Trish gets into all things travel during pregnancy - whether you’re dreaming of a babymoon, heading out for work, or visiting family. Traveling while pregnant is a whole different ballgame, but don’t worry, Trish has got you covered with safety tips, airline and cruise policies, packing must-haves, and hacks to keep nausea and exhaustion at bay. Let’s make your journey as comfy and stress-free as possible!

What’s Inside:

• Is It Safe to Travel? Most pregnancies are good to go up to 36 weeks if uncomplicated, but always check with your doctor.
• Airline & Cruise Rules: Cruises often cut off at 24-28 weeks (shocking, right?) and may need a doctor’s note. Domestic flights usually allow travel up to 36 weeks, but international ones might stop at 28-32 weeks. Get a “fit to fly” note just in case, and call ahead!
• Fly or Drive? Flying’s faster with easy bathroom access, but security and tight spaces can be a drag. Driving gives you control and flexibility, but long sits can mean back pain and boredom. Pro tip: Stop every 1-2 hours to stretch, and wear compression socks to keep swelling and clot risks down.
• Nausea Hacks: If you’re dry-heaving at 30,000 feet (been there!), try acupressure wristbands, ginger chews, or peppermint oil to fight smells. Keep protein snacks like almonds or peanut butter crackers handy—low blood sugar makes nausea worse. And hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
• Packing Essentials: Overpacking is self-love, mamas! Bring prenatal records (past 25 weeks), compression socks, a water bottle, snacks, a belly band, supportive shoes, and a lumbar pillow.
• Comfort Tips: On planes, snag an aisle seat to move every hour and use a foot sling. For cars, recline slightly with a cushion and crack the window for nausea. Keep seatbelts low across hips, not your bump.
• When NOT to Travel: High-risk conditions like placenta previa or preterm labor risk? Stay put. Bleeding, cramping, or less baby movement? Nope, don’t go. Far from good hospitals? Not worth it. Always talk to your provider if you’re unsure.

You don’t have to pause life because you’re pregnant - just plan smart! Pack snacks, stay hydrated, move often, and advocate for your comfort. You’re a superhero growing a human, so give yourself grace if travel feels harder than usual. Whether it’s a babymoon or a road trip to grandma’s, you’ve got this!

More from this episode:

• Third Trimester Prep Pack
• Staying Comfortable Traveling while Pregnant: What To Expect And How To Stay Safe
• Foot Sling for Air Travel
• Vitamin B6 for nausea: Take 50mg morning and evening (always confirm with your doc).
• Amazon Shopping list

Helpful Timestamps:

• 01:22 Is It Safe to Travel While Pregnant?
• 02:51 Airline and Cruise Rules for Pregnant Travelers
• 04:02 Flying vs. Driving: Pros and Cons
• 05:38 Tips for Comfortable Travel
• 07:22 Managing Nausea and Exhaustion
• 12:29 Essential Packing Tips for Pregnant Travelers
• 18:10 When Not to Travel During Pregnancy
• 19:51 Final Thoughts and Resources

Resources:

🎙 FREE Birth Workshop: 3 Secrets to a Confident Birth! 🎙

Want to feel prepared and in control? Watch my free workshop now!

First Trimester Prep Pack

Hey Mama! Welcome back to Pregnancy Unpacked with Trish, your pregnancy bestie. We’re diving into weeks 22-24, where your baby’s hitting papaya size and your bump’s stealing the show! Trish breaks down baby’s big developments, your body’s changes, and the emotional weight of this in-between season. You’re carrying a lot, but you’re not alone - let’s unpack it together!

What’s Happening with Baby

• Size: Baby’s about the size of a papaya (~11-12 inches, ~1.5 pounds).
• Development: Lungs are producing surfactant, key for breathing at birth. Eyelids are opening, eyelashes are forming, and baby’s hearing is sharp—reacting to your voice or loud noises. Movements are getting stronger, with a unique rhythm starting to emerge.
• Cool Moment: Trish shares a sweet memory of her son Grayson startling during an ultrasound—proof of that magical connection!

