By Brogan Stewart, PhD Candidate at Concordia University

Graduate school often overlaps with the time in life when many women begin thinking about or experiencing pregnancy. Yet, I find it is a topic that is surprisingly underdiscussed in academic spaces. When my fiancé, Jeremy, and I decided we were ready to have a child, I was still pursuing my PhD at Concordia University in Montreal. We carefully planned the timing of the pregnancy so that I would be finished with the fieldwork component of my research. That way I would be available for the onslaught of doctor’s appointments that are typical with pregnancy. I also scheduled those appointments with the academic calendar in mind, particularly around the conferences I hoped to attend that year.

Pregnancy shifts your perspective – suddenly, it’s not just about you anymore. At the same time, you are trying not to lose the parts of yourself that bring you joy and purpose. For me, that meant finding a way to attend an international conference, something I genuinely enjoy, while also prioritizing comfort for both me and my growing son. I comfortably (for the most part) attended the International Primatological Society (IPS) conference in Malaysian Borneo in August 2023 while I was five to six months pregnant. I would like to share some insights, advice and key takeaways from my experience.  

Before I get into the specifics, I would like to sincerely thank the Quebec Centre for Biodiversity Science (QCBS) for supporting my attendance at this conference. Their assistance allowed me to present my work, meet inspiring researchers with similar interests, and gain valuable insights that have helped shape the next steps of my academic journey. I appreciate their support in helping young researchers grow, but also in empowering me as I navigate this new chapter as a mother.  

Quick disclaimer, the content of this post reflects my personal experiences and what worked for me regarding conference travel during pregnancy. Everyone’s pregnancy journey is unique, and what felt right or manageable for me may not be appropriate for another. While I’m happy to share tips and insights, please remember that this is not medical advice. If you are pregnant and considering travel, always check in with your healthcare provider and prioritize their guidance over any suggestions offered here. 

Before booking a flight for that international conference, I would recommend first gaining a sense of how your pregnancy will be. I was one of the extremely fortunate people to experience minimal discomfort during my pregnancy – aside from fatigue during my first trimester and being uncomfortable at the end of my third trimester, I felt remarkably well. In fact, I loved being pregnant and found it to be an enjoyable and positive experience. However, that is not the case for everyone. For instance, one of my best friends, Brittany, experienced severe and persistent nausea throughout all trimesters of her pregnancy and required medication to manage it. Prior to witnessing her experience, I had not realized such a level of discomfort was even possible. Had I been in her situation, I doubt I would have felt comfortable leaving my home, let alone the country. There was a conference I had initially considered attending during my first trimester, but I ultimately chose to participate online. I did not want to take the financial risk of travelling only to potentially spend the entire time sick and confined to a bathroom.

I intentionally scheduled my international conference trip to take place during my second trimester, often referred to as the “honeymoon trimester.” In the end, I am very happy that I made this decision. Although I continued to feel well into my third trimester, the physical changes during that stage—particularly increased size and difficulty finding comfortable positions—can make travel more challenging. These discomforts are not ideal when sitting for extended periods, whether in folding chairs at a conference or on long flights. Additionally, it is important to note that some airlines have restrictions for allowing passengers in their third trimester to board, as a precaution against the possibility of going into labor during the flight. Something worth considering during the planning process!

When booking a hotel or private rental accommodation, I recommend allowing for an additional day or two both before and after the conference for rest and recovery. While traveling to Borneo, I encountered a health issue that required medical attention (unrelated to the pregnancy). As a result, my first day was spent navigating the local healthcare system and recuperating. Had I not scheduled that buffer time, I would have missed one or more days of the conference—the primary purpose of my trip. I also found myself extremely fatigued once the conference was finished. I was grateful to have planned a few days of downtime before my next flight. In addition, I prioritized accommodations with a large, comfortable bed since quality sleep is essential. It is important to remember that you are not only presenting research and engaging in academic exchange but also growing an entire human. This is not the time to take the budget route. Finally, I ensured our accommodation was located near a variety of dining options. My food preferences changed significantly during pregnancy, shifting from a preference for salty foods to a strong craving for sweets. Having a range of cost-effective, walkable food choices made a meaningful difference in both comfort and convenience (and my cravings).

When it came to packing, I prioritized loose or stretchy clothing that allowed room for growth. My baby bump grew noticeably over the course of the trip, and I was glad to have brought outfits that accommodated those changes. Exploring the local maternity shops was also fun; I found the prices to be more affordable than those at home. Appropriate footwear was essential as well. I tend to walk a great deal while traveling, and this trip was no exception. I made sure to bring only shoes that fit well and were comfortable enough for extended walking distances—there was no reason to pack dress shoes or styles that were too thin. I prioritized function over fashion for this trip, and I was very happy with that decision. While I always travel with a reusable water bottle, it was especially important during this trip to stay properly hydrated. I also packed snacks for the flight and continued to purchase more once I arrived. During pregnancy, I found that my hunger could shift from nonexistent to intense very quickly, so having snacks on hand was key to managing those sudden changes and avoiding irritability (which my friends appreciated).

I have traveled alone in the past, but since I was pregnant, it felt especially important to have trusted friends nearby for the majority of the trip. While nothing went wrong, I recognized that in the event something did—whether at the hotel or in public—having someone I trust present could make a world of difference, especially if medical attention were needed. Although I flew alone, I felt comfortable doing so, as airports and planes are highly staffed and well-equipped for medical support if necessary. I shared a rental accommodation with a fellow lab member from Concordia, and one of my closest friends, Emma, joined me for the latter part of the trip. Even though there were no complications, simply having her there provided a sense of security for both myself and my son. Beyond that, sharing the experience with her made the trip infinitely more enjoyable. We even made a pact: if she ever decides to have a baby, we will plan a second-trimester adventure together as well!

It is absolutely essential to have medical insurance that covers the full duration of your trip and that covers pregnant women. As mentioned earlier, I visited a walk-in clinic shortly after arriving in Borneo. Although the medical issue was unrelated to the pregnancy, both the physician and I wanted to ensure the baby was healthy. An ultrasound and several additional tests were conducted, all of which confirmed that everything was progressing normally—an outcome that significantly contributed to both my recovery and peace of mind. This was all covered by the travel insurance that I purchased. I typically choose Blue Cross for travel insurance, especially since at that time they fully covered pregnant women (until a certain week), whereas some insurance companies did not. If you think your credit card offers travel coverage, I strongly recommend calling to verify the details. For example, my credit card only insures the first eight days of a trip.

One thing I could have done more consistently during the trip was to be more open about my pregnancy. It is perfectly acceptable—and often beneficial—to let others know that you are expecting. Doing so can help if you find yourself in need of assistance or feeling uncomfortable, and it also allows those you meet and build connections with to share in the excitement of this significant life event. For example, if you require a seat at a crowded conference session, do not hesitate to politely inform someone nearby. On my return flight home, I notified the airline of my pregnancy in advance, which helped me secure a window seat to manage my motion sickness. There is a reason pregnant individuals are often given priority—your body is doing something truly remarkable, and it is absolutely okay to advocate for your comfort and well-being.

One aspect I would approach differently in future pregnant travel plans is ensuring that all accommodations have air conditioning—particularly when visiting tropical or extremely hot destinations. While I was generally comfortable throughout the trip, we did stay in one location where temperatures reached approximately 40°C, with intense humidity. In that environment, I began to feel overheated, which is said to be unsafe during pregnancy for the developing baby. I had to find alternative ways to stay cool. That was the only moment during the entire trip when I felt genuine concern for my son’s well-being.

With all of that in mind, the most important piece of advice is to listen to your body and your baby. If you are feeling unwell, fatigued, or simply off, the best thing you can do is pay attention to those signals. It is completely acceptable to take time for yourself to rest and recharge. I was fortunate to feel energetic and generally great during my second trimester, but even then, I often found myself exhausted by 9 p.m. and I knew that late nights out with friends were not realistic. Ultimately, only you can determine what is right for you during this time, and listening to both your own needs and those of your baby is essential.

Summary: Top Tips for Travelling to a Conference While Pregnant

1. See how your unique pregnancy will be before committing to travel.
2. Aim to travel during the second trimester.
3. When booking accommodations, allow extra days before and after the conference, and prioritize comfort over cost. 
4. Consider travelling with a trusted friend.
5. Purchase travel insurance that includes pregnancy-related coverage. 
6. Do not hesitate to inform others that you are pregnant.
7. Confirm that your accommodations have AC if travelling somewhere hot or tropical. 
8. Listen to your body and your baby. 

I hope this post has been helpful in guiding your decision about whether to attend an international conference during pregnancy, or in offering some practical tips on how to prepare for one. One realization that only truly registered for me after giving birth is how much more difficult it is now to travel far from home and be away from my baby for an extended period of time. It was not something I had fully considered beforehand, which makes me especially grateful that I took the opportunity to attend a conference that was further away while I was still pregnant.

Congratulations on your pregnancy! Whether you choose to travel or not, trust that the decision you make is the right one because it is grounded in what feels best for you and your baby. There is no one-size-fits-all approach; respecting your own circumstances and trusting your instincts is what truly matters.