombosis (blood clots) and varicose veins. Wearing special vascular tightening stockings (Boots sell them) when you fly will help keep your circulation flowing and relieve swollen veins.

Avoiding travel sickness

• Steer clear of alcohol and caffeine while travelling.
• Eat small, light meals.
• When you're travelling by car include regular breaks to give yourself a chance to stretch your legs.

Preparations containing Hyoscine (e.g. Kwells) are NOT recommended during pregnancy. Doctors may prescribe promethazine as an alternative
but if you need any medication ask your doctor or midwife for advice.

Natural remedies such as Bach Flower Remedy, Rescue Remedy or ginger capsules could be useful alternatives for treating travel sickness and things like Sea bands, that you wear on the wrists, are also worth a try. A lot of women find these effective when they're suffering from morning sickness so ask your chemist for more information.
Bon voyage!