- review the policy and the coverage it provides
- most policies do not automatically cover pregnancy-related conditions or hospital care for premature infants
- ask your insurance provider about coverage for medical care during pregnancy, giving birth and intensive care for you and your fetus or newborn
- talk to your health care professional about any additional items you may want to bring that are specific to your health needs
Local laws and medical services relating to pregnancy can differ from Canada. Learn the local laws, and how these may apply to you before you travel.
Pre-travel vaccines and medications
Many vaccines can be safely given during pregnancy. Due to a higher risk of more severe outcomes for you and your fetus, some vaccines are recommended specifically during pregnancy, such as tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (DTaP) and influenza.
Don’t take medications you may still have from prior trips. Tell the health care professional about your pregnancy, or intended pregnancy, before filling any prescriptions. The decision to get any pre-travel vaccinations or medications should be discussed with your health care professional.
The decision can depend on:
- your purpose of travel (e.g., tourism, visiting friends and relatives)
- your planned destination(s)
- the length of your trip
- your risk of getting a disease
- how severe the effect of a disease would be to you and/or your fetus
- your planned activities
- any underlying medical issues and/or pregnancy-related complications
Malaria
Malaria could cause major health problems for a mother and her unborn baby. A pregnant woman may want to consider avoiding travel to areas where malaria transmission occurs.
If you can’t avoid travelling to an area where malaria is present:
- discuss with your health care professional whether anti-malarial medications are recommended
- some medications to prevent or treat malaria may not be safe during pregnancy
Zika virus
Zika virus infection during pregnancy can pose significant risks to your fetus even if you don’t develop symptoms. While pregnant, you may want to consider avoiding travelling to a country or areas with risk of Zika virus.
If you choose to travel, take precautions to avoid infection with Zika virus:
- prevent mosquito bites at all times
- protect yourself from contact with semen, vaginal fluid and blood
- always use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact while in countries or areas with risk of Zika virus
Learn more about Zika virus and pregnancy:
- Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy
- Zika virus: Advice for travellers
- Pregnancy and travel (tropical medicine and travel)
While you're away
Monitor your health and be prepared
Emergencies can happen at any time. Know where the nearest hospital or medical centre is while you are travelling and confirm they will accept your medical insurance.
Seek medical attention immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms while travelling:
- persistent vomiting and/or diarrhea
- dehydration
- vaginal bleeding
- passing tissue or clots
- abdominal pain, cramps or contractions
- your water breaks
- excessive swelling of face, hands or legs
- excessive leg pain
- severe headaches
- visual problems
If you develop these symptoms after your return to Canada, you should see a health care professional immediately and tell them about your recent trip.
Transportation
Always wear a seatbelt when travelling by plane or car. When using a diagonal shoulder strap with a lap belt, the straps should be placed carefully above and below your abdomen. If only a lap belt is available, fasten it at the pelvic area, below your abdomen.
Air travel
If you have any medical or pregnancy-related complications, discuss with your health care professional whether air travel is safe for you.
Most airlines restrict travel in late pregnancy or may require a written confirmation from a physician. Check this with the airline before booking your flight.
During long flights, you may be at higher risk of developing blood clots, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The risk of deep vein thrombosis can be reduced by:
- getting up and walking around occasionally
- exercising and stretching your legs while seated
- selecting an aisle seat when possible
- wearing comfortable shoes and loose clothing
Your health care professional may recommend additional ways to reduce your risk such as wearing compression stockings.
Always stay well hydrated while travelling.
Land travel
The risk of deep vein thrombosis can be reduced by:
- exercising and stretching your legs while seated
- stopping the vehicle to walk around every couple of hours
Always stay well hydrated while travelling.
Motion sickness
Certain medications used to treat nausea and vomiting during pregnancy may also be effective in relieving motion sickness.
If you think you might experience motion sickness during your trip, speak to your health care professional about the use of these medications.
Environmental and recreational risks
Some activities may not be recommended or may require additional precautions. Discuss your travel plans, including any planned or potential recreational activities with a health care professional.
High altitude
You should avoid travelling to an altitude above 3,658 metres (12,000 feet).
However, if you have a high-risk pregnancy and/or are in the late stages of pregnancy, the highest altitude should be 2,500 metres (8,200 feet).
If you have pregnancy-related complications, you should avoid unnecessary high-altitude exposure.
Keep in mind that most high-altitude destinations are far from medical care services.
Personal protective measures
Food-borne and water-borne diseases
Eat and drink safely while travelling while travelling. Many food-borne and water-borne illnesses can be more severe during pregnancy and pose a risk to the fetus.
This can include:
To help avoid food-borne and water-borne diseases:
- always wash your hands:
- before eating or preparing food
- after using the bathroom or changing diapers
- after contact with animals or sick people
- before and after touching raw meat, poultry, fish and seafood
- using iodine for water purification for long periods of time
- this could cause the fetus or newborn to develop thyroid problems
- don’t use bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol®)
- Information on travellers’ diarrhea
Illnesses acquired from insect and other animals
Protect yourself from insect bites:
- wear light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
- if you’re travelling somewhere with mosquito-borne diseases:
- prevent mosquitoes from entering your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows
- use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes can’t be prevented from entering your living area
Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. You should avoid contact with animals including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats.
If you need help
For help with emergencies outside Canada, contact the:
- nearest Canadian office abroad
- Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa
Related links
- Immunization in pregnancy and breastfeeding: Canadian Immunization Guide
- Advice for Canadians travelling to Zika-affected countries
- Advice for women travellers
- If you get sick before or after returning to Canada
- Receiving medical care in other countries
- Travel vaccinations
- What you can bring on a plane
- Tips for healthy travel
