Pregnancy and Travel in Grand Rapids, Michigan

If you’re pregnant and living in the Grand Rapids area, you can usually travel safely with the right planning and medical guidance. In general, the safest time to travel during pregnancy is the second trimester (14–28 weeks), as long as you are not experiencing complications.

Always discuss your travel plans with your Grand Rapids OB‑GYN or midwife at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health, or another local clinic before you book.

When Pregnant Women in Grand Rapids Should Avoid Travel

Some pregnancies are considered high risk, and travel (especially long-distance or international travel) may be discouraged.

Your Grand Rapids provider may advise you not to travel if you have:

  • Prior premature labor
  • Cervical problems (such as “incompetent cervix”)
  • Vaginal bleeding
  • Multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets, etc.)
  • Gestational diabetes (current or past)
  • High blood pressure or pre-eclampsia (current or past)
  • Placental problems (current or past)
  • Prior miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy
  • History of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or strong family history of DVT
  • Obesity (for example, weight over 100 kg / 220 lbs)
  • First pregnancy at age 35 or older

Women with gestational diabetes or multiple pregnancies are often advised not to fly, especially later in pregnancy.

If you have any of these conditions, talk to your Grand Rapids OB‑GYN before making any travel decisions.

International Travel and Pregnancy

Considering Healthcare Standards at Your Destination

If you are leaving Michigan or traveling overseas, consider:

  • The standard of medical care at your destination
  • How quickly you could reach a hospital if you go into labor or develop complications
  • Whether your health insurance or travel insurance covers pregnancy-related care abroad

In general, travel to developing nations is not encouraged during pregnancy due to:

  • Higher risk of infectious diseases (including food- and water-borne illness)
  • Limited or lower-standard medical facilities
  • Possible need for vaccines that are unsafe in pregnancy

Travel Vaccinations During Pregnancy

Many travel vaccines are not recommended in pregnancy because they are live vaccines or not well studied.

  • Avoid live virus vaccines (such as measles, mumps, rubella) during pregnancy.
  • Influenza (flu) vaccine is the major exception – it is safe and strongly recommended in pregnancy.

This is especially important in West Michigan, where flu season typically runs from fall through early spring. Pregnant women in Grand Rapids are at higher risk of serious illness from influenza and should get the flu shot through:

  • Their OB‑GYN or midwife
  • Local clinics
  • The Kent County Health Department or Grand Rapids Public Health flu clinics

Some vaccines, such as yellow fever, may be considered after the first trimester if travel is essential. Your doctor will weigh the risks and benefits.

Always get travel vaccine advice from:

  • Your Grand Rapids primary care provider or OB‑GYN
  • A travel medicine clinic (often available through major systems like Spectrum Health or Metro Health)

Malaria Risk and Pregnancy

Malaria is a mosquito-borne infection that can be extremely dangerous in pregnancy, leading to:

  • Miscarriage
  • Premature labor
  • Stillbirth

Some anti-malarial medications (for example, chloroquine) are considered safer in pregnancy, but others (such as doxycycline) can harm the baby.

Most providers recommend that pregnant women avoid travel to areas where malaria is present. If travel is absolutely necessary, consult a travel medicine specialist in Grand Rapids well in advance.

Long-Distance Travel, DVT, and Pregnancy

Long periods of sitting in a car, bus, train, or airplane can increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) – blood clots in the deep veins of the legs. These clots can travel to the lungs and become life-threatening.

Pregnancy itself increases DVT risk. Your risk is even higher if:

  • You have had a DVT in the past
  • A close family member has had a DVT
  • You are carrying multiples
  • You weigh more than 100 kg (220 lbs)

Research shows the risk of DVT can increase 2–3 times during long-distance flights.

Reducing DVT Risk When You Travel

If you must travel long distances while pregnant:

  • Move and stretch often
    • Do frequent ankle circles and leg stretches while seated.
    • On flights or trains, walk the aisle when it is safe to do so.
  • Stay hydrated
    • Drink plenty of water.
    • Limit caffeine and avoid alcohol.
  • Consider compression stockings
    • Wear well-fitting, below-knee compression stockings if advised by your doctor.

