14 Travel Essentials During Pregnancy

Good to Know

• 4.6 star rating

• 20 – 30 mmHG

Wearing compression socks during pregnancy may help reduce swelling, pain and varicose veins, improving blood vessel functionality. This pair provides graduated compression from the ankle that lessens toward the sock opening. Extra support is incorporated into the sole for additional comfort. Even when not pregnant, compression socks are a travel essential for many, especially when the trip requires long hours on a plane or in a car.

What People Are Saying

“They’re super comfy and fit perfect. Thick without being hot. They’re a little bit long on me but I’m short so all long socks are.”

Good to Know

• 4.5 star rating

• Jersey fabric cover

Boppy makes various pillows that offer more to moms than just nursing support. This small pillow is ideal for tossing in a suitcase to help you sleep better or ride comfortably on a plane. Firm foam provides excellent support, whether for your bump when sleeping on the right or left side or for cushion between the knees. Angle support also makes it suitable for posture and hip alignment while sitting. I can’t live without my support pillows.

What People Are Saying

“I used this wedge every day of my pregnancy. It was the exact support I needed for my work-from-home chair and I took it on airplanes and car rides throughout all my trimesters. So helpful to have something that fits so easily in a travel tote but provides tons and support and pain relief.”

Good to Know

• 4.2 star rating

• Mostly cotton

Yoga pants are a go-to travel outfit staple. If paying attention at the airport, you’ll notice a wealth of people sporting this once-athletic clothing article. But no, people, including myself, wear these almost daily. Yoga pants are comfortable while traveling pregnant and also look nice with a long tunic or cardigan. Motherhood has a decent selection of maternity yoga pants, like this pair which includes a secure fit belly and boot cut around the ankle. Mostly cotton, with just a little spandex and nylon, these jersey knit pants are machine washable and sleek.

What People Are Saying

“I never write reviews, but I just had to for these pants!! They are seriously the best thing ever. The perfect stretchy material, so comfy, and I quite possibly may never take them off.”

Good to Know

• 4.3 star rating

• Lightweight

I’ve pretty much lived in slip-on shoes throughout my pregnancy. L.L. Bean is often my go-to for footwear because their shoes typically last a long time. I like these slip-ons because they are stretchy, ultra-lightweight, and don’t constrict the ankle. But most important is this shoe’s backing because you don’t want to lose footing while pregnant. Backless shoes don’t work for me even on a good day. And when going through TSA, slip-ons are seriously the best!

What People Are Saying

“These shoes are amazing. I ordered a second pair. They are cushioned, but not as big as a tennis shoe. They are dressier than a tennis shoe, and still provide comfort when walking on vacation.”

Good to Know

• 4.5 star rating

• Sweat-free exterior powder coat

Whether on the road or flying, keeping a water bottle on hand is essential, especially for pregnant women. Hydroflask is a double-wall, vacuum-insulated vessel that can keep water cold for 24 hours. So after making it through TSA, stop by a restaurant for a cup of ice water, dump it in, and it will be good to go for quite some time. The lid is leakproof, preventing potential messes — just ensure it’s fully closed to be effective. Made of stainless steel, you’ll get durability and the taste of just water alone. Materials are also BPA-free and dishwasher-safe.

What People Are Saying

“Absolutely love this new style of hydroflask. It’s a lot easier to hold compared to the old 32 oz I have. Love the color so much.”

Good to Know

• 4.7 star rating

• Non-sticky

According to Healthline, pregnancy increases skin sensitivity, so you should definitely stock up on sunscreen. They also advised avoiding oxybenzone while providing a list of recommended picks for pregnancy sunscreen. This mineral-based zinc oxide and titanium dioxide option stood out because it’s SPF 50 and can stand up to water for 80 minutes. Even if you are outside briefly, it’s still important to protect exposed skin with sunscreen.

What People Are Saying

“Love this sunscreen for me and my daughter. We never get burnt with it and it doesn’t have any toxic chemicals in it.”

Good to Know

• 4 star rating

• Eight pouches total

For those not used to taking pills daily, getting into the habit of taking your prenatal vitamins can be somewhat tricky. When traveling, things get even more hectic. Try utilizing a pill organizer — and no, you don’t have to go with the plastic blue rectangle container your grandmother used to use. This adorable, printed eight-piece set from Ulta features seven small patches for each day of the week. An additional pouch is available for storing extras. It’s not a bad idea to bring physician-approved painkillers you may also need. Just for fun, I’m linking my favorite prenatal vitamin from Thrive Market.

