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USA ESTA

  • ESTA Requirements
  • Visa Waiver Program

Traveling to the U.S. while pregnant

Updated: Aug 25, 2023  | Tags: ESTA Requirements , USA Visa Restrictions , USA Immigration

Visa restrictions can make it harder for pregnant women to enter the United States

Some recent U.S. policies have made it difficult for foreign nationals traveling to the United States during pregnancy to gain “birth right citizenship” for their child. According to figures from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 10,000 babies were born in the United States to foreign nationals in 2017. In January 2020, the U.S. Department of State (Bureau of Consular Affairs) issued new rules allowing embassies and consulates to refuse applications from pregnant women for B1 and B-2 visas if they believe the reason for visiting the U.S. is to give birth in the country for “birth tourism” purposes.

Many airlines already have policies restricting travel later in pregnancy. Most carriers allow traveling up to the 36th week although some may have an earlier cut-off date. The rules vary amongst the carriers and may also depend on domestic or international travel. Women traveling to the United States when pregnant must also meet immigration requirements.

Traveling to the U.S. while pregnant

What are U.S. immigration laws on pregnant travelers?

United States immigration laws regard pregnancy in the same way as other medical conditions. This means that if you enter the U.S. on a B-2 visa, you must have private health insurance or sufficient funds to pay for any medical care you might need. Giving birth in the United States can be costly. For example, a straightforward birth without any complications can cost around $10,000 USD.

What are the recent changes to visa regulations affecting pregnant travelers entering the U.S.?

In January 2020, a significant amendment to visa regulations came into force. The new rules restrict the approval of B-2 tourist visas to pregnant women. The aim is to prevent the practice of traveling to the U.S. to give birth so that the child can automatically obtain United States citizenship.

Will the changes affect all pregnant travelers?

The rule changes do not affect anyone in the process of seeking a green card (permanent lawful residence) or temporary non-immigrant visas such as H-1B employment visas, F-1 academic, and M-1 student visas. People traveling to the U.S. on previously obtained visas are also exempt, as are citizens of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program .

Under the new restrictions, a woman applying for a B-2 visa whose due date falls during the period for which their visa is valid will be deemed to be traveling to the United States with the intention of obtaining citizenship for their child. To obtain a visa successfully, a pregnant woman will now need to demonstrate a valid reason for visiting or proof that they will return before the due date. If they have any documentary evidence to support their case, it will be required at their visa interview .

Will the rules make it harder to obtain a U.S. visa for pregnant travelers?

It is still possible for a pregnant woman to be granted a tourist visa for medical treatment in the United States, for example, if specialist care is needed. The applicant will need to show that a U.S. physician has agreed to provide the required treatment and that they have sufficient funds to pay for any procedures or care.

How will pregnant travelers be pre-screened before boarding a flight to the United States?

International airlines are responsible for paying your return travel if you are denied entry into a destination country. Thus, airlines pre-screen passengers to determine if they meet the destination country’s entry requirements. If the airlines fail to complete these checks, they may be fined heavily.

If a woman is visibly pregnant, she might be asked for documentation proving that she will return before the due date or that she has the means to pay for medical care in the U.S. Airlines are concerned about the risks of a woman going into labor during a flight and also about the problems of arranging an urgent return flight for her if entry is denied.

How will pregnant travelers be screened on arrival at a U.S. airport?

On arrival at a U.S. airport , pregnant women are screened by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers. CBP may question the pregnant traveler’s ability to pay for medical costs associated with giving birth in the United States. The closer she is to her due date, the more closely the CBP officers will focus on her financial status.

For example, if you are 24 weeks pregnant and are planning to stay in the United States for a couple of weeks, you will probably be allowed to enter, especially if you have visited in the past and respected the conditions of your visa. On the other hand, if you are 32 weeks pregnant and plan to stay for three weeks, the risk of going into labor during that time is higher so CBP will require proof that you have adequate medical insurance or can pay for medical treatment.

CBP pre-screening also takes place in Toronto and some other foreign cities with CBP pre-clearance. This means that U.S. immigration screening has taken place before you board the flight to the U.S.

How will pregnant travelers be screened on arrival at a U.S. land border?

CBP take the same factors into consideration when a pregnant woman enters the U.S. at a land border. They are more likely than the officers at airports to see pregnant travelers who are close to their due date because women in the later stages of pregnancy would probably have been refused permission to fly by their airlines. At land borders, a woman might state that she wants to enter the U.S. just for a day, to visit relatives, or for shopping.

If CBP officers a land border deny entry to a pregnant woman, they have fewer concerns about detaining and then repatriating her, because most travelers arrive by car and can be processed quickly.

What are the potential long-term consequences of entry to the United States being denied because of pregnancy?

Being denied entry to the U.S. during pregnancy can have significant consequences.

  • If you are traveling to the United States from a VWP country, you will no longer be able to use the Visa Waiver Program.
  • If you are denied entry on a visitor visa, for example, a B-2 visa, and are refused entry, you will probably have to apply for another visa when you next wish to travel to the U.S. This might not be granted and you might be prevented from entering the U.S. for a further 3 years, due to previously being denied entry.
  • If you are pregnant and have given birth in the United States before, you will probably be asked if you paid for your medical needs on that occasion. If you did not, you will likely be barred from entering.

Other considerations when traveling to the U.S. while pregrant

Visa and entry requirements: esta or visa.

The first consideration, if you're not a U.S. citizen, is whether you'll need a visa or an Electronic System for Travel Authorization ( ESTA ) under the VWP. You must meet all the standard requirements, but additional scrutiny could be applied given your condition.

Medical Documentation and Emergency Preparedness

Some airlines and immigration authorities might request a doctor's note certifying that you are fit to travel. This note should include your due date and any medical conditions that might require special attention.

Research and make a list of nearby hospitals or healthcare facilities. Store this information on your phone and keep a printed copy as well.

Health Insurance

Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers prenatal care and emergency delivery in the U.S., which can be expensive.

Vaccinations and Medications

Consult your healthcare provider about any vaccinations you might need and the safety of taking antimalarial or other prophylactic medication.

Travel Timing

The second trimester is usually considered the safest time for pregnant women to travel. Morning sickness is typically less severe, and the risk of miscarriage or premature labor is lower.

In-Flight Comfort and Safety

  • Opt for an aisle seat for easier mobility.
  • Wear loose, breathable clothing.
  • Use seat belts below your bump, not across it.
  • Take short walks and do ankle exercises to encourage blood circulation and reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
  • Pack Snacks - The in-flight meal service might not align with your eating schedule, so pack healthy snacks like fruits, nuts, or granola bars.
  • Stay Hydrated - Air travel can be dehydrating, which is especially concerning for pregnant women. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids, avoiding caffeine and alcohol.

If you are planning to travel to the U.S. in the later weeks of pregnancy, it is essential to ensure that you can either pay for any medical care yourself or that you have sufficient health insurance to pay all associated costs. The consequences of not following CBP’s guidance or U.S. immigration law when traveling while pregnant can have lasting consequences on a travelers ability to enter the United States.

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Flying while pregnant? Here’s what you need to know

Summer Hull

Editors note: This guide has been updated with the latest information.

During pregnancy, seemingly harmless things like eating deli meat and cleaning your cat's litter box are suddenly off-limits, along with more obvious restrictions on sports like skiing and scuba diving.

But what about "grey area" activities like flying in an airplane?

There's no single set of guidelines governing air travel during pregnancy and every airline has different restrictions, timelines and requirements. Some airlines may also require a medical certificate from a primary attending doctor or midwife for air travel during the final months of pregnancy, though even that varies, with U.S. airlines typically offering more flexibility than international carriers.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

In the absence of clear guidelines, TPG turned to Dr. Nithya Gopal , a board-certified OB-GYN physician and the Director of OB-GYN services at Viva Eve in New York City, for her expert recommendations on safe air travel during pregnancy.

Here's what she had to say:

Is it safe to fly when you are pregnant?

There is no evidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes due to flying, according to Dr. Gopal.

"The general consensus is that it is safest to fly in the first and second trimesters," Dr. Gopal told The Points Guy. "While the first and third trimesters tend to be when the most obstetric emergencies are going to happen, I personally become more cautious with my patients after 32 weeks because of the increased risk for premature labor and the possibility of needing urgent medical attention when you are in the sky."

can pregnant woman travel to usa

The most important thing you can do, no matter how far along you are in your pregnancy, is to consult with your healthcare provider before flying.

"Any time you are planning to fly during pregnancy , you should be having that conversation," Dr. Gopal said. Your provider will be familiar with any safety precautions you should take to ensure a safe and healthy flight.

Related: Guide to flying in each trimester of pregnancy

The airline you are flying may have its own cutoff, so you will want to confirm with it beforehand whether you will be allowed to fly if you are in (or nearing) your third trimester. We've included a chart below that outlines the rules for most major airline carriers.

What can you do to stay comfortable on a flight?

can pregnant woman travel to usa

When you factor in morning sickness and general pregnancy discomfort with the increased risk for blood clots that all fliers need to be aware of, flying during pregnancy can be uncomfortable even when it is deemed safe.

Dr. Gopal shared her recommendations for addressing these common issues when you take to the (baby-) friendly skies during pregnancy. Her number one tip for staying comfortable while in flight is to wear compression socks to help maintain blood flow and reduce swelling in the legs.

In addition, "I also tell my patients to get up and move at least every hour when they are on the plane," Dr. Gopal said.

To prevent clotting, "some doctors may also prescribe a low-dose aspirin," she added. "It isn't something that is recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), but it isn't harmful, either."

If it's nausea or acid reflux that ail you, there are medications generally considered safe that you can take to alleviate your symptoms. These would be the same ones prescribed by your doctor for morning sickness, so speak with your provider before your flight to ensure you have what you need at the ready.

Dr. Gopal also advises wearing loose, unrestrictive clothing (along with your seatbelt, or course) and drinking extra fluids to counteract the pressurized air in the cabin and keep you hydrated.

"Over-the-counter Gas-X may also help with bloating that can happen as a result of the pressurized air," Dr. Gopal said.

Related: What happens when a baby is born in flight?

Must you speak with your healthcare provider before flying?

can pregnant woman travel to usa

Even if your pregnancy is considered low-risk, it's always a smart idea to speak with your healthcare provider before flying. "There are a number of potential risks that go along with flying during pregnancy and those risks can change from week to week and month to month, so it's important to have that honest conversation with your doctor," Dr. Gopal said.

Related: Things You Should Do Before, During and After Flying to Stay Healthy

There are certain pregnancy conditions that may make flying more risky or unadvisable. If you are hypertensive, asthmatic or prone to clotting disorders, it's even more critical to speak with your doctor before flying.

Airline policies differ, but if you need documentation, it never hurts to include enough detail to satisfy the most stringent airline requirements.

"As with many things related to air travel, it's better to be safe than sorry," Dr. Gopal said. "It's definitely worth it, and sometimes necessary, to have medical documentation from your provider's office."

A thorough medical certificate or waiver should state:

  • The number of weeks of pregnancy.
  • The estimated delivery date.
  • Whether the pregnancy is single or multiple.
  • Whether there are any complications.
  • That you are in good health and fit to travel through the date of your final flight.

Additionally, the certificate should be:

  • Written on official clinic or hospital letterhead if possible.
  • Signed by the doctor or attending midwife.
  • Be dated no later than 72 hours before the departure date.
  • Be written in clear, simple English.

Carry this certificate with you on your flight. Some airlines won't ask to see it, but others will. Some airlines also may have their own documentation requirements. See the chart below to find out which airlines require it.

Airline policies for pregnant women

Bottom line.

can pregnant woman travel to usa

Even though it may be deemed safe, flying during pregnancy can be uncomfortable — and it is perfectly acceptable to implement your own cutoff for flying with your baby bump in tow. The majority of the time, though, flying is perfectly safe during pregnancy, providing that you follow the guidelines of the airline and your healthcare provider. Read on to learn more about traveling before, during and after pregnancy:

  • What to expect in every trimester of pregnancy
  • 4 tips for planning travel while planning a pregnancy
  • Babymoon boom! These are the top 10 spots for a US getaway before the baby comes
  • Flying with a baby checklist

Additional reporting by Katherine Fan and Tarah Chieffi.

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Can Pregnant Women Travel to the United States?

Following the Department of State’s amended regulations addressing birth tourism in January 2020 , questions continue to be raised whether a pregnant woman may travel to the U.S. on a valid B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa for the sole purpose of giving birth regardless of whether she was issued the B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa prior to the new regulations taking effect or afterwards. While there are no specific regulations prohibiting pregnant women with valid B-1/B-2 Visitor Visas from entering the United States, such entry is at the discretion of the admitting U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) Officer at the Port of Entry (“POE”).

If the CBP officer determines that you are entering for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States to obtain U.S. citizenship for your child, you may be denied entry.   Moreover, if the CBP officer determines that you are likely to become a public charge, meaning that you will not be able to afford medical care because of either insufficient funds or lacking health insurance and would have to rely on public assistance, you may be denied entry.

When determining if you will be allowed to enter the United States at the POE, the CBP officer will take into consideration the date your child is due for delivery and the length of time you intend to stay in the United States. In addition, they want evidence that you have sufficient funds or medical insurance to cover any medical necessities while you are in the United States.

If it is determined that you do not have sufficient funds or medical insurance to cover any unexpected or expected medical care while in the United States, you may also be denied entry.

For more information contact us at [email protected] and speak with a U.S. immigration attorney in Ho Chi Minh City, Manila and Taipei.

State Department Expected to Publish New Guidelines in an Effort to Impede U.S. Birth Tourism

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Copyright 2022. This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. This article may be changed with or without notice. The opinions expressed in this article are those of Enterline and Partners only.

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  • Section 6 - Medical Tourism
  • Section 7 - Travel & Breastfeeding

Pregnant Travelers

Cdc yellow book 2024.

Author(s): Romeo Galang, I. Dale Carroll, Titilope Oduyebo

  • The Pretravel Consultation

Infectious Disease Concerns

Environmental health concerns, transportation considerations.

Pregnancy can cause physiologic changes that require special consideration during travel. With careful preparation, however, most pregnant people can travel safely.

Pretravel Consultation

The pretravel consultation and evaluation of pregnant travelers ( Box 7-01 ) should begin with a careful medical and obstetric history, specifically assessing gestational age and the presence of factors and conditions that increase risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes. A visit with an obstetric health care provider also should be a part of the pretravel assessment to ensure routine prenatal care and identify any potential problems. Instruct pregnant travelers to carry with them a copy of their prenatal records and physician’s contact information.

Review the pregnant person’s travel itinerary, including accommodations, activities, and destinations, to guide pretravel health advice. Discourage pregnant travelers from undertaking unaccustomed vigorous activity. Swimming and snorkeling during pregnancy generally are safe, but falls during waterskiing have been reported to inject water into the birth canal. Most experts advise against scuba diving for pregnant people because of risk for fetal gas embolism during decompression (see Sec. 4, Ch. 4, Scuba Diving: Decompression Illness & Other Dive-Related Injuries ). Riding animals, bicycles, or motorcycles presents risks for abdominal trauma.

Educate pregnant people on how to avoid travel-associated risks, manage minor pregnancy discomforts, and recognize more serious complications. Advise pregnant people to seek urgent medical attention if they experience contractions or premature labor; symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (e.g., unusual leg swelling and pain in the calf or thigh) or pulmonary embolism (e.g., unusual shortness of breath); dehydration, diarrhea, or vomiting; severe pelvic or abdominal pain; symptoms of preeclampsia (e.g., severe headaches, nausea and vomiting, unusual swelling, vision changes); prelabor rupture of the membranes; or vaginal bleeding.

Box 7-01 Pretravel consultation for pregnant travelers: a checklist for health care providers

☐ Review vaccination history (e.g., COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, measles, pertussis, rubella, varicella, tetanus) and update vaccinations as needed (see text for contraindications during pregnancy)

☐ Policies and paperwork

  • Discuss supplemental travel insurance, travel health insurance, and medical evacuation insurance; research specific coverage information and limitations for pregnancy-related health issues
  • Advise travelers to check airline and cruise line policies for pregnant travelers
  • Provide letter confirming due date and fitness to travel
  • Provide copy of medical records

☐ Prepare for obstetric care at destination

  • Advise traveler to arrange for obstetric care at destination, as needed

☐ Review signs and symptoms requiring immediate care, including

  • Contractions or preterm labor
  • Deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism symptoms, which include unusual swelling of leg with pain in calf or thigh, unusual shortness of breath
  • Pelvic or abdominal pain
  • Preeclampsia symptoms (e.g., unusual swelling, severe headaches, nausea and vomiting, vision changes)
  • Rupture of membranes
  • Vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration

Contraindications to Travel During Pregnancy

Absolute contraindications are conditions for which the potential harm of travel during pregnancy always outweighs the benefits of travel to the pregnant person or fetus. Relative contraindications are conditions for which travel should be avoided if the potential harm from travel outweighs its benefits ( Box 7-02 ).

Although travel is rarely contraindicated during a normal pregnancy, pregnancies that require frequent antenatal monitoring or close medical supervision might warrant a recommendation that travel be delayed. Educate pregnant travelers that the risk of obstetric complications is greatest in the first and third trimesters of pregnancy.

Box 7-02 Contraindications to travel during pregnancy

Absolute contraindications.

  • Abruptio placentae
  • Active labor
  • Incompetent cervix
  • Premature labor
  • Premature rupture of membranes
  • Suspected ectopic pregnancy
  • Threatened abortion / vaginal bleeding
  • Toxemia, past or present

RELATIVE CONTRAINDICATIONS

  • Abnormal presentation
  • Fetal growth restriction
  • History of infertility
  • History of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy
  • Maternal age <15 or >35 years
  • Multiple gestation
  • Placenta previa or other placental abnormality

Planning for Emergency Care

Obstetric emergencies are often sudden and life-threatening. Advise all pregnant travelers (but especially those in their third trimester or otherwise at high risk) to identify, in advance, international medical facilities at their destination(s) capable of managing complications of pregnancy, delivery (including by caesarean section), and neonatal problems. Counsel against travel to areas where obstetric care might be less than the standard at home.

Many health insurance policies do not cover the cost of medical treatment for pregnancy or neonatal complications that occur overseas. Pregnant people should strongly consider purchasing supplemental travel health insurance to cover pregnancy-related problems and care of the neonate, as needed. In addition, pregnant travelers should consider medical evacuation insurance coverage in case of pregnancy-related complications (see Sec. 6, Ch. 1, Travel Insurance, Travel Health Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance ).

Medications

Over-the-counter drugs and nondrug remedies can help a pregnant person travel more comfortably. For instance, pregnant people can safely use a mild bulk laxative for constipation. In addition, several simple available remedies are effective in relieving the symptoms of morning sickness. Nonprescription remedies include ginger, available as a powder that can be mixed with food or drinks (e.g., tea), and as candy (e.g., lollipops). Similarly, pyridoxine (vitamin B6) is effective in reducing symptoms of morning sickness and is available in tablet form, as well as lozenges and lollipops. Antihistamines (e.g., dimenhydrinate, meclizine) often are used in pregnancy for morning sickness and motion sickness and appear to have a good safety record.

Carefully consider appropriate pain management and use of analgesics during pregnancy. Acetaminophen remains the nonopioid analgesic of choice during pregnancy. Although low-dose aspirin has been demonstrated to be relatively safe during pregnancy for certain clinical indications, it should be used cautiously. Aspirin can increase the incidence of abruption, and other anti-inflammatory agents can cause premature closure of the ductus arteriosus.

Various systems are used to classify drugs with respect to their safety in pregnancy . Refer to specific data about the effects of a given drug during pregnancy rather than depending on a classification. Counsel patients to help them make a balanced decision on the use of medications during pregnancy.

Vaccinations

In the best possible scenario, people should be up to date on routine vaccinations before becoming pregnant. The most effective way of protecting the infant against many diseases is to vaccinate the pregnant person. See a summary of current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)  guidelines for vaccinating pregnant people .

Coronavirus Disease 2019

Pregnant people are more likely to become more severely ill from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) than people who are not pregnant. Having COVID-19 during pregnancy increases a person’s risk of complications that can affect their pregnancy. For these reasons, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people who are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or who might become pregnant in the future get vaccinated against COVID-19 . As of August 2022, the COVID-19 vaccines authorized or approved for use in the United States are nonreplicating vaccines that do not cause infection in the pregnant person or the fetus. Pregnant people may choose to receive any of the COVID-19 vaccines authorized or approved for use in the United States; the ACIP does not state a preference.

COVID-19 vaccination can be safely provided before pregnancy or during any trimester of pregnancy. Available vaccines are highly effective in preventing severe COVID-19, hospitalizations, and deaths; data have shown that the benefits of vaccination during pregnancy, to both the pregnant person and their fetus, outweigh any potential risks. Pregnant people might want to speak with their health care provider before making a decision about receiving COVID-19 vaccine , but a consultation is not required before vaccination. Side effects from COVID-19 vaccination in pregnant people are like those expected among nonpregnant people. Pregnant people can take acetaminophen if they experience fever or other post-vaccination symptoms.

The ACIP recommends that all people who are or who will become pregnant during the influenza season have an annual influenza vaccine using inactivated virus. Influenza vaccines can be administered during any trimester.

The safety of hepatitis A vaccination during pregnancy has not been determined; because hepatitis A vaccine is produced from inactivated virus, though, the risk to the developing fetus is expected to be low. Weigh the risk associated with vaccination against the risk for infection in pregnant people who could be at increased risk for exposure to hepatitis A virus. According to the ACIP, pregnant people traveling internationally are at risk of hepatitis A virus infection; ACIP recommends vaccination during pregnancy for nonimmune international travelers.

Limited data suggest that developing fetuses are not at risk for adverse events resulting from vaccination of pregnant people with hepatitis B vaccine (for details, see Sec. 5, Part 2, Ch. 8, Hepatitis B ). ACIP recommends vaccinating pregnant people identified as being at risk for hepatitis B virus infection during pregnancy; risk factors include >1 sex partner during the previous 6 months, being evaluated or treated for a sexually transmitted infection, recent or current injection drug use, or having a HBsAg-positive sex partner. In November 2021, ACIP recommended vaccination of all adults 19–59 years old.

Japanese Encephalitis

Data are insufficient to make specific recommendations for use of Japanese encephalitis vaccine in pregnant people (see Sec. 5, Part 2, Ch. 13, Japanese Encephalitis ).

Live-Virus Vaccines

Most live-virus vaccines, including live attenuated influenza, measles-mumps-rubella, live typhoid (Ty21a), and varicella, are contraindicated during pregnancy. Postexposure prophylaxis of a nonimmune pregnant person exposed to measles can be provided by administering measles immune globulin (IG) within 6 days of exposure; for varicella exposures, varicella-zoster IG can be given within 10 days. Advise people planning to become pregnant to wait ≥4 weeks after receiving a live-virus vaccine before conceiving.

Yellow Fever

Yellow fever vaccine is the exception to the rule about live-virus vaccines being contraindicated during pregnancy. ACIP considers pregnancy a precaution (i.e., a relative contraindication) for yellow fever vaccine. If travel is unavoidable, and the risk for yellow fever virus exposure outweighs the vaccination risk, it is appropriate to recommend vaccination. If the risks for vaccination outweigh the risks for yellow fever virus exposure, consider providing a medical waiver to the pregnant traveler to fulfill health regulations. Because pregnancy might affect immune responses to vaccination, consider performing serologic testing to document an immune response to yellow fever vaccine. Furthermore, if a person was pregnant (regardless of trimester) when they received their initial dose of yellow fever vaccine, they should receive 1 additional dose before they are next at risk for yellow fever virus exposure (see Sec. 5, Part 2, Ch. 26, Yellow Fever ).

Meningococcal

According to the ACIP , pregnant (and lactating) people should receive quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine, if indicated. Meningococcal vaccine might be indicated for international travelers, depending on risk for infection at the destination (see Sec. 5, Part 1, Ch. 13, Meningococcal Disease ).

No adverse events linked to inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) have been documented among pregnant people or their fetuses. Vaccination of pregnant people should be avoided, however, because of theoretical concerns. IPV can be administered in accordance with the recommended immunization schedule for adults if a pregnant person is at increased risk for infection and requires immediate protection against polio (see Sec. 5, Part 2, Ch. 17, Poliomyelitis ).

Administer rabies postexposure prophylaxis with rabies immune globulin and vaccine after any moderate- or high-risk exposure to rabies; consider preexposure vaccine for travelers who have a substantial risk for exposure (see Sec. 5, Part 2, Ch. 18, Rabies ).

Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis

Tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap) should be given during each pregnancy irrespective of a person’s history of receiving the vaccine previously. To maximize maternal antibody response and passive antibody transfer to the infant, optimal timing for Tdap administration is between 27 and 36 weeks’ gestation (earlier during this time frame is preferred), but it may be given at any time during pregnancy.

Malaria Prophylaxis

Malaria, caused by Plasmodium spp. parasites transmitted by mosquitoes, can be much more serious in pregnant than in nonpregnant people and is associated with high risks of illness and death for both mother and fetus. Malaria in pregnancy can be characterized by heavy parasitemia, severe anemia, and profound hypoglycemia, and can be complicated by cerebral malaria and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Placental sequestration of parasites might result in fetal loss due to abruption, premature labor, or miscarriage. An infant born to an infected mother is apt to be of low birth weight, and, although rare, congenital malaria is possible.

Because no prophylactic regimen provides complete protection, pregnant people should avoid or delay travel to malaria-endemic areas. If travel is unavoidable, the pregnant person should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites and use an effective prophylactic regimen.

Chloroquine is the drug of choice for pregnant travelers going to destinations with chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium spp., and mefloquine is the drug of choice for pregnant travelers going to destinations with chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium spp. Doxycycline is contraindicated because of teratogenic effects on the fetus after the fourth month of pregnancy. Primaquine is contraindicated in pregnancy because the infant cannot be tested for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, putting the infant at risk for hemolytic anemia. Atovaquone-proguanil is not recommended because of lack of available safety data. A list of the available antimalarial drugs and their uses and contraindications during pregnancy can be found in Sec. 5, Part 3, Ch. 16, Malaria .

Travel Health Kits

In addition to the recommended travel health kit items for all travelers (see Sec. 2, Ch. 10, Travel Health Kits ), pregnant travelers should pack antacids, antiemetic drugs, graduated compression stockings, hemorrhoid cream, medication for vaginitis or yeast infection, prenatal vitamins, and prescription medications. Encourage pregnant travelers to consider packing a blood pressure monitor if travel will limit access to a health center where blood pressure monitoring is available.

Respiratory and urinary infections and vaginitis are more likely to occur and to be more severe during pregnancy. Pregnant people who develop travelers’ diarrhea or other gastrointestinal infections might be more vulnerable to dehydration than nonpregnant travelers. Stress the need for strict hand hygiene and food and water precautions (see Sec. 2, Ch. 8, Food & Water Precautions ). Drinking bottled or boiled water is preferable to chemically treated or filtered water. Pregnant people should not consume water purified by iodine-containing compounds because of potential effects on the fetal thyroid (see Sec. 2, Ch. 9, Water Disinfection ).

As mentioned previously, pregnant people are at increased risk for severe COVID-19–associated illness (e.g., requiring invasive ventilation or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) and death compared with people who are not pregnant. Underlying medical conditions (e.g., chronic kidney disease, diabetes, obesity) and other factors (e.g., age, occupation) can further increase a pregnant person’s risk for developing severe illness. Additionally, pregnant people with COVID-19 are at greater risk for preterm birth and other adverse outcomes.

Pregnant people, recently pregnant people, and those who live with or visit them should take steps to protect themselves from getting COVID-19. CDC recommends that people (including those who are pregnant) not travel internationally until they are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines . Additional information for international travelers is available at CDC's International Travel website.

Hepatitis A and hepatitis E are both spread by the fecal–oral route (see Sec. 5, Part 2, Ch. 7, Hepatitis A , and Sec. 5, Part 2, Ch. 10, Hepatitis E ). Hepatitis A has been reported to increase the risk for placental abruption and premature delivery. Hepatitis E is more likely to cause severe disease during pregnancy and could result in a case-fatality rate of 15%–30%; when acquired during the third trimester, hepatitis E is also associated with fetal complications and fetal death.

Listeriosis & Toxoplasmosis

Listeriosis and toxoplasmosis (see Sec. 5, Part 3, Ch. 23, Toxoplasmosis ) are foodborne illnesses of particular concern during pregnancy because the infection can cross the placenta and cause spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, or congenital or neonatal infection. Warn pregnant travelers to avoid unpasteurized cheeses and uncooked or undercooked meat products. Risk for fetal infection increases with gestational age, but severity of infection is decreased.

Other Parasitic Infections & Diseases

Parasitic infections and diseases can be a concern, particularly for pregnant people visiting friends and relatives in low- and middle-income countries. In general, intestinal helminths rarely cause enough illness to warrant treatment during pregnancy. Most, in fact, can be addressed safely with symptomatic treatment until the pregnancy is over. On the other hand, protozoan intestinal infections (e.g., Cryptosporidium , Entamoeba histolytica , Giardia ) often do require treatment. These parasites can cause acute gastroenteritis, severe dehydration, and chronic malabsorption resulting in fetal growth restriction. E. histolytica can cause invasive disease, including amebic liver abscess and colitis. Pregnant people also should avoid bathing, swimming, or wading in freshwater lakes, rivers, and streams that can harbor the parasitic worms (schistosomes) that cause schistosomiasis (see Sec. 5, Part 3, Ch. 20, Schistosomiasis ).

Travelers’ Diarrhea

The treatment of choice for travelers’ diarrhea is prompt and vigorous oral hydration; azithromycin or a third-generation cephalosporin may, however, be given to pregnant people if clinically indicated. Avoid use of bismuth subsalicylate because of the potential impact of salicylates on the fetus. In addition, fluoroquinolones are contraindicated in pregnancy due to toxicity to developing cartilage, as noted in experimental animal studies.

Vectorborne Infections

Pregnant people should avoid mosquito bites when traveling in areas where vectorborne diseases are endemic. Preventive measures include use of Environmental Protection Agency–registered insect repellants , protective clothing, and mosquito nets (see Sec. 4, Ch. 6, Mosquitoes, Ticks & Other Arthropods ). For details on yellow fever vaccine and malaria prophylaxis during pregnancy, see above.

Zika virus is spread primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito ( Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus ) but can also be sexually transmitted. The illness associated with Zika can be asymptomatic or mild; some patients report acute onset of conjunctivitis, fever, joint pain, and rash that last for several days to a week after infection.

Birth defects caused by Zika virus infection during pregnancy include brain, eye, and neurodevelopmental abnormalities. Because of the risk for birth defects, CDC recommends pregnant people avoid travel to areas with a Zika outbreak, and, for the duration of the pregnancy, to avoid sex or use condoms with anyone who has traveled to a risk area.

Advise pregnant people considering travel to areas with Zika to carefully assess the risks of Zika infection during pregnancy; provide information about prevention strategies, signs and symptoms, and the limitations of Zika testing. Pregnant people should strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites and sexual transmission. See additional information, including the most current list of countries and territories where Zika is active . Guidance for pregnant people can be found on the CDC Zika website .

Pregnant people should be aware of specific current environmental issues in their international destinations (e.g., natural disasters, special events or gatherings, travel warnings). More information can be found at the CDC Travelers’ Health website and on the destination pages of the US Department of State website.

Air Quality

Air pollution causes more health problems during pregnancy because ciliary clearance of the bronchial tree is slowed, and mucus is more abundant. For more details on traveling to destinations where air quality is poor, see Sec. 4, Ch. 3, Air Quality & Ionizing Radiation .

Extremes of Temperature

Body temperature regulation is not as efficient during pregnancy, and temperature extremes can create more physiological stress on the pregnant person (see Sec. 4, Ch. 2, Extremes of Temperature ). In addition, increases in core temperature (e.g., heat exhaustion, heat stroke), might harm the fetus. The vasodilatory effect of a hot environment and dehydration might cause fainting. For these reasons, then, encourage pregnant travelers to seek air-conditioned accommodations and restrict their level of activity in hot environments. If heat exposure is unavoidable, the duration should be as short as possible to prevent an increase in core body temperature. Pregnant travelers should take measures to avoid dehydration and hyperthermia.

High Elevation Travel

Pregnant people should avoid activities at high elevation unless they have trained for and are accustomed to such activities; those not acclimated to high elevation might experience breathlessness and palpitations. The common symptoms of acute mountain sickness (insomnia, headache, and nausea) frequently are associated with pregnancy, and it might be difficult to distinguish the cause of the symptoms. Most experts recommend a slower ascent with adequate time for acclimatization. No studies or case reports show harm to a fetus if the mother travels briefly to high elevations during pregnancy; recommend that pregnant people not sleep at elevations >12,000 ft (≈3,600 m) above sea level, if possible. Probably the greatest concern is that high-elevation destinations often are inaccessible and far from medical care (see Sec. 4, Ch. 5, High Elevation Travel & Altitude Illness ).

Advise pregnant people to follow safety instructions for all forms of transport and to wear seat belts, when available, on all forms of transportation, including airplanes, buses, and cars (see Sec. 8, Ch. 5, Road & Traffic Safety ). A diagonal shoulder strap with a lap belt provides the best protection. The shoulder belt should be worn between the breasts with the lap belt low across the upper thighs. When only a lap belt is available, pregnant people should wear it low, between the abdomen and across the upper thighs, not above or across the abdomen.

Most commercial airlines allow pregnant travelers to fly until 36 weeks’ gestation. Some limit international travel earlier in pregnancy, and some require documentation of gestational age. Pregnant travelers should check with the airline for specific requirements or guidance, and should consider the gestational age of the fetus on the dates both of departure and of return.

Most commercial jetliner cabins are pressurized to an equivalent outside air pressure of 6,000–8,000 ft (≈1,800–2,500 m) above sea level; travelers might also experience air pressures in this range during travel by hot air balloon or on noncommercial aircraft. The lower oxygen tension under these conditions likely will not cause fetal problems in a normal pregnancy. People with pregnancies complicated by conditions exacerbated by hypoxia (e.g., preexisting cardiovascular problems, sickle cell disease, severe anemia [hemoglobin <8.0 g/dL], intrauterine fetal growth restriction) could, however, experience adverse effects associated with low arterial oxygen saturation.

Risks of air travel include potential exposure to communicable diseases, immobility, and the common discomforts of flying. Abdominal distention and pedal edema frequently occur. The pregnant traveler might benefit from an upgrade in airline seating and should seek convenient and practical accommodations (e.g., proximity to the lavatory). Pregnant travelers should select aisle seating when possible, and wear loose fitting clothing and comfortable shoes that enable them to move about more easily and frequently during flights.

Some experts report that the risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is 5–10 times greater among pregnant than nonpregnant people, although the absolute risk is low. To help prevent DVT, pregnant travelers should stay hydrated, stretch frequently, walk and perform isometric leg exercises, and wear graduated compression stockings (see Sec. 8, Ch. 3, Deep Vein Thrombosis & Pulmonary Embolism ).

Cosmic radiation during air travel poses little threat to the fetus but might be a consideration for pregnant travelers who fly frequently (see Sec. 9, Ch. 3, . . . perspectives: People Who Fly for a Living—Health Myths & Realities ). Older airport security machines are magnetometers and are not harmful to the fetus. Newer security machines use backscatter x-ray scanners, which emit low levels of radiation. Most experts agree that the risk for complications from radiation exposure from these scanners is extremely low.

Cruise Ship Travel

Most cruise lines restrict travel beyond 24 weeks’ gestation (see Sec. 8, Ch. 6, Cruise Ship Travel ). Cruise lines might require pregnant travelers to carry a physician’s note stating that they are fit to travel, including the estimated date of delivery. Pregnant people should check with the cruise line for specific requirements or guidance. For pregnant travelers planning a cruise, provide advice about gastrointestinal and respiratory infections, motion sickness (see Sec. 8, Ch. 7, Motion Sickness ), and the risk for falls on a moving vessel, as well as the possibility of delayed care while at sea.

The following authors contributed to the previous version of this chapter: Diane F. Morof, I. Dale Carroll

Bibliography

Allotey J, Stallings E, Bonet M, Yap M, Chatterjee S, Kew T, et al.; PregCOV-19 Living Systematic Review Consortium. Clinical manifestations, risk factors, and maternal and perinatal outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 in pregnancy: living systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ. 2020;370:m3320.

Bisson DL, Newell SD, Laxton C; on behalf of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Antenatal and postnatal analgesia. BJOG. 2018;126(4):114–24.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Guidelines for vaccinating pregnant women. Atlanta: The Centers; 2014. Available from: www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pregnancy/hcp-toolkit/guidelines.html .

Dotters-Katz S, Kuller J, Heine RP. Parasitic infections in pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol Surv. 2011;66(8):515–25.

Hezelgrave NL, Whitty CJ, Shennan AH, Chappell LC. Advising on travel during pregnancy. BMJ. 2011;342:d2506.

Irvine MH, Einarson A, Bozzo P. Prophylactic use of antimalarials during pregnancy. Can Fam Physician. 2011;57(11):1279–81.

Magann EF, Chauhan SP, Dahlke JD, McKelvey SS, Watson EM, Morrison JC. Air travel and pregnancy outcomes: a review of pregnancy regulations and outcomes for passengers, flight attendants, and aviators. Obstet Gynecol Surv. 2010;65(6):396–402.

Rasmussen SA, Jamieson DJ, Honein MA, Petersen LR. Zika virus and birth defects—reviewing the evidence for causality. N Engl J Med. 2016;374(20):1981–7.

Rasmussen SA, Watson AK, Kennedy ED, Broder KR, Jamieson DJ. Vaccines and pregnancy: past, present, and future. Semin Fetal Neonatal Med. 2014;19(3):161–9.

Roggelin L, Cramer JP. Malaria prevention in the pregnant traveller: a review. Travel Med Infect Dis. 2014;12(3):229–36.

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US imposes new ‘birth tourism’ visa rules for pregnant women

It is unclear how officials would determine if a pregnant woman is travelling to US primarily to give birth.

birth citizenship

President Donald Trump ‘s administration on Thursday published new visa rules aimed at restricting “birth tourism”, in which women travel to the United States to give birth so their children can have a coveted US passport.

Applicants will be denied tourist visas if they are determined by consular officers to be coming to the US primarily to give birth, according to the rules in the Federal Register. It is a bigger hurdle to overcome, proving they are travelling to the US because they have a medical need and not just because they want to give birth in the country.

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Those with medical needs will be treated like other foreigners coming to the US for medical treatment and must prove they have the money to pay for it – including transportation and living expenses.

The practice of travelling to the US to give birth is fundamentally legal, although there are scattered cases of authorities arresting operators of so-called birth tourism agencies for visa fraud or tax evasion. And women are often honest about their intentions when applying for visas and even show signed contracts with doctors and hospitals.

The State Department “does not believe that visiting the United States for the primary purpose of obtaining US citizenship for a child, by giving birth in the United States – an activity commonly referred to as ‘birth tourism’ – is a legitimate activity for pleasure or of a recreational nature,” according to the new rules, which take effect Friday.

Birth tourism

Trump’s administration has been restricting all forms of immigration, but Trump has been particularly plagued by the issue of birthright citizenship – anyone born in the US is considered a citizen, under the Constitution. The Republican president has railed against the practice and threatened to end it, but scholars and members of his administration have said it is not so easy to do.

Regulating tourist visas for pregnant women is one way to get at the issue, but it raises questions about how officers would determine whether a woman is pregnant to begin with and whether a woman could get turned away by border officers who suspect she may be, just by looking at her.

Consular officers do not have the right to ask during visa interviews whether a woman is pregnant or intends to become so. But they would still have to determine whether a visa applicant would be coming to the US primarily to give birth.

Critics say in addition to a rule that is hard to enforce, such restrictions unfairly target women. 

“Pregnant women. This is administration is now targeting pregnant. women,” tweeted US Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. “When you single out the most vulnerable, the cruelty is the point.” 

Pregnant women. This administration is now targeting pregnant. women. When you single out the most vulnerable, the cruelty is the point. #AbolishICE #BreakUpCBP https://t.co/urb9WdOexV — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) January 23, 2020

Actress and activist Alyssa Milano called the rules a “new low”.

“Just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse,” she tweeted. “This is a new low.” 

Just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse. This is a new low. U.S. to impose visa restrictions for pregnant women https://t.co/vOOIWuArRq — Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) January 23, 2020

Birth tourism is a lucrative business in both the US and abroad. Companies take out advertisements and charge up to $80,000 to facilitate the practice, offering hotel rooms and medical care. Many of the women travel from Russia and China to give birth in the US.

The US has been cracking down on the practice since before Trump took office.

“An entire ‘birth tourism’ industry has evolved to assist pregnant women from other countries to come to the United States to obtain US citizenship for their children by giving birth in the United States, and thereby entitle their children to the benefits of US citizenship,” according to the State Department rules.

Brith tourism

There are no figures on how many foreign women travel to the US specifically to give birth. The Center for Immigration Studies, a group that advocates for stricter immigration laws, estimated that in 2012 about 36,000 foreign-born women gave birth in the US and then left the country.

“This rule will help eliminate the criminal activity associated with the birth tourism industry,” according to the rules. “The recent federal indictments describe birth tourism schemes in which foreign nationals applied for visitor visas to come to the United States and lied to consular officers about the duration of their trips, where they would stay, and their purpose of travel.”

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US imposes visa rules for pregnant women on ‘birth tourism’

FILE - In this Sept. 2017 file photo, a flag is waved outside the White House, in Washington. The Trump administration is coming out with new visa restrictions aimed at restricting a practice known as “birth tourism." That refers to cases when women travel to the United States to give birth so their children can have U.S. citizenship.  (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

FILE - In this Sept. 2017 file photo, a flag is waved outside the White House, in Washington. The Trump administration is coming out with new visa restrictions aimed at restricting a practice known as “birth tourism.” That refers to cases when women travel to the United States to give birth so their children can have U.S. citizenship. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

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WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is imposing new visa rules aimed at restricting “birth tourism,” in which women travel to the United States to give birth so their children can have U.S. citizenship. The regulations, which take effect Friday, address one of President Donald Trump’s main political priorities.

The regulations seek to chip away at the number of foreigners who take advantage of the constitutional provision granting“birthright citizenship” to anyone born in the United States, a particular peeve of Trump’s. Under the new rules, pregnant applicants will be denied a tourist visa unless they can prove they must come to the U.S. to give birth for medical reasons and they have money to pay for it or have another compelling reason — not just because they want their child to have an American passport.

Officials said that consular officers will not be asking all female visa applicants of child-bearing age whether they are pregnant or intend to get pregnant. Rather, they said consular officers would ask the question only if they had reason to believe the applicant is pregnant and likely or planning to give birth in the U.S.

Visual cues such as appearing to be pregnant or listing “medical treatment” as a reason for wanting to travel to the United States might trigger such questioning, the officials said. Even if a woman is found to be pregnant and likely to deliver her child in the United States, she could still be granted a visa if she was able to demonstrate a valid reason for the travel such a visiting an ailing relative or attending a business meeting or conference, they said.

Officials said the rule will not apply to foreign travelers coming from any of the 39 mainly European and Asian countries enrolled in the Visa Waiver Program, which allows citizens of those countries to come the U.S. without a visa for temporary stays. The rule will only apply to applicants for so-called “B” class visas that permit short-term stays for business or pleasure.

“Closing this glaring immigration loophole will combat these endemic abuses and ultimately protect the United States from the national security risks created by this practice,” White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said in a statement. “It will also defend American taxpayers from having their hard-earned dollars siphoned away to finance the direct and downstream costs associated with birth tourism. The integrity of American citizenship must be protected.”

The practice of traveling to the U.S. to give birth is fundamentally legal, although there are scattered cases of authorities arresting operators of birth tourism agencies for visa fraud or tax evasion. And women are often honest about their intentions when applying for visas and even show signed contracts with doctors and hospitals.

The State Department “does not believe that visiting the United States for the primary purpose of obtaining U.S. citizenship for a child, by giving birth in the United States — an activity commonly referred to as ‘birth tourism’ — is a legitimate activity for pleasure or of a recreational nature,” according to the new rules, which were published Thursday in the Federal Register.

Birth tourism is a business where companies for a steep fee offer foreign women the chance to come the U.S. on a tourist visa, have a baby, get medical care, get citizenship, have a place to stay with their newborn, and then leave. It’s distinct from what Trump and his allies deride as “anchor babies,” referring to poor women who enter the U.S. illegally at the U.S.-Mexico border to give birth to a child and then stay in the U.S. illegally. But the end result is the same: a coveted U.S. passport.

The Trump administration also has turned away pregnant women coming over the U.S.-Mexico border as part of a broader immigration crackdown. Those women were initially part of a “vulnerable” group that included others like small children who were allowed in, while tens of thousands of other asylum seekers have been returned to Mexico to wait out their cases.

The Trump administration has been restricting all forms of immigration, but the president has been particularly troubled by birthright citizenship. Trump has railed against the practice and threatened to end it, but scholars and members of his administration have said it’s not so easy to do.

Birth tourism is a lucrative business in both the U.S. and abroad. Companies take out advertisements and charge up to $80,000 to facilitate the practice. Many of the women travel from Russia and China to give birth in the U.S.

The U.S. has been cracking down on the practice since before Trump took office.

“An entire ‘birth tourism’ industry has evolved to assist pregnant women from other countries to come to the United States to obtain U.S. citizenship for their children by giving birth in the United States, and thereby entitle their children to the benefits of U.S. citizenship,” according to the State Department rules.

Elena Balmiler, the founder of the Florida firm AIST USA, which caters to Russian mothers-to-be, said she did not expect the new rules would stop her business. She said her business gets about 60 queries a month and had 45 clients last year, because Trump has been unable to end birthright citizenship.

“So far it has resulted in nothing but intentions, guesses, publications and projections,” she said. “Not a single person has changed their mind to fly to the USA because Trump plans to stop (birthright) citizenship.”

There are no figures on how many foreign women travel to the U.S. specifically to give birth. The Center for Immigration Studies, a group that advocates for stricter immigration laws, estimated that in 2012 about 36,000 foreign-born women gave birth in the U.S. and then left the country.

“This rule will help eliminate the criminal activity associated with the birth tourism industry,” according to the rules. “The recent federal indictments describe birth tourism schemes in which foreign nationals applied for visitor visas to come to the United States and lied to consular officers about the duration of their trips, where they would stay, and their purpose of travel.”

Associated Press writer Ellen Knickmeyer contributed to this report.

can pregnant woman travel to usa

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  • Pregnancy week by week

Is it safe to fly during pregnancy?

Generally, air travel before 36 weeks of pregnancy is considered safe for people who aren't dealing with any pregnancy problems. Still, if you're pregnant, it's a good idea to talk with your health care provider before you fly.

Your provider might suggest that you not fly if you have certain pregnancy complications that could get worse because of air travel or that could require emergency care. Examples include a history of miscarriage or vaginal bleeding, severe anemia, and high blood pressure or diabetes that's not well controlled. If you had preeclampsia during a previous pregnancy — a condition that causes high blood pressure and extra protein in urine — flying may not be advised. The same is true if you're pregnant with twins or other multiples.

Tell your provider how far you are flying, as the length of the flight might make a difference. Also, be aware that some airlines may not allow pregnant people on international flights. Check with your airline before you make travel arrangements.

After 36 weeks of pregnancy, your health care provider may advise against flying. And some airlines don't allow pregnant people to fly after 36 weeks. The airline also may require a letter from your health care provider that states how far along in your pregnancy you are and whether flying is advised.

If your health care provider says it's okay for you to fly, and your plans are flexible, the best time to travel by air might be during the second trimester. The risks of common pregnancy emergencies are lowest during that time.

When you fly:

  • Buckle up. During the trip, keep your seatbelt fastened when you are seated, and secure it under your belly.
  • Drink plenty of fluids. Low humidity in the airplane could cause you to become dehydrated.
  • Avoid gassy foods and drinks before you fly. Gases expand during flight, and that could make you uncomfortable. Examples of foods and drinks to avoid include broccoli and carbonated soda.
  • Think about medical care. Plan for how you'll get obstetric care during your trip if you need it. Bring copies of your medical information in case you need care while you're away.

Blood clots

Air travel can raise the risk for blood clots in the legs, a condition called venous thrombosis. The risk is higher for pregnant people. Moving your legs may help prevent this problem. Take a walk up and down the aisle every hour during the flight. If you must remain seated, flex and extend your ankles from time to time. In general, it's best to avoid tightfitting clothing, as that can hinder blood flow. Wearing compression stockings can help with blood circulation during a long flight.

Radiation exposure linked to air travel at high altitudes isn't thought to be a problem for most people who fly during pregnancy. But pilots, flight attendants and others who fly often might be exposed to a level of radiation that raises concerns during pregnancy. If you must fly frequently during your pregnancy, talk about it with your health care provider.

Mary Marnach, M.D.