If you have an increased risk of DVT, your Grand Rapids provider may recommend:

  • A detailed travel risk discussion
  • Compression stockings for the entire trip
  • Heparin injections before and after journeys longer than four hours

Air Travel and Pregnancy

Before You Fly

Before flying out of Gerald R. Ford International Airport or any other airport:

  • Discuss your specific pregnancy risks with your provider.
  • Ask whether flying is safe if you have:
    • Gestational diabetes
    • High blood pressure
    • History of preterm birth
    • Multiple pregnancy

Air travel in the last six weeks of pregnancy may trigger premature labor. Many airlines have policies restricting travel late in pregnancy, so:

  • Check airline rules for pregnant passengers.
  • Review your travel insurance – some policies limit or exclude pregnancy-related coverage.

Choosing a Seat and Packing a Medical Kit

When booking your flight:

  • Request a bulkhead or extra-legroom seat if possible.
  • Choose an aisle seat to make it easier to stand, move, and use the restroom.

Talk with your Grand Rapids provider about carrying a small pregnancy medical kit in your carry-on. It may include:

  • Safe treatments for:
    • Heartburn
    • Thrush
    • Constipation
    • Hemorrhoids
  • Urine dipsticks to check glucose (if recommended)
  • Prenatal vitamins
  • Oral rehydration salts (for mild traveler’s diarrhea, if your doctor approves)

During the Flight

To stay safe and comfortable in the air:

  • Wear your seatbelt correctly
    • Place the lap belt under your bump and low across your hips.
    • The shoulder belt should go between your breasts and above your bump.
  • Move and stretch regularly
    • Flex and extend your ankles and knees while seated.
    • If the flight is smooth, walk the aisles every 30 minutes.
  • Wear support stockings if recommended.
  • Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration and reduce DVT risk.
  • Limit caffeine and avoid alcohol.

If you feel short of breath, dizzy, or light‑headed, notify a flight attendant and request supplemental oxygen if needed.

Car Travel and Pregnancy

Driving between Grand Rapids, other parts of Michigan, or neighboring states is common, especially for family visits or weekend trips.

Seatbelt Safety

Always wear a seatbelt:

  • Lap belt: under your bump, snug across your hips and upper thighs.
  • Shoulder belt: between your breasts and to the side of your bump.
  • Never place the lap belt across your abdomen – a sudden jolt can cause placental abruption (separation of the placenta from the uterus).

If you’re in the front passenger seat:

  • Move the seat as far back from the dashboard as possible to reduce airbag impact.

If you’re driving:

  • Position your seat as far back from the steering wheel as you can while still driving safely.
  • Tilt the steering wheel downward, away from your abdomen, if possible.

Breaks and Emergency Planning

On longer drives in or out of West Michigan:

  • Stop every 1–2 hours to:
    • Stretch your legs
    • Walk briefly
    • Use the restroom
  • Keep a charged mobile phone with you.
  • Consider joining a roadside assistance program for peace of mind.

If you are in any kind of collision – even minor – see a doctor as soon as possible. Go to:

  • Your OB‑GYN in Grand Rapids
  • An urgent care clinic
  • The emergency department at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health

Seek urgent care if you experience:

  • Contractions
  • Abdominal pain
  • Vaginal bleeding
  • Fluid leaking from the vagina

If you are Rh‑negative, you may need an anti‑D injection after trauma. Tell the provider your blood type if you know it.

Hot Weather, Heat, and Pregnancy Travel

West Michigan summers can be hot and humid, and heat waves are becoming more frequent. Overheating and dehydration are risky in pregnancy.

When traveling in hot weather:

  • Drink water frequently – keep a reusable bottle with you.
  • Stay in the shade or indoors during the hottest part of the day.
  • Wear loose, light-colored clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and broad-spectrum sunscreen.
  • Avoid rushing, long walks in direct sun, or strenuous activity.

If you feel weak, dizzy, light‑headed, or nauseated, you may be overheating:

  • Move to a cool, shaded, or air-conditioned area.
  • Drink a glass of cool water.
  • Lie down with your feet slightly elevated.
  • Use a fan, place a cool, wet cloth on your forehead and neck, or run cool water over your wrists.

