Flying While Pregnant

During pregnancy, a woman may have to travel by air due to some emergency purposes or simply for some pleasure trips. However, there are some suppressed fears that keep doing the rounds in her mind regarding flying while pregnant. Many women fear that their unborn baby may get exposed to harmful radiation of the sun as the plane flies at a height where there is minimum protection from the atmosphere. Theoretically, it sounds quite risky, but so far there is no such scientific evidence available that can prove that these radiations have any adverse effect on the fetus.

Risks Associated With Air Travel Using Pregnancy

Generally, flying while pregnant is considered as safe for majority of women, provided the mother-to-be is having a normal pregnancy. Those women who fall into the category of high risk pregnancy cases should not fly at all. It includes those who are suffering from diabetes, sickle cell disease or hypertension. Others who have some placental abnormalities or have chances of premature labor are also advised not to fly.

In the early stage of pregnancy, that is in the first 12 weeks, the symptoms of pregnancy like morning sickness is likely to worsen further while flying. Even the possibility of miscarriage cannot be ruled out completely. Flying during pregnancy is most comfortable in the second trimester, that is in between 18 to 27 weeks. In some airlines, a pregnant women is not allowed to travel by air after the 36th week of pregnancy, as the possibility of premature labor while traveling is quite high at this stage. There are some airlines who may allow one to fly till seven days before the delivery date. However, doctors often recommend that pregnant women should not fly at all, one month before their due date of delivery. In case a woman is carrying twins, she must stop traveling much before this period.

At any stage of pregnancy, flying may cause circulation problem in women. In a long flight, one has to sit at one place for quite some time which increases the chances thickening of the blood and formation of blood clots. This condition is further aggravated by low fluid intake during the flight which may lead to dehydration. Thus there is a possibility of deep vein thrombosis while flying when pregnant.

Tips for Flying When Pregnant

Here are some valuable tips that can enable you to keep the problems associated with air travel in check and ensure a safe and comfortