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8 minute read Published on Jul 24, 2026 by BrokerLink Communications
Travelling during pregnancy can be safe for many Canadians, but when you travel, how far you go and your mode of transport matter. It all comes down to your trimester, health profile and insurance coverage. This guide is designed to help you assess the risks, plan smarter and know when to talk to your healthcare provider before you head out on your next adventure.
For most pregnant women, the short answer is yes, car travel is safe throughout your pregnancy. However, being pregnant can change how your body responds to travelling, especially when you add in factors like sitting for long periods, stress and fatigue.
While these factors don’t mean that driving is unsafe, it means you need to be more intentional about how and when you travel. Here’s a quick triage checklist to look over that can help you determine whether or not you should be travelling:
You are considered at low risk of issues if:
You have had no pregnancy complications.
You’ve been cleared to travel by a healthcare provider.
You’re travelling early in your pregnancy.
Your travel destination has reliable access to medical care.
On the other hand, you may want to be wary if:
You have a history of pregnancy complications or preterm labour.
You suffer from severe nausea, dehydration, vision or mobility issues.
Your travel plans fall toward the latter half of your pregnancy.
You have a placenta-related condition.
You’re travelling to a remote destination.
Regardless of what category you fall under, always speak to your health care provider before travelling, ensure you have travel insurance and research Canadian travel advisories before leaving.
A seat belt is one of the most important safety devices in any vehicle. According to Buckle Up for Life, if you are pregnant, you should wear your seat belt as follows:
Seat belts are one of the most effective ways to protect you and your baby in the event of sudden braking or a car crash and correct seat belt placement is essential to ensuring the safety device does what it’s intended to do:
The lap belt should sit low across the hips and pelvic bones (under the belly).
The shoulder belt should run between the chest and along the side of the belly.
Ensure that the belt is snug against you and not twisted.
By positioning your seat belt correctly, you’re actively reducing the risk of injuring your placenta by ensuring crash forces are distributed across your bones, rather than your stomach. Never place the lap belt across or above your belly and never position the shoulder belt behind your back or arms.
When travelling by car, where in the cabin you sit also matters:
If you’re the one driving the vehicle, make sure to:
Sit as far back from the steering wheel as possible while still being able to comfortably reach the gas and brake pedals.
Tilt your steering wheel upward toward your chest, rather than your stomach.
Maintain a minimum distance of about 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in) between the steering wheel and your chest.
If you are seated in the passenger seat:
Recline your chair slightly for comfort, while remaining upright.
Keep your feet flat on the floor, rather than propping them up on the dashboard in front of you.
Your airbags should remain on at all times.
For pregnant women, their travel experience and comfort levels can vary significantly depending on what trimester they are in:
In the first trimester, women can experience morning sickness, dizziness and fatigue. If travelling by car:
Plan shorter drives and remain flexible with your schedule.
Avoid driving when nauseous.
The second trimester is usually when pregnancy side effects tend to taper off and when car travel becomes more comfortable. Pregnant women typically have improved energy levels and their mobility is less restricted. This is the best time to buy long-distance travel, including air travel.
In the third trimester, discomfort and medical conditions can be more common. Pregnant travellers should aim to increase their following distance and sit slightly higher to improve visibility. You may also want to limit long-distance travel closer to your due date.
Pregnancy can increase the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blood clot conditions, especially during long periods of sitting. To keep your blood flowing and reduce the risk of developing blood clots:
Stop regularly (every 1 to 2 hours) to walk and stretch.
Wear comfortable shoes and compression stockings to reduce the risk of blood clots.
Perform calf pumps while sitting.
Drink water and stay hydrated during your pregnancy, even if it means making more frequent stops.
Warning signs of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) include:
Leg pain.
Swelling.
Redness.
If warning signs persist, seek medical care immediately.
Knowing how to manage nausea, fatigue and motion sickness can help your pregnancy go a lot more smoothly. Here's what you should know:
To manage nausea:
Drive during the times of the day when your symptoms are minimal.
Keep snacks, water, crackers and ginger chews in your vehicle.
Avoid strong smells and use fresh air circulation throughout your vehicle cabin.
If you're overly tired:
Avoid driving as fatigue can increase your reaction time.
Share driving responsibilities during long trips.
Take breaks, even when you don’t feel tired.
If you're experiencing motion sickness:
Sit upright in your seat and focus on the horizon.
Avoid reading or using your phone while driving or while in the passenger seat.
Choose a route with fewer curves and turns when possible.
Key takeaway: Listen to your body. Pushing through your discomfort can put you and your baby at risk.
