Travelling while pregnant and what happens if your baby is born far from home
Lia's Wings supported Luca and his family after he was born early, over 370 miles from home, while his parents were on holiday in Devon.
Many expectant parents plan a trip before their baby arrives, and the second is often the ideal time to travel. Energy levels may be higher, morning sickness may have eased, and the excitement of what’s ahead is growing.
We want you to enjoy your getaway with peace of mind. Here’s what to consider when travelling in the UK while pregnant, and what to do if your baby is born far from home.
If a baby is born early while you’re away
If you give birth whilst you are away from home, you should be able to give birth at a nearby hospital with a maternity unit. Your baby may then need neonatal care at that hospital or a specialist hospital close by. Once your baby is stable, our charity, Lia's Wings, can fly you and your baby by aeroplane to a hospital closer to home.
Lia’s Wings is the only UK air ambulance charity that delivers life-saving services both in the UK and internationally. We have been repatriating babies born prematurely since 2010. We provide a bed-to-bed service, supported by medical teams and specialist equipment, so that there is no pause in your child's care as they travel between hospitals. When we are able to fly, your child depends on their condition and bed availability, but usually it can happen within a few days or weeks.
Our charity's support ensures your baby can access long-term care at your local hospital, and you can be home, surrounded by your support network during your neonatal stay.
A checklist before you travel
Before you set off on your holiday:
☑ Check local healthcare services at your destination in case urgent care is needed.
☑ Bring your maternity medical records or have them on the Badger Notes app so doctors have all the details they need.
☑ Take note of Lia’s Wings contact details just in case you give birth far from home. Families are usually referred to us by NHS teams; however, it can help speed up the process of bringing you home.