What’s Happening with You

• Physical Changes: Your uterus is ~2 cm above your belly button, stretching ligaments and causing round ligament pain, lower back aches, or sciatica. Braxton Hicks might be noticeable (see Episode 105 for details). Shortness of breath, increased discharge (normal unless foul-smelling), and insane hunger are common.
• Digestive Issues: Bloating, gas, or reflux? Try papaya enzymes, stay hydrated, and eat balanced meals. Check with your provider for gas pain relief.
• Sleep Struggles: Feeling tired but not sleeping? Grab a pregnancy pillow (linked in Trish’s Amazon shop below).
• Emotional & Mental Load: Feeling resentful, touched out, or like you’re carrying it all? It’s normal. Have those hard convos with your partner or support system

Appointments & What to Expect

• Monthly provider visits include fundal height checks, Doppler heartbeat monitoring, blood pressure, urine tests, and swelling checks. Discuss cramps, movements, or preterm labor signs.
• If you have cramping, backaches, or pelvic pressure, your provider may run a fetal fibronectin test or refer you to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist. Always call for fluid leaks, bleeding, or intense pressure - you’re advocating, not annoying!

Action Steps for Weeks 22-24:

1. Prep questions for your next provider visit.
2. Track anything weird and call your provider if needed.
3. Observe baby’s movements - get curious, no formal kick counts yet.
4. Start your postpartum support plan (it’s not too early!).
5. Check in with your partner or support person about your emotional and physical needs.

You’re growing a human and showing up for life—that’s superhero stuff, mama!

More from this episode:

• Listen to Episode 105: Here’s How to Understand Real Labor vs False Labor Contractions
• Trish’s Amazon Shop for pregnancy pillows and second-trimester must-haves

More from Pregnancy Unpacked:

• Pregnancy Unpacked Weeks 20-22: Halfway There, But Still In It | 178
• Pregnancy Unpacked Weeks 18-20: Anatomy Scan & The Truth About Bonding | 176
• Pregnancy Unpacked Weeks 16-18: Baby Bumps, Tests, &...

Trish is joined by Megan Heaton from The VBAC Link to discuss the common misconceptions, roadblocks and interventions that women face when attempting a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean). They discuss ridiculous claims made by providers, heard straight from their own communities of mothers, such as the ‘impossibility’ of going into labor naturally, the supposed ‘necessity’ of epidurals, or your pelvis being ‘too small’.

Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cms

Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle!

Trish and Meagan emphasize the importance of patient education, partner support, and trusting the natural birthing process. They also discuss the coercive tactics some medical professionals use and provide empowering advice for navigating these challenges.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone considering or supporting someone through a VBAC journey.

Helpful Timestamps:

• 01:10 Welcoming Meagan from the VBAC Link
• 01:50 Ridiculous Roadblocks for VBAC
• 03:02 The Importance of Positioning During Labor
• 08:03 Epidurals and VBAC: Myths and Realities
• 10:38 The Impact of Fear and Safety on Labor
• 16:04 The Role of Partners in Supporting VBAC
• 18:59 Debunking Myths About Induction
• 21:01 The Reality of VBAC Risks and C-Section Complications
• 23:00 Confronting Medical Authority and Patient Rights
• 25:08 Navigating Hospital Policies and Patient Autonomy
• 26:07 Real-Life VBAC Stories and Hospital Challenges
• 28:31 The Importance of Patient Education and Advocacy
• 31:35 Debunking Myths About Induction and Labor
• 34:04 Conclusion and Resources for VBAC Moms

More from this episode:

National Advocates for Pregnant Women

More from Meagan Heaton:

Listen to The VBAC Link Podcast

TheVBACLink.com

Follow The VBAC Link on Instagram, YouTube, and FaceBook

Resources:

🎙 FREE Birth Workshop: 3 Secrets to a Confident Birth! 🎙

Want to feel prepared and in control? Watch my free workshop now!

First Trimester Prep Pack

Second Trimester Prep Pack

Third Trimester Prep Pack

Listen to the Pregnancy Unpacked Series!

Connect w/ Trish:

On Instagram

On Facebook