Dr. Herráez on traveling while pregnant in September:

The end of August does not mean the end of summer, nor of vacations, as there are families who begin their rest in September. For pregnant women, it is a better date than the past months of July and August due to the drop in temperatures and the lower number of tourists. Dr. Isabel María Blanco Herráez, head of the Obstetrics and Gynecology department at Hospital Quirónsalud Marbella, highlights these advantages: "The first is the decrease in temperature, generally it is cooler and, on the other hand, crowds tend to decrease both in hotels and travel destinations due to the start of the school term.”

The specialist reminds that pregnant women can travel normally as long as the pregnancy is low risk and they have a prior assessment from their gynecologist. “There is no problem in traveling during pregnancy. The recommendation is always that pregnant women lead a normal life,” explains Blanco. However, she specifies that “the ideal time to travel is the second trimester of pregnancy, between week 14 and 28, since most of the urgent complications, such as miscarriage, occur during the first trimester.” She also explains that in the third trimester of pregnancy "discomfort and greater difficulty moving may appear.”

The expert insists on the importance of having a check-up before traveling: “It would be ideal to consult with the gynecologist to meet a series of requirements, to have an obstetric assessment with an ultrasound before the trip to avoid situations like a miscarriage, an ectopic pregnancy, or a problem during the trip.”

Precautions in Summer

At Hospital Quirónsalud Marbella, they note that during the summer months, consultations from pregnant women on vacation "increase exponentially." The expert lists some actions, such as excessive walking, prolonged sun exposure, and the heat, that can cause pregnant women to experience "undesirable symptoms" and be a reason to go to the emergency room. These episodes usually manifest with swelling of the legs and feet, a feeling of heaviness, dizziness, or skin redness.

In most cases, these emergencies are resolved with simple measures: “Recommendations include increased hydration, avoiding sun exposure, or resting.” However, she also warns that “in some cases we see how premature rupture of membranes or threat of premature labor occurs, requiring hospital admission.”

Practical Travel Tips

Regarding transportation, the doctor indicates that all means are safe, but each with its nuances. On the road, she recommends that trips be as short as possible and, if they are long, to make frequent stops. Also, she remembers that “the use of the seat belt is essential; the belt must be properly placed, with the lower strap below the abdomen and never in the middle of it, and it must be well adjusted.”

For air travel, pregnant women should be aware of each airline's policies: “It is the airlines that set a limit, usually in the third trimester, for flying.” For greater comfort, she advises booking an aisle seat and getting up to stretch the legs on long journeys. It is also advisable to “keep the seat belt fastened, take the prescribed medication in case of nausea, and avoid carbonated drinks before the flight.”

Hydration and Nutrition

Hydration and nutrition are two key aspects. “It is very important that during trips pregnant women stay hydrated and do not walk excessively,” the doctor points out. Also, she recommends extreme caution with food: “Bottled water is the safest. It is preferable to avoid tap water or to boil it before consumption. It is necessary to avoid fruits or vegetables that are not cooked, unless you have peeled them yourself, and make sure that both meat and fish are well cooked.”