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  • Allergy medications during pregnancy
  • AskMayoExpert. Health considerations for air travelers: Pregnancy considerations. Mayo Clinic; 2022.
  • Air Travel During Pregnancy: ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 746. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2018/08/air-travel-during-pregnancy. Accessed Dec. 1, 2022.
  • Ram S, et al. Air travel during pregnancy and the risk of venous thrombosis. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2022; doi:10.1016/j.ajogmf.2022.100751.

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Flying While Pregnant? Check Out the Policies on 25 Global Airlines

can pregnant woman travel to usa

In the absence of obstetric or medical complications, occasional air travel during pregnancy is generally safe, according to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology  (ACOG). Like other travelers, pregnant women should use seat belts while seated. 

Most commercial airlines allow pregnant women to fly up to 36 weeks of gestation, with some restrictions on international flights. 

ACOG does not recommend air travel for pregnant women with medical or obstetric conditions that may be exacerbated by flight or that could require emergency care. It advises checking flight durations when planning travel and that the most common obstetric emergencies occur in the first and third trimesters.

Once aboard a flight, conditions including changes in cabin pressure and low humidity, coupled with the physiologic changes of pregnancy, do result in adaptations, including increased heart rate and blood pressure, reports ACOG. And those traveling on long-haul flights face the risks associated with immobilization and low cabin humidity. This can cause issues such as lower extremity edema and venous thrombotic events.

ACOG recommends preventive measures to minimize these risks, including the use of support stockings, regular movement of the lower extremities, avoid wearing restrictive clothing and encourage regular hydration. It also advises against consuming gas-producing foods or drinks before a flight.

Other ways for pregnant women to be comfortable on their flights include: booking a bulkhead seat for more legroom; reserving an aisle seat for easy access to lavatories and to walk; elevating your legs on a carry-on bag to avoid swelling and cramps; and wearing a layered, comfortable outfit for changing cabin temperatures.

Airlines around the world have different rules and regulations on when and how long pregnant women can fly. Below are the policies from 25 airlines around the world.

The French flag carrier does not require pregnant women to carry a medical certificate for travel during pregnancy. It recommends avoiding travel in the final month of pregnancy, as well as during the first seven days after delivery. The airline also recommends expecting mothers seek their doctor's opinion before traveling.

India’s flag carrier allows expectant mothers in good health to fly up to and including their 27th week of pregnancy. After 27 weeks, if the pregnancy is anticipated to be a normal delivery, an expectant mother will be accepted for travel up to the 35th week, but a medical certificate confirming the mother is fit to travel is required by an attending obstetrician and dated within three days of travel.

Air New Zealand

For single, uncomplicated pregnancies and clearance from a doctor or midwife women can take flights more than four hours up to the end of their 36th week. For flights under four hours, it's up to the end of the 40th week. Women pregnant with twins can fly more than four hours up to their 32nd week and less than four hours until the 36th week.

The airline recommends that women past their 28th week carry a letter from a doctor or midwife that says you are fit for travel, confirming your pregnancy dates and that there are no complications.

The airline's medical team must offer clearance for women experiencing the following: a complicated pregnancy, such as placenta previa or bleeding; a multiple pregnancy; a history of premature labor; or have begun the early stages of labor. 

Italy's flag carrier has no travel restrictions for expectant mothers during the first eight months of pregnancy. But if traveling within the last four weeks of pregnancy, expecting multiple births, or having a complicated pregnancy, medical clearance is required. Completion of a Medical Information Form, MEDIF , prior to travel and signed by both the passenger and doctor is required.

Alitalia advises pregnant not to fly seven days prior to and seven days after giving birth, or if there is a risk of a premature birth or other complications. It will make staff available to escort pregnant women from the airport check-in counter to the boarding gate. Staff onboard the flight will help stow carry-on luggage. Seats can be pre-assigned and women cannot sit in an exit row.

All Nippon Airways

The Japanese carrier requires women within 15 to 28 days of their due date to fill out and carry a medical information form . Women within 14 days of their due date are required to have a medical form and travel with a doctor. The form must indicate there are no complications of pregnancy, that the passenger has no health problems preventing them from flying and the due date. It must be completed by a doctor and submitted no more than seven days prior to departure.

American Airlines

The Fort Worth-based carrier has different rules for international and domestic flights. If a due date is within four weeks of a flight, you must provide a doctor’s certificate stating that you’ve been recently examined and you’re fit to fly. For domestic flights under five hours, pregnant women won’t be permitted to travel within seven days (before and after) their delivery date. Those who need travel within this timeframe will need approval from a physician and help from a special assistance coordinator . The pregnant woman's physician will be required to fill out a passenger medical form before a flight. A special assistance coordinator will send the form directly to your physician.

Clearance from a special assistance coordinator is required for international travel or travel over water. Within four weeks of a due date also requires a physician's note stating that you’ve been examined within the past 48 hours and you’re fit to fly. And seven days before or after delivery also requires a passenger medical form to be completed by your physician.

British Airways

The U.K. carrier does not allow pregnant women to fly after the end of the 36th week if you are pregnant with one baby or the end of the 32nd week if you are pregnant with more than one baby. While it isn't mandated, British Airways recommends all expecting mothers carry a confirmation from a doctor or midwife, such as a letter or certificate, in addition to your pregnancy record. It should be written within seven days prior to travel and confirm your approximate due date, that you're fit to travel and that there are no complications with your pregnancy.

Cathay Pacific

 Hong Kong's flag carrier requires that women with pregnancies after 28 weeks carry a medical certificate, dated within 10 days of travel that states the following: 

  • single or multiple pregnancy
  • estimated week of pregnancy
  • expected due date 
  • certifying you are in good health and the pregnancy is progressing normally, without complications
  • that you are fit to travel

The airline accepts pregnant women with uncomplicated single pregnancies to travel up to 36 weeks and uncomplicated multiple pregnancies up to 32 weeks.

Delta Air Lines

The Atlanta-based carrier does not impose restrictions on flying for pregnant women, so a medical certificate is not required to travel. But the airline will not waive ticket change fees and penalties for pregnancy. The airline recommends that those flying after their eight month should check with their doctor to be sure travel is not restricted.

The U.K.-based airline has no restrictions for pregnant passengers traveling up to the end of the 35th week of single pregnancies and the end of the 32nd week for multiple pregnancies.

Pregnant women can travel up to their 29th week without a medical certificate. After that, they require a certificate or letter signed by a qualified doctor or midwife that states whether the pregnancy is single or multiple, is progressing without complications, includes an estimated due date, that you are in good health and there's no known reason to prevent you from flying. Pregnant passengers are not allowed to fly after the 32nd week of a multiple pregnancy, and after the 36th week of a single pregnancy.

This Abu Dhabi-based carrier allows women with single or multiple pregnancies to travel during the first 28 weeks without a medical certificate. For single pregnancies between 29 and 36 weeks, a medical certificate is required. After 37 weeks, pregnant women will not be allowed to travel. For multiple pregnancies, a certificate is required between the 29th and 32nd week; after that, women will not be allowed to travel.

The medical certificate must include the following: 

  • Be issued and signed by a doctor or midwife
  • Written on a clinic/hospital letterhead and/or stamped by the doctor or midwife
  • State that the guest is fit to fly
  • State if the pregnancy is single or multiple
  • State the number of weeks of pregnancy and the Expected Date of Delivery 
  • Easily understood and written in Arabic or English. Other languages are accepted but must be verified by Etihad Airways' check-in staff

The original medical certificate shall be accepted for the whole journey (originating, return and stopover flights), provided the above validity criteria is met for each sector. And it is valid for three weeks from the date of issue.

The New York-based carrier does not allow pregnant customers expecting to deliver within seven days to travel unless they provide a doctor's certificate dated no more than 72 hours prior to departure stating that the woman is physically fit for air travel to and from the destinations requested on the date of the flight and that the estimated date of delivery is after the date of the last flight.

The Dutch flag carrier recommends pregnant mothers not fly after the 36th week, along with the first week following delivery. For those expecting more than one baby, the carrier recommends consulting with a physician prior to flying. If you have had complications, you always need to have permission to fly from your physician.

Expectant mothers with complication-free pregnancies can fly on the German flag carrier until the end of the 36th week of pregnancy or up to four weeks before their expected due date without a medical certificate from a gynecologist. But the airline recommends that pregnant women beyond the 28th week have a current letter from a gynecologist that includes confirmation that the pregnancy is progressing without complications and the expected due date. The doctor should expressly state that the patient’s pregnancy does not prevent her from flying.

Because of the increased risk of thrombosis during pregnancy, the airline does recommend that expectant mothers wear compression stockings while flying.

Malaysia Airlines

The Malaysian flag carrier requires medical clearance for expectant mothers approaching 35 weeks for international travel or 36 weeks for domestic travel. If medical clearance is required, the MEDIF application form should be completed by a doctor and submitted to the airline through its ticketing offices or travel agents at least five working days before traveling.

Philippine Airlines

An expectant mother who is in normal health and with no pregnancy complications will be allowed to fly after filling out an EMIS form . Pregnant women may be accepted for travel if they are not beyond 35 weeks when they fill out Part One of the EMIS form. Those between 24 and 32 weeks of pregnancy will have to fill out EMIS Form Part 2. And if the expectant mother is below 21 years of age, the consent in writing of the husband, parent or guardian must be secured. For expectant mothers beyond 32 weeks of pregnancy, EMIS Part 3 must be accomplished by the Flight Surgeon or Company Physician, who shall issue the clearance for travel

After the 28th week, women are required to have a certificate or letter from a registered medical practitioner or registered midwife confirming the delivery date, whether it's a single or multiple pregnancy and that the pregnancy is routine.

For flights longer than four hours, women can fly up to the end of the 36th week for single pregnancies and the end of the 32nd week for multiple pregnancies. For flights under four hours, women can travel up to the end of the 40th week for single pregnancies and the end of the 36th week for multiple pregnancies. The carrier requires medical clearance  if there are pregnancy complications or it's not a routine pregnancy.

Qatar Airways

 No doctor's note is required for women traveling through their 28th week of pregnancy. Expectant mothers can fly between week 29 and week 32 with a doctor's note and a pregnancy with no complications. Those with a multiple pregnancy will need a doctor's note and a  Medical Information Form (MEDIF) . Between weeks 33 and 35, women will need a doctor's note and a MEDIF. The airline does not accept women in their 36th week and beyond.

 The low-cost Irish carrier allows expectant mothers to fly up to their 28th week of pregnancy. After that, the airline requires women to have a ‘fit to fly’ letter from their midwife or doctor. For an uncomplicated single pregnancy, travel is not permitted beyond the end of the 36th week of pregnancy, while the cut-off for an uncomplicated multiple pregnancy is 32 weeks. 

Singapore Airlines

For uncomplicated single pregnancies, the carrier restricts expectant mothers from travelling beyond the 36th week of pregnancy; for uncomplicated multiple pregnancies, the restriction is the 32nd week.

For uncomplicated single pregnancies between 29 weeks and 36 weeks, expectant mothers must provide a medical certificate stating the following: (1) fitness to travel, (2) number of weeks of pregnancy and (3) estimated date of delivery. The certificate should be dated within ten days of the date of the first flight exceeding 28 weeks of pregnancy. This certificate will have to be presented at check-in when requested.

Southwest Airlines

The Dallas-based carrier advises expectant mothers at any stage of pregnancy to consult with their physicians prior to air travel. The airline recommends against air travel beginning at the 38th week of pregnancy. It warns that in some cases, traveling by air has been known to cause complications or premature labor. Depending on their physical condition, strength, and agility, pregnant women may, in some cases, be asked not to sit in the emergency exit row.

Turkish Airlines

Turkey's flag carrier allows mothers pregnant with one child to travel between the 28th and 35th week if they have a doctor's report that includes the phrase, “There is no particular reason for the patient not to fly.” For women pregnant with more then one baby, the travel cut-off is the end of the 31st week with a doctor's report. The report has to be no more than seven days from the travel date. 

United Airlines

Any woman in the first 36 weeks of pregnancy will be allowed to travel on the Chicago-based carrier without medical documentation. An expectant mother traveling after the 36 weeks of pregnancy must have the original and two copies of an obstetrician’s certificate, which must be dated within 72 hours of a flight’s departure. The original certificate should be submitted to a United representative at check-in.

Virgin Atlantic

 The London-based airline allows travel without restrictions until the 28th week of pregnancy provided that you're free from complications to that point. The carrier asks pregnant mothers to inform its Special Assistance department so they can offer appropriate inflight health advice. Between the 28th and 36th weeks of pregnancy, a doctor's or midwife's certificate is required, stating that the passenger is safe for travel and the expected due date (32 weeks if carrying multiples in an uncomplicated pregnancy). Beyond the 36th week of pregnancy, travel is only permitted for medical/compassionate reasons and the pregnant passenger is required to be accompanied by a medical escort. This travel is subject to the approval of a Virgin Atlantic doctor.

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Pregnancy Travel Tips

Medical review policy, latest update:, can you travel while pregnant , read this next, when should you stop traveling while pregnant, how should you prepare for a trip during pregnancy, what do pregnant women need to know about travel and the zika virus, travel tips for pregnant people, when should you seek medical care while traveling during pregnancy.

While traveling during pregnancy is generally considered safe for most moms-to-be, you’ll need to take some precautions before making any plans — and get the green light from your practitioner first.

What to Expect When You’re Expecting , 5th edition, Heidi Murkoff. WhatToExpect.com, Zika Virus and Pregnancy , October 2020. WhatToExpect.com, What to Know About COVID-19 if You’re Pregnant , February 2021. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Travel During Pregnancy , August 2020. Johns Hopkins Medicine, Traveling While Pregnant or Breastfeeding , 2021. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, COVID-19 Travel Recommendations by Destination , May 2021. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pregnant and Recently Pregnant People , May 2021. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pregnant Travelers , December 2020. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Travel: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers , April 2021. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, COVID-19 and Cruise Ship Travel , March 2020.

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15 Tips for Traveling While Pregnant

These tips will help pregnant women travel the world in comfort and style.

Traveling while pregnant

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Experts share their best travel tips for expecting mothers.

Pregnancy can be a magical experience, but that doesn't mean creating new life comes without challenges. From what you wear to how you move your body to how well you sleep, pregnancy changes your day to day in myriad of ways – both good and bad.

However, that doesn't mean you should stay home and avoid travel for the entire nine months you're with child. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says it's typically safe to travel until you're 36 weeks pregnant, so you may as well get out and see the world.

These tips can help you ensure your pre-baby travel is safe, comfortable and fun.

Travel When You're Most Comfortable

According to the ACOG, the best time for pregnant women to travel is between 14 and 28 weeks, or during the middle of your pregnancy.

The most common pregnancy problems occur in the first and third trimesters, according to the health organization. "During midpregnancy, your energy has returned, morning sickness usually is gone, and it is still easy to get around," according to the ACOG.

If you have the option to be flexible with your travel dates, steering clear of early and late pregnancy trips may save you from having to endure an unenjoyable experience.

[Read: 9 Reasons Getting Away for the Weekend is Good for Your Mental Health .]

Have a Plan B

Robert Quigley, senior vice president at International SOS and MedAire, says you should meet with your doctor and get cleared to travel before you depart on any trip. Also, take the time to research medical facilities near where you'll be staying, he says, since you won't want to have to frantically figure out where to go if you experience complications.

Early planning can include checking nearby hospitals that you contact ahead of your trip, and locating pharmacies and additional prenatal resources in your destination should you go into early labor.

"This may also include a communication plan for friends or family should they need to join you, and an evacuation plan to upgrade your care in the event of a complication," he says.

Purchase Travel Insurance

Travel writer and mom of two Natalie Preddie, who blogs at NattyPOnline.com , says you should buy travel insurance that includes medical coverage before your trip if you're visiting a destination where your health insurance won't apply.

Preddie says when she was pregnant, she had to go to a hospital in Florida during a trip because she thought her baby wasn't moving. She says she was glad her health insurance was accepted right away, but she worries what would have happened if she had to pay for a lengthy hospital stay or tests out of pocket.

Bring Your Medical Records with You

Lee Roosevelt, who works as nurse midwife at the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, says you can gain peace of mind and expedite any medical care you might need by bringing a copy of your pregnancy-related medical records along on your trip.

"Offices can take a day or two to return a request for records, and if you need care quickly it means your team of providers [is] making decisions without knowing the details of your pregnancy," she says.

Be Proactive About Your Health

Roosevelt also says that when it comes to pregnancy, you should take steps to avoid common health problems regardless of whether you're on a trip or at home. She recommends taking plenty of walking breaks since "pregnant women are at higher risk for blood clots and prolonged sitting increases that risk."

You should try to get up and walk for five to 10 minutes every few hours if you can, even if you're on an airplane.

Roosevelt also noted that buying and wearing compression socks during air travel can help you avoid swelling, blood clots and more.

[Read: 30 Travel Accessories That Make Vacationing Easier .]

Stay Hydrated

In the same vein of being mindful about your health and wellness, drink lots of water so you stay hydrated. Dehydration can make you feel unwell and put you at risk for pre-term contractions, Roosevelt says.

Plan to bring your own refillable water bottle while you travel so you can stay hydrated no matter where you are, whether that's on the road or in the air.

Pack Healthy Snacks

Airports don't always have many healthy dining options, and what is available tends to be expensive. To save money and avoid having to nosh on empty calories, it can help to bring your own selection of sensible snacks along.

Consider packing healthy snacks like dried fruit and vegetables if you can. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services also recommends eating whole grain toast or crackers when you’re feeling nauseous or unwell, and healthy crackers should be easy to pack in your bag and bring along.

Bring Sanitizing Wipes and Gel

The ACOG says that, if you're going on a cruise specifically, you'll want to take steps to avoid norovirus – a group of viruses that can spread quickly and cause severe nausea and vomiting.

Washing your hands frequently is the best way to avoid it, but antibacterial hand gel can help you ward off germs as well. Meanwhile, disinfecting wipes are good to have on hand to wipe down airplane tray tables and arm rests.

The Government of Canada also recommends pregnant women vigorously wash their hands before eating or preparing food as well. Following these recommendations is especially important when you're in a busy airport or dining on a germ-infested airplane.

Keep Car Rides Short

If you're planning a road trip or need to drive a long distance to reach your destination, it can be beneficial to break up your travel over several days. That way, you'll only have to sit for shorter spurts of time rather than long stretches that can leave you vulnerable to swelling, blood clots and other pregnancy-related complications.

The ACOG also notes that you should buckle your seatbelt low on your hipbones, below your belly, and "place the shoulder belt off to the side of your belly and across the center of your chest."

Plan to make frequent stops so that you can get out and stretch your legs, and your car ride will be more enjoyable and keep you and the baby safe.

Book an Aisle Seat When You Fly

If you plan to fly while you're pregnant, book an aisle seat ahead of time – even if you need to pay extra for it. Having an aisle seat will make it easier for you to get up and walk around, and to head to the toilet for the many bathroom breaks you'll likely need to take.

If you can, splurge (or use points ) for business class to score some extra room.

Don't Overbook Yourself

Sightseeing is a lot of fun pregnant or not, but don't forget that your energy levels may be lower by the time you're ready to depart.

Make sure to plan an itinerary that includes plenty of breaks and downtime. You may even want to plan a relaxation-themed trip altogether, such as a spa getaway or a trip to an all-inclusive resort .

Be Choosy About Your Destination

Be mindful of seasonal weather trends and how they might work for your pregnant self. If you are planning a beach getaway in the middle of July and considering Naples in southern Florida, for example, it's smart to know ahead of time that daily high temperatures usually reach 89 degrees and humidity levels often fall in the "oppressive" or "miserable" range in the summer. Doing your research could help you find a destination with better weather, such as a beach spot with lower humidity like Virginia Beach, Virginia or Cape Cod, Massachusetts .

When it comes to trip planning, Google is your friend. Make sure you know how the weather might look no matter where you are planning to travel or you could live to regret it.

[See: 30 Relaxing Meditation Retreats Around the World .]

Pack a First-Aid Kit

There's nothing worse than being in transit for hours without supplies for headaches, heartburn and other pregnancy-related ailments. If you're prone to not feeling well at home or when you travel, you may want to bring a small first-aid kit along.

While your kit can include whatever you want, consider packing medicine for heartburn, bloating, gas and nausea – or whatever has been bugging you the most.

Check If You Need Clearance to Fly

While most airlines let you fly without question until you're up to 36 weeks pregnant, some international carriers, including Cathay Pacific and Emirates, need verification of your health from your doctor with a medical certificate before you board the plane.

If you plan to fly domestically or abroad, make sure to check with the air carriers you're considering as you organize the trip. Most airlines typically list this information on their websites, but you can also call to ask if you'll need any specific documentation.

Choose the Right Luggage

Finally, don't forget to bring luggage that's easy to move around from place to place. Spinner-style luggage on wheels is typically the easiest to transport, and you should strive to pack light (within reason) so you're not stuck lugging around all the clothing and shoes you own.

Don't hesitate to check your luggage either – especially if you have a layover to endure. The less you have to carry around, the smoother your trip should be.

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Pregnant? Read this before you travel.

Pregnant? Read this before you travel.

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CDC’s Response to ZIKA PREGNANT? READ THIS BEFORE YOU TRAVEL

What we know about Zika

  • Zika can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus.
  • Infection during pregnancy can cause certain birth defects.
  • These mosquitoes are aggressive daytime biters. They can also bite at night.
  • The large outbreak in the Americas is over, but Zika continues to be a potential risk in many countries in the Americas and around the world.
  • There is no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat Zika.
  • Zika can be passed through sex from a person who has Zika to his or her sex partners.

What we don’t know about Zika

  • If there’s a safe time during your pregnancy to travel to an area with risk of Zika.
  • How likely it is that Zika will pass to your fetus.
  • Whether your baby will have birth defects.

Symptoms of Zika

Many people won’t have symptoms or even know they are infected with the virus. The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week.

The most common symptoms of Zika are

  • Muscle pain

Travel Notice

CDC has issued a travel notice (Level 2-Practice Enhanced Precautions) for people traveling to areas with a Zika outbreak.

For a current list of places with risk of Zika virus, see CDC’s Travel Health website: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/zika-information

Zika can also be sexually transmitted from an infected person to his or her male or female partners, so travelers should use condoms.

  • Do not travel to areas with a Zika outbreak (red areas on the Zika map ). Before travel to other areas with risk of Zika (purple areas on the Zika map), pregnant women should talk with their doctors and carefully consider risks and possible consequences of travel.
  • If you must travel to these areas, talk to your doctor first and strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites during your trip.
  • If you have a partner who lives in or has traveled to an area with risk of Zika, either use condoms the right way every time you have vaginal, oral, or anal sex, or do not have sex during the pregnancy.

Trying to become pregnant?

  • Before you travel to areas with a Zika outbreak (red areas on the Zika map) or other areas with risk of Zika (purple areas on the Zika map), talk to your doctor about your plans to become pregnant and the potential risks and possible consequences of travel.
  • Strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites and sexual transmission during your trip.

Before you travel, check the CDC travel website frequently for the most up-to-date recommendations. http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/Travel

Your Best Protection: Prevent Mosquito Bites

When used as directed, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
  • Treated clothing remains protective after multiple washings. See product information to learn how long the protection will last.
  • If treating items yourself, follow the product instructions carefully.
  • Do NOT use permethrin products directly on skin. They are intended to treat clothing.

Indoor Protection

  • Stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside.
  • Sleep under a mosquito bed net if air conditioned or screened rooms are not available or if sleeping outdoors.

Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents. When used as directed, these insect repellents are safe and effective for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

  • Always follow the product label instructions.
  • Reapply as directed.
  • Do not spray repellent on the skin under clothing.
  • If you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen before applying insect repellent.
  • Use a repellent with one of the following active ingredients: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol, or 2-undecanone.

Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy

  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
  • Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
  • You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
  • CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website.

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Can Pregnant Women Travel to the United States?

Following the Department of State’s amended regulations addressing birth tourism in January 2020 , questions continue to be raised whether a pregnant woman may travel to the U.S. on a valid B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa for the sole purpose of giving birth regardless of whether she was issued the B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa prior to the new regulations taking effect or afterwards. While there are no specific regulations prohibiting pregnant women with valid B-1/B-2 Visitor Visas from entering the United States, such entry is at the discretion of the admitting U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) Officer at the Port of Entry (“POE”).

If the CBP officer determines that you are entering for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States to obtain U.S. citizenship for your child, you may be denied entry.   Moreover, if the CBP officer determines that you are likely to become a public charge, meaning that you will not be able to afford medical care because of either insufficient funds or lacking health insurance and would have to rely on public assistance, you may be denied entry.

When determining if you will be allowed to enter the United States at the POE, the CBP officer will take into consideration the date your child is due for delivery and the length of time you intend to stay in the United States. In addition, they want evidence that you have sufficient funds or medical insurance to cover any medical necessities while you are in the United States.

If it is determined that you do not have sufficient funds or medical insurance to cover any unexpected or expected medical care while in the United States, you may also be denied entry.

For more information, please contact us at [email protected] and speak with a U.S. immigration attorney in Taipei, Ho Chi Minh City, and Manila.

Copyright 2022. This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. This article may be changed with or without notice. The opinions expressed in this article are those of Enterline Immigration only.

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Travelling while pregnant

Find useful information and considerations to help you prepare for safe and healthy travels outside Canada while pregnant.

With careful preparation, travelling while pregnant can be safe. The decision to travel should be made in consultation with your health care professional, based on your personal health circumstances.

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Before you go, while you're away, if you need help.

Medical practices, health standards and infection control measures vary from country to country. You may not have access to the same level of care, procedures, treatments and medications as you would in Canada.

You could also be at increased risk of getting an infection and/or developing severe complications from certain infections, which could also affect the fetus.

Before leaving Canada:

  • consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic at least 6 weeks before travelling to get personalized health advice and recommendations
  • check our Travel Advice and Advisories for country-specific information, including about possible health risks
  • know how to seek medical assistance outside of Canada
  • 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
  • carry a copy of your prenatal records
  • 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 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.

Description of malaria risk by country and preventative measures.

If you can’t avoid travelling to an area where malaria is present:

  • some medications to prevent or treat malaria may not be safe during pregnancy
  • take extra care to protect yourself from mosquito bites

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.

Latest travel health advice on 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)

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.

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:

  • stopping the vehicle to walk around every couple of hours

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:

  • toxoplasmosis
  • listeriosis
  • hepatitis A and E

To help avoid food-borne and water-borne diseases:

  • 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
  • if you’re at a destination that lacks proper sanitation and/or access to clean drinking water, only drink water if it has been boiled or disinfected or if it’s in a commercially sealed bottle
  • use ice made only from purified or disinfected water
  • this could cause the fetus or newborn to develop thyroid problems
  • unpasteurized dairy products, such as raw milk and raw milk soft cheeses
  • unpasteurized juice and cider
  • raw or undercooked eggs, meat or fish, including shellfish
  • raw sprouts
  • non-dried deli meats, including bologna, roast beef and turkey breast
  • 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
  • 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
  • information on insect bite and pest prevention

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.

Information for if you become sick or injured while travelling outside Canada.

For help with emergencies outside Canada, contact the:

  • nearest Canadian office abroad
  • Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa

More information on services available at consular offices outside Canada.

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

'Ozempic babies' are surprising women taking weight loss drugs. Doctors think they know why.

can pregnant woman travel to usa

Women are getting pregnant, in most cases unintentionally, they say, while taking weight loss medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro , despite being on birth control or dealing with years of fertility issues.

Facebook groups , Reddit threads and TikTok videos are connecting women who are pregnant with or already had an “Ozempic baby” or “Mounjaro baby,” as they have come to be called, and want to share their surprise pregnancy experiences. 

“I got pregnant on Ozempic & was on the pill! Baby boy is due in June,” one person commented on a TikTok . “My surprise Ozempic baby is almost 4 months old and thankfully very healthy!” another wrote. 

Deb Oliviara, 32, started taking Ozempic the day after Thanksgiving to lose excess weight that had been affecting her mental health. She wasn’t consistent with taking her birth control pill, but that didn’t concern her much because she has a history of unidentified fertility issues that has made it difficult to get pregnant. 

Just two months after starting the medication, and the same week she hit her goal weight, Oliviara learned she was pregnant. “We were open to the idea, but definitely not trying,” she said. “It was very much a surprise and the only pregnancy, aside from my first, that didn’t come after a loss.” 

This is Oliviara’s sixth pregnancy with only two living children. She has had a first trimester loss, second trimester loss and a stillbirth. Now 10 weeks along, Oliviara and her baby are healthy. 

Reproductive and obesity medicine experts told USA TODAY that they’re also noticing the trend in their offices, which they say is likely happening for two reasons. First, weight loss is correcting hormonal imbalances caused by obesity and metabolic disorders and thus boosting fertility. Second, certain drugs may be reducing the efficacy of birth control pills, increasing the chances of pregnancy.

Yet, under no circumstances should women use weight loss drugs to get pregnant, experts warn. Studies on rats, rabbits and monkeys showed that these medications, if taken while pregnant, can lead to miscarriage and birth defects. (No studies have been done on humans.) Drug manufacturers recommend women stop taking weight loss drugs at least two months before a planned pregnancy . 

“It’s true that, from a scientific perspective, these medications may make it easier for people to get pregnant,” said Dr. Allison Rodgers , an OB-GYN and reproductive endocrinologist at Fertility Centers of Illinois. “But people need to be careful because there could be dangerous consequences if taken while pregnant given the drugs can linger in your system.” 

Why weight loss drugs may boost fertility 

Decades of research have established strong connections between obesity, metabolic disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and fertility issues, so it isn't too surprising to see that weight loss medications — which can help some people drop up to 20% of their body weight — are helping many women with these conditions get pregnant, said Dr. Utsavi Shah , assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology specializing in obesity medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. 

“These weight loss medications are game changers for women with PCOS or infertility, but there’s nothing about them specifically that’s making people more fertile, aside from their interaction with birth control pills,” Shah said. “It’s their effect on weight loss that’s helping regulate their menstrual cycles, thereby increasing their chances of getting pregnant.” 

Hayley Glatfelter, a 27-year-old from Texas, got pregnant in November four months after beginning semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic). She started taking the drug to lose weight and treat her insulin resistance associated with PCOS — a hormonal disorder that causes weight gain, irregular menstrual periods, excess hair growth, and in some cases, fertility problems.

Although Glatfelter wasn’t on birth control, she said her positive pregnancy test was still surprising because she has had problems getting pregnant before, which is what led to her PCOS diagnosis in 2019. At that time, her doctor prescribed her a different diabetes drug called metformin, which is often used to help with PCOS-related insulin resistance. The drug helped Glatfelter get pregnant with her first son. 

“I was told it was a miracle,” Glatfelter said.

More on Ozempic: Sharon Osbourne lost too much weight on Ozempic, but she doesn't regret it. Why her case is uncommon

Fat cells release estrogen, so the more a person gains, the more estrogen they’ll have, Shah said. Excess estrogen can prevent regular menstruation and ovulation, which can make it hard to get pregnant. 

Obesity causes insulin resistance as well, which can lead to high levels of male sex hormones like testosterone that don’t support pregnancy and affect egg quality, Shah said. 

Some weight loss drugs can make your birth control pill less effective 

Studies done in test tubes have found that tirzepatide — the active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound — reduces the efficacy of oral contraception, aka the birth control pill, according to the drugs’ labels . 

Mounjaro and Zepbound “delay gastric emptying,” meaning the stomach takes longer to clear out, which can affect how oral medications are absorbed in the body. The delay is largest after the first dose and diminishes over time. 

Shah advises her patients taking these drugs and birth control pills to use a backup option, like condoms. 

Semaglutide (Ozempic and WeGovy) doesn’t have as strong of an effect on gastric emptying, so its dr u g label doesn't contain warnings about oral contraceptives.

These drugs affect each person’s body differently, so risks vary, said Dr. Marina Kurian, a bariatric surgeon and president of the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery. 

“The birth control pill is still getting digested, the absorption rate may just be different in people, which would make its impact on the ovaries different too,” Kurian said. 

That said, there’s always a small likelihood with any contraceptive that you can get pregnant, Shah said. But there’s no need to panic either.

“I know that there are stories out there that get escalated in the media, but if you're using effective birth control and on these weight loss medications, the risk of unintended pregnancy is quite low,” Shah said. 

Only take weight loss medications if you meet criteria for its use, experts say. Zepbound and WeGovy , for example, are approved for weight management in adults who have obesity or are overweight with at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure or Type 2 diabetes .

And if you suspect you’re pregnant while taking a weight loss drug, stop it immediately, Rodgers said, then follow up with your obstetrician. 

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A close up image of a pregnant woman holding her stomach

Missouri law prevents divorce during pregnancy – even in cases of violence

The statute, which can lead to reproductive coercion in a state that has banned abortion, has recently gained nationwide attention

At six months pregnant, H decided enough was enough. She had endured years of abuse from her husband and had recently discovered he was also physically violent towards her child. She contacted an attorney to help her get a divorce.

But she was stopped short. Her lawyer told her that she could not finalize a divorce in Missouri because she was pregnant. “I just absolutely felt defeated,” she said. H returned to the house she shared with her abuser, sleeping in her child’s room on the floor and continuing to face violence. On the night before she gave birth, she slept in the most secure room in the house: on the tile floor in the basement, with the family’s dogs.

Under a Missouri statute that has recently gained nationwide attention, every petitioner for divorce is required to disclose their pregnancy status. In practice, experts say, those who are pregnant are barred from legally dissolving their marriage. “The application [of the law] is an outright ban,” said Danielle Drake, attorney at Parks & Drake. When Drake learned her then husband was having an affair, her own divorce stalled because she was pregnant. Two other states have similar laws: Texas and Arkansas.

It took H three months after the birth of her second child to muster the finances and courage to file for divorce again. She believes that had she been able to obtain a divorce when she first tried, she would have been able to leave an abusive environment many months earlier.

The original intent of the statute in Missouri, which originated in 1973, was “noble”, Ashley Aune, a Democratic representative, said, as it tried to ensure that a mother and her child were provided for by settling custody arrangements and child support after the child’s birth.

But in practice, it has created barriers for pregnant people seeking divorce. The precise number of women the current statute affects is unknown – no entity collects this information. But the problem, Synergy Services, a non-profit that provides supportive services to people experiencing violence in Greater Kansas City, said they regularly receive requests for support from pregnant women unable to divorce abusive husbands because of the law.

Advocates warn the law can enable reproductive coercion, a term referring to behaviors that aim to control the course of another person’s reproductive autonomy. Common examples include forcing a person to continue or terminate a pregnancy, sabotaging their birth control or tracking their ovulation cycle.

When the abuse was ongoing, H says she would not have used the term to describe her experience. She does now. Her first child was six months old when she was raped by her former husband and became pregnant again. “I think he knew, in his mind, that it would keep me as his property,” H told the Guardian.

Aune recently introduced House bill 2402, which would give a family court judge more discretion to grant an expedited divorce in cases of pregnancy. “I want a judge to be able to look at that and say, ‘OK, you’re right. This is a situation where we need to close this divorce out,’” Aune said. The bill has yet to be brought to a vote.

Missouri is particularly restrictive when it comes to reproductive health and autonomy. It was one of the first to ban abortion after Roe v Wade was overturned in 2022, including in cases of rape and incest. Research shows that abortion restrictions can effectively give cover to reproductive coercion and sexual violence: the National Hotline for Domestic Violence said it saw a 99% increase in calls during the first year after the loss of the constitutional right to abortion.

Advocates are currently trying to gather enough signatures to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot that would make abortion legal until fetal viability, or around 24 weeks.

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In Missouri, homicide was the third leading cause of deaths in connection with pregnancy between 2018–2022, the majority (75%) of which occurred among Black women, according to a 2023 report by the Missouri department of health and senior services, which examines maternal mortality data. In every case, the perpetrator was a current or former partner. And in 2022, 23,252 individuals in the state received services after reporting domestic violence, according to the latest reporting from Missouri Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence, which compiles data from direct service providers in the state.

“I don’t believe it is hyperbole when I say this legislation could literally save lives,” said Matthew Huffman, chief public affairs officer at Missouri Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence, a state-wide membership association of domestic and sexual violence service providers.

Having “the agency and ability to have a divorce finalized puts you in a place where you can begin to regain control of your life”.

  • Domestic violence

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can pregnant woman travel to usa

Taty'ana Zakiyyah: Virginia murder suspect arrested after woman's body found in trash truck

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers' discretion advised.

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VIRGINIA: Taty'ana Zakiyyah, a 30-year-old Virginia woman, was found dead in a trash truck after her family raised concerns about her disappearance.