What People Are Saying

“This pill pouch and little pill bags reusable are the cutest and also most functional for travel. I highly recommend. I love it!”

Good to Know

• 4.6 star rating

• Natural

Nausea tends to be most prevalent in the first trimester, but it can extend throughout the entire pregnancy for some women. I’ve learned to always keep something minty on hand in case I start to feel unwell. Pink Stork has nausea lozenges made with simple ingredients like peppermint, and they also offer a dose of vitamin B6. Each is individually wrapped, so tossing a few in your purse is easy. We also like having sparkling water packs specifically for nausea on hand, from Sparkling Mama.

What People Are Saying

“Morning sickness and nausea can be so rough during pregnancy and I was blown away at how much these help! They are all natural and taste good!”

Good to Know

• 5 star rating

• Pocket size

Keeping track of your food during pregnancy can not only help you evaluate nutrients you may need more of but can also help you avoid the bad. By the time I consume all of the dairy, fruits, veggies, protein and grains I need daily, there’s not much room for anything else. I keep a food log, and every time I write something down, I get a clear overview of what I’ve eaten and what I might need to eat next. Consider keeping a food log on hand while traveling so you know you are still meeting yours and baby’s needs, while still enjoying local flavors. What we love about this one is that it’s small enough to fit into a purse.

What People Are Saying

“Love that it fits in my purse, so I can keep up with my food plans!“

Good to Know

• 4.5 star rating

• 12 pouches

There are a lot of useful tips out there for snacking while traveling pregnant. This includes bringing your own snacks, avoiding salty foods and more. Dried fruit, such as unsweetened apricots from Thrive Market, can be an energy-boosting and satisfying pick-me-up between meals. Nuts also provide essential nutrients while also satisfying with healthy fats and proteins. Daily Crunch almonds are soaked and sprouted, giving them a ridiculously tasty crunch even more than roasted nuts. They are nutritionally dense and easy to digest. Throw a few snack packs in your bag, and be sure to be mindful of those around you who may have allergies.

What People Are Saying

“The crunch is real and not too salty, the way I like it.”

Good to Know

• 4.8 star rating

• UPF protection

One of the most fun things about being pregnant is buying clothing that complements that adorable baby bump! That being said, picking out cute swimsuits might be the most fun. Old Navy has a surprisingly vibrant and affordable selection of maternity items, including swimsuits! This precious two-piece is far more convenient than a one-piece, especially considering you’re probably making way more trips to the bathroom. Built-in UPF sun protection assists in shielding sensitive skin, and the overall design keeps comfort as the focus.

What People Are Saying

“So comfy lots of room for belly to grow and I love the pattern! True to size too!”

Good to Know

• 4.7 star rating

• Hydrating

Some women have smoother, glowing skin during pregnancy, while others might suffer from acne. Your dermatologist may recommend something more specific, but in general, having a good cleanser to take with you on a trip will help keep things under control. Keep in mind you can’t bring this 5-ounce bottle in your carry-on unless you transfer some product into a smaller TSA-approved bottle. Honest Company uses clean ingredients like chamomile and calendula extracts while being sensitive skin friendly. While it does cleanse, it’s incredibly gentle and hydrating, so the skin doesn’t feel tight and dry. Always check with your doctor before using a new product.

What People Are Saying

“I bought this from Ulta and it is so nice. My fave felt so clean and smooth afterwards without feeling dry. A new face wash fav!”

Good to Know

• 4.4 star rating

• Dermatologist tested

Belly butter is designed to help fight the effects your stretching belly can have on the skin. Honest Company also has an option that’s made with naturally derived, dermatologist-tested ingredients. Expect hydration to last up to 24 hours. This is not a travel-size container, so you will need to place some in a smaller bottle if wanting to carry it on a plane. Honest Company does offer travel sizes in a variation of their other products.

What People Are Saying

“Love love love!! Most amazing product ever. Feels silky and smooth and buttery. Easy and smooth to rub on. Already purchasing my second one a month later.”

Good to Know

• 5 star rating

• Cotton

Having a shirt that announces that baby is on board can be a fun addition, whether you’re announcing your pregnancy on a big family trip or just using it as a reminder that you need to take it easy at that family reunion. Walmart has many options, but you can probably find some clever choices at Amazon, Etsy or other online stores. This shirt is made of cotton, which is perhaps a good thing because one review says it seemed to run large. However, in the description, it’s mentioned to run small. Always check your measurements before ordering.

What People Are Saying

“It’s too big, but hopefully I’ll grow into it the next few months!!”