Once you have made the decision to move to a new destination you will need to do some preliminary research and planning. Is there adequate maternity care in your new location and is it located near to where you will be living? Will you have to pay for appointments, or can they be covered with insurance? How far in advance do you need to make your appointments? Will there be language barriers? 

Does your new location differ culturally from where you are now? Discover cultural differences in raising a baby across a number of locations in the world.

Having plans set in place can help to keep stress at a minimum allowing you to focus on being well in your pregnancy. Planning can be made for after the birth too - are there childcare facilities nearby? Are there play groups to join? What is the local school like? All of these things are important factors in ensuring yours and your child’s happiness in the future. 

During a pregnancy there are certain stages when it is safe to travel by air. Passengers past 28 weeks of pregnancy may need a letter from a doctor or midwife confirming that they are safe to travel abroad by plane. Many airlines will not allow passengers who are over 37 weeks pregnant to travel. The safest times during pregnancy to fly are before 37 weeks, if pregnant with one baby or before 32 weeks if you are pregnant with twins. 

It is essential that you speak to your dedicated pregnancy medical professional about your plans before you book your ticket. 

Before you move, you should schedule an appointment with a doctor or specialist for when you arrive.

Some locations require people to take a vaccine to enter the country. If you are moving somewhere that requires you to have one, check if they are suitable for pregnancy. Some anti-malaria tablets, for example, aren’t safe to take while pregnant, and some vaccines that use live bacteria or viruses also are not recommended.

It is now time to think practically about your child being born in your new location - how do you register their birth? Will they hold dual nationality? Do you need to complete specific documentation for this? These are all things you need to know and plan for. 

It is also important that as an expecting parent, you are not isolated and have a support network in your new destination. Search for prenatal classes, support groups, parent and child groups and get in touch to find out about how you can join.

With the right support and plan, moving abroad while pregnant should be smooth sailing for you and your baby. 

At Allianz Care, our international health insurance with maternity benefits can provide flexible maternity cover protecting your family as it grows. Discover more.