If symptoms do not improve, contact your provider or visit an urgent care or emergency department in Grand Rapids.

Sports, Recreation, and Pregnancy Travel

Certain activities carry higher risks for pregnant women and should be avoided, especially when traveling:

  • Water-skiing – falls can force water into the vagina and cause trauma.
  • Scuba diving – changes in blood gases can harm your baby; snorkelling is usually safer, but check with your doctor first.
  • Saunas and hot tubs – can raise your core body temperature to unsafe levels.
  • Horseback riding – risk of falls, kicks, and placental abruption.
  • High-altitude activities (such as mountain climbing above 3,000 m / 9,800 ft) – lower oxygen levels reduce oxygen available to your baby and increase your risk of altitude sickness.

If you’re planning an active vacation from Grand Rapids (for example, hiking in the Rockies, ski trips, or adventure travel), review all planned activities with your provider first.

Preventing Foodborne Illness and Traveler’s Diarrhea

Food poisoning and certain infections can harm your baby or trigger miscarriage. This is especially a concern when traveling outside Michigan or to countries with different food safety standards.

General precautions:

  • Wash your hands thoroughly:
    • After using the toilet
    • Before preparing food
    • Before eating
  • Avoid:
    • Buffets where food sits out for long periods
    • Seafood (especially raw or undercooked)
    • Undercooked meats
    • Soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk
    • Pâté and deli meats that are not reheated
  • In areas with questionable water quality:
    • Drink bottled water only.
    • Use bottled water for brushing your teeth.
    • Avoid ice cubes unless you’re sure they’re made from safe water.
    • Eat only fruits you peel yourself.
    • Avoid leafy salads that may be washed in contaminated water.

If you must use local water:

  • Boil for at least 5 minutes before use.
  • Do not use iodine to treat water for more than a short period – long-term use in pregnancy can cause goiter (enlarged thyroid) in the baby.

If you develop diarrhea:

  • Use oral rehydration solutions if your doctor has approved them.
  • Avoid over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications unless your provider has specifically said they are safe in pregnancy.

Medications, Alcohol, and Drugs While Traveling

Pregnant women should be very cautious with medications, including those purchased while traveling.

  • Many medications can cross the placenta and cause birth defects or miscarriage.
  • Do not take over-the-counter medications (including for pain, nausea, or diarrhea) unless:
    • Your provider knows you are pregnant, and
    • They have specifically approved that medication.

Avoid:

  • Alcohol
  • Recreational or “social” drugs
  • Herbal or “natural” remedies without medical approval, especially those bought abroad

Before your trip, ask your Grand Rapids provider for a list of medications that are:

  • Safe for you to use
  • Should be avoided

Carry prescriptions in their original labeled containers when traveling.

Local Resources for Pregnant Travelers in Grand Rapids

If you are pregnant and planning travel, or you become ill while traveling, you can access care through:

  • OB‑GYN and midwifery practices at:
    • Spectrum Health
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health
    • Mercy Health
  • Primary care clinics throughout Kent County
  • Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health for:
    • Vaccinations (including flu shots)
    • Travel health advice
    • General pregnancy health resources

If you have urgent questions after hours, contact:

  • Your own provider’s on-call service, or
  • A 24/7 nurse advice line associated with your health system

Key Points for Pregnant Travelers in Grand Rapids

  • The second trimester is usually the safest time to travel if your pregnancy is uncomplicated.
  • Always discuss travel plans – especially international or long-distance trips – with your Grand Rapids OB‑GYN or midwife.
  • The influenza vaccine is safe and strongly recommended in pregnancy, especially during Michigan’s flu season.
  • Avoid travel to malaria-endemic regions if you are pregnant.
  • Pregnancy increases the risk of DVT, especially on long trips; move regularly, stay hydrated, and consider compression stockings.
  • Avoid high-risk activities (scuba diving, water-skiing, horseback riding, hot tubs, high-altitude climbing).
  • Be careful with food and water safety when traveling to reduce the risk of infection.
  • Do not take medications, alcohol, or recreational drugs without medical guidance during pregnancy.

With careful planning and support from your Grand Rapids healthcare team, many women can travel safely during pregnancy. Always prioritize your health and your baby’s wellbeing when making travel decisions.