Driving during your pregnancy becomes even more of a risk when you’re travelling during the wintertime in Canada. Common winter risks you need to remain vigilant of include:
Icy roads that increase your vehicle’s stopping distance.
Reduced visibility and unpredictable weather conditions that can increase your risk of collisions, such as fog, hail, heavy rainfall and snow.
To reduce your risks of being in a car accident during your pregnancy:
Install winter tires on your vehicle. These help you maintain traction on the road and improve your stopping distance.
Allow for extra following distance and reduce your speed.
Avoid unnecessary road travel during storms, especially later on in your pregnancy.
If you do plan on long-distance travelling during your pregnancy (by car), planning beforehand is crucial. You may find yourself far away from medical services. So, plan when and where you’re going to stop for gas and take note of the nearest hospital. Additionally, carry warm clothing, snacks, water, a phone charger and basic medical supplies.
Medical emergencies can happen at any time during your pregnancy, especially as you reach your due date. You may find it helpful to carry:
Your prenatal records and a medical summary (paper and digital versions).
Your health care card and photo identification.
Emergency contact information.
If you suffer a medical complication during your car trip, stop travelling and find medical services immediately, especially if you experience contractions, bleeding, severe pain or reduced movement from your unborn baby. You may also wish to travel with a doctor’s note if you are closer to giving birth.
Any car accident during your pregnancy should prompt you to seek medical assistance, regardless of severity. Internal complications or problems with your placenta may not be immediately apparent. Following a collision, you should:
Seek medical attention.
Inform emergency responders that you are pregnant.
Monitor your unborn child.
Before heading out on your next road trip, a little planning can go a long way:
Timing: The middle of your pregnancy is when you’ll feel the most comfortable. Avoid non-essential travel plans closer to your due date.
Routes: Choose main roadways closer to medical facilities if possible.
Accommodations: Look for booking options that are closer to medical care centres and inform friends and family about where you will be staying.
Both driving and being a passenger in a vehicle are generally safe during your pregnancy. But each scenario comes with its own considerations in terms of comfort and safety:
Driving yourself: Gives you more control over the interior cabin environment. You can take breaks when you want, adjust the seat position and respond to how you’re feeling. But it can also be less comfortable for you later on in your pregnancy.
Being a passenger: Gives you more time to rest and conserve your energy, which can be helpful later on in your pregnancy. That said, you may experience more motion sickness and other adverse symptoms when you’re not driving.
Alternating: Alternating between driving and sitting in the passenger seat can help you manage your comfort levels and fatigue.
Certain vehicle features can help you improve your comfort and safety while driving during your pregnancy:
Adjustable lumbar support: This chair feature can reduce lower back strain.
Power adjustable seats: Can make it easier for you to find a comfortable driving position as your mobility becomes more limited.
Heated seats: When used in moderation can help relieve your hip and back pain.
The quality of your cabin air when travelling also matters. Having a clean cabin air filter can help you reduce odours, allergens and fumes that may worsen your symptoms. Finally, when you can, opt for the fresh-air mode on your dashboard.
Before your baby arrives, planning their first car ride can reduce your stress levels and ensure they’re transported home safely. In Canada, infants must ride in a rear-facing car seat that is installed according to both the manufacturer’s instructions and Transport Canada’s regulations.
Most parents will find it helpful to install the car seat and have it inspected a couple of weeks before the due date, rather than leaving it to the last minute.
No rule says when a pregnant person should stop driving. Many pregnant people choose to drive throughout their entire pregnancy. However, if you reach a point where you feel it is unsafe or uncomfortable to drive, you may decide to temporarily stop driving. Ultimately, the decision is yours.
According to the NHS, pregnant people shouldn’t travel for more than 1 to 2 hours at a time without a break. Long-distance travel can increase the risk of blood clots and other medical complications. Wearing compression stockings can help you reduce the risk of blood clots if long-distance travel is unavoidable.
According to the Baby Centre, no, bumpy car rides will not affect your pregnancy. The baby is protected by amniotic fluid and your body.
Here is a quick checklist before your next car trip:
Seatbelt is positioned correctly (lap low, shoulder across chest).
Seat is adjusted for comfort and airbag distance.
Plan breaks every 1 to 2 hours.
Carry medical documents and emergency contacts.
After any collision (minor, moderate or severe), get checked by a medical professional.
Car seat is planned and correctly installed before the delivery date.
Avoid driving when fatigued or unwell.
Take extra caution in winter or on long trips.
To learn more about the potential risks of driving while pregnant and receive even more tips for pregnant car travel, get in touch with BrokerLink today. BrokerLink is one of the leading auto insurance brokerages in Canada. Get in touch with BrokerLink to request your free car insurance quote today!
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