The alarming discovery unfolded after relatives reported her missing on Thursday, March 21 at approximately 8.50 pm when she failed to pick up her child from daycare in Lake Ridge, Virginia 

Police swiftly launched an investigation, initially focusing on locating Zakiyyah's vehicle, only to discover it was being driven by her roommate, Brendon Devon White, 28, of Woodbridge.

Authorities intensified their search efforts, eventually tracing Zakiyyah's car to Newport News City, Virginia, where her personal effects remained untouched.

Authorities probe suspect for motive

Subsequently, detectives intercepted a nearby trash collection truck and uncovered Zakiyyah's lifeless body, leading to White's arrest and subsequent charge of second-degree murder, per Fox .

Details surrounding the motive and circumstances of the crime are still emerging.

Manhunt underway for suspect in the murder of a pregnant woman

In a separate development, law enforcement officials are actively pursuing Troy Cornelius Wells following the issuance of warrants for his arrest by the Sumter County Sheriff's Office. The charges leveled against Wells include murder and attempted murder, stemming from a tragic incident in which 33-year-old Jennifer Cruz, who was pregnant at the time, was fatally shot.

According to reports, around 6.00 am on Saturday, March 23, two individuals suffering from gunshot wounds were transported to Prisma Tuomey Hospital. Witnesses recounted a shooting occurrence in the 1700 block of North Main Street, as per the Sumter County Sheriff's Office. Jennifer, one of the victims, tragically succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds.

Despite her untimely demise, her unborn child miraculously survived and was successfully delivered. Presently, the infant remains in critical condition at a Columbia hospital. The second victim sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound, with their current condition undisclosed.

Investigators disclosed that the alleged perpetrator, Wells, was familiar with the victims and had reportedly been awaiting their arrival at a local motel. Upon their arrival at 5.42 am, Wells purportedly unleashed a barrage of gunfire at their vehicle, resulting in injuries to both victims.

Authorities have issued a public advisory, cautioning citizens to exercise vigilance. Sheriff Dennis emphasized, "Wells should be considered armed and dangerous, and we are asking citizens not to approach him but call 911 if they see him," reported MEAWW .

Additionally, individuals with information regarding Wells' whereabouts are encouraged to report anonymously for a reward through the P3Tips website or mobile app.

Taty'ana Zakiyyah: Virginia murder suspect arrested after woman's body found in trash truck

A London court will rule on whether WikiLeaks founder Assange can challenge extradition to the US

A London court is due to rule whether WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange can challenge extradition to the United States on espionage charges

LONDON -- A London court is scheduled Tuesday to rule whether WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange gets one final appeal in England to challenge extradition to the United States on espionage charges.

Two judges are due to issue a judgment in the High Court that could put an end to Assange's long legal saga — or further extend it.

If he fails in winning the right to appeal, his legal team fears he could be swiftly sent to the U.S. to face charges, though they’re likely to ask the European Court of Human Rights to block any transfer.

Assange, 52, has been indicted on 17 espionage charges and one charge of computer misuse over his website’s publication of a trove of classified U.S. documents almost 15 years ago. American prosecutors allege that Assange encouraged and helped U.S. Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning steal diplomatic cables and military files that WikiLeaks published.

During a two-day hearing last month, Assange’s lawyers argued that he was a secrecy-busting journalist who exposed U.S. military wrongdoing in Iraq and Afghanistan. Sending him to the United States, they said, would expose him to a politically motivated prosecution and risk a “flagrant denial of justice.”

The U.S. government said that Assange's actions went way beyond those of a journalist gathering information and put lives at risk in his bid to solicit, steal and indiscriminately publish classified government documents.

The Australian computer expert has been held in a British high-security prison for the past five years.

Assange’s family and supporters say his physical and mental health have suffered during more than a decade of legal battles, including taking refuge in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London from 2012 until 2019.

“Julian is a political prisoner and he has to be released,” said Stella Assange, who married the WikiLeaks founder in prison in 2022.

Assange’s lawyers say that he could face up to 175 years in prison if convicted, though American authorities have said the sentence is likely to be much shorter.

Follow AP's technology coverage at https://apnews.com/technology

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IMAGES

  1. 3 Tips For Pregnant Women While Travelling

    can pregnant woman travel to usa

  2. 11 Do's and Don'ts of Traveling While Pregnant

    can pregnant woman travel to usa

  3. 9 Travel Tips for Pregnant Women

    can pregnant woman travel to usa

  4. What To Know About Traveling While Pregnant

    can pregnant woman travel to usa

  5. Advice for Travelling While Pregnant

    can pregnant woman travel to usa

  6. 9 Travel Tips for Pregnant Women

    can pregnant woman travel to usa

COMMENTS

  1. Can I Travel to the U.S. While Pregnant?

    But there's an additional consideration, particularly if you are close to your due date: In early 2020, the U.S. State Department (DOS) issued a major amendment to its regulations, restricting the ability of pregnant women to obtain B-2 tourist visas for travel to the United States. The idea is to prevent "birth tourism," or the practice of ...

  2. Traveling to the U.S. while pregnant

    Many airlines already have policies restricting travel later in pregnancy. Most carriers allow traveling up to the 36th week although some may have an earlier cut-off date. The rules vary amongst the carriers and may also depend on domestic or international travel. Women traveling to the United States when pregnant must also meet immigration ...

  3. Pregnant Travelers

    Pregnant travelers should avoid travel to areas with malaria, as it can be more severe in pregnant women. Malaria increases the risk for serious pregnancy problems, including premature birth, miscarriage, and stillbirth. If you must travel to an area with malaria, talk to your doctor about taking malaria prevention medicine.

  4. Flying while pregnant? Restrictions & other policies

    Virgin Australia. No restrictions. Travel permitted; requires a medical certificate dated within 10 days of departure date once you reach 28 weeks. For flights longer than four hours, travel is not permitted after 36 weeks of pregnancy (32 weeks if pregnant with multiples), or within 48 hours of normal vaginal delivery.

  5. Travel During Pregnancy

    In most cases, pregnant women can travel safely until close to their due dates. ... Visit your ob-gyn at least 4 to 6 weeks before a trip outside the United States. At this visit you can go over your travel plans, get advice about specific health issues, and discuss vaccines that are recommended for the area you will be visiting. ...

  6. 'Birth tourism': US steps up scrutiny of pregnant visa applicants

    The US Department of State has unveiled new rules to deter pregnant women from travelling to the US to give birth. The policy takes effect on Friday and is intended as a crackdown on what is known ...

  7. Can You Fly When Pregnant? Airline Policies, Risks, Tips

    Most airlines in the United States allow pregnant women to fly domestically in their third trimester before the 36th week. Some international flights restrict travel after 28 weeks. Flying isn't ...

  8. Can Pregnant Women Travel to the United States?

    Following the Department of State's amended regulations addressing birth tourism in January 2020, questions continue to be raised whether a pregnant woman may travel to the U.S. on a valid B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa for the sole purpose of giving birth regardless of whether she was issued the B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa prior to the new

  9. Pregnant Travelers

    Over-the-counter drugs and nondrug remedies can help a pregnant person travel more comfortably. For instance, pregnant people can safely use a mild bulk laxative for constipation. ... Pregnant people may choose to receive any of the COVID-19 vaccines authorized or approved for use in the United States; the ACIP does not state a preference ...

  10. What To Know About Travel During Pregnancy

    Tips for traveling while pregnant. When you're traveling during pregnancy, you should always be prepared for a medical emergency. Dr. Ekman shares a few safety precautions that you should follow ...

  11. US imposes new 'birth tourism' visa rules for pregnant women

    23 Jan 2020. President Donald Trump 's administration on Thursday published new visa rules aimed at restricting "birth tourism", in which women travel to the United States to give birth so ...

  12. US imposes visa rules for pregnant women on 'birth tourism'

    Published 1:03 PM PDT, January 23, 2020. WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is imposing new visa rules aimed at restricting "birth tourism," in which women travel to the United States to give birth so their children can have U.S. citizenship. The regulations, which take effect Friday, address one of President Donald Trump's main ...

  13. Air travel during pregnancy: Is it safe?

    Answer From Mary Marnach, M.D. Generally, air travel before 36 weeks of pregnancy is considered safe for people who aren't dealing with any pregnancy problems. Still, if you're pregnant, it's a good idea to talk with your health care provider before you fly. Your provider might suggest that you not fly if you have certain pregnancy ...

  14. Flying while Pregnant

    Rotating and flexing your ankles while sitting in your seat will help with swelling. If you're prone to morning or motion sickness, ask your doctor about nausea remedies. We want to make sure that you can travel the world no matter what phase of life you're in. So, we've gathered all our best tips, tricks, and advice for flying while ...

  15. US issues new rules restricting travel by pregnant foreigners ...

    US issues new rules restricting travel by pregnant foreigners, fearing the use of 'birth tourism'

  16. US Imposes Visa Rules for Pregnant Women on 'Birth Tourism'

    The Trump administration on Thursday published new visa rules aimed at restricting "birth tourism," in which women travel to the U.S. to give birth so their children can have a coveted U.S ...

  17. Flying While Pregnant? Check Out the Policies on 25 Global Airlines

    After 37 weeks, pregnant women will not be allowed to travel. For multiple pregnancies, a certificate is required between the 29th and 32nd week; after that, women will not be allowed to travel. The medical certificate must include the following: Be issued and signed by a doctor or midwife.

  18. Pregnancy Travel Tips: Is It Safe to Travel While Pregnant?

    What do pregnant women need to know about travel and the Zika virus? In 2015 and 2016, there were outbreaks of Zika — a virus spread by infected mosquitoes that, in pregnant women, can cause birth defects, including microcephaly — in the Western hemisphere, particularly in Brazil. Since then, however, the number of Zika cases worldwide has ...

  19. 15 Tips for Traveling While Pregnant

    Stay Hydrated. In the same vein of being mindful about your health and wellness, drink lots of water so you stay hydrated. Dehydration can make you feel unwell and put you at risk for pre-term ...

  20. Pregnant? Read this before you travel.

    Do not travel to areas with a Zika outbreak (red areas on the Zika map ). Before travel to other areas with risk of Zika (purple areas on the Zika map), pregnant women should talk with their doctors and carefully consider risks and possible consequences of travel. If you must travel to these areas, talk to your doctor first and strictly follow ...

  21. usa

    Although there are no specific regulations prohibiting pregnant foreign nationals from entering the U.S., entry is allowed or denied at the discretion of the admitting U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer. If the CBP Officer determines that you are likely to become a ward of the government (meaning that the government must provide ...

  22. Can Pregnant Women Travel to the United States?

    Following the Department of State's amended regulations addressing birth tourism in January 2020, questions continue to be raised whether a pregnant woman may travel to the U.S. on a valid B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa for the sole purpose of giving birth regardless of whether she was issued the B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa prior to the new regulations taking effect or afterwards.

  23. Travelling while pregnant

    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.

  24. Woman Traveling While Pregnant Won't Go Through Scanners, So This ...

    Let us know via [email protected] and your story could be featured on Newsweek. Start your unlimited Newsweek trial A stock image of a pregnant woman with her hand on the hand of suitcase while ...

  25. Can Ozempic make you fertile, pregnant? It's happening to some women

    Women are getting pregnant, in most cases unintentionally, they say, while taking weight loss medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro, despite being on birth control or dealing with years of ...

  26. Women with pregnancy complications may be able to lower future

    Women with a history of adverse pregnancy outcomes are at higher risk for future cardiovascular disease. But lifestyle and other changes can reduce that risk, new research suggests. ... please contact a qualified health care professional immediately. If you are in the United States and experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or call for ...

  27. Study Shows Pregnancy Can Temporarily Age Cells, With Potential ...

    The investigation into the biological aging process, which tracks changes in human DNA over time, points to pregnancy as an event that can age a woman's cells equivalently to the strain of ...

  28. Missouri law prevents divorce during pregnancy

    In the US, the domestic violence hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). In the UK, call the national domestic abuse helpline on 0808 2000 247, or visit Women's Aid .

  29. Taty'ana Zakiyyah: Virginia murder suspect arrested after woman's ...

    Manhunt underway for suspect in the murder of a pregnant woman. In a separate development, law enforcement officials are actively pursuing Troy Cornelius Wells following the issuance of warrants ...

  30. A London court will rule on whether WikiLeaks founder Assange can

    A London court is due to rule whether WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange can challenge extradition to the United States on espionage charges. ... Pregnant Amish woman was shot in head, 3-year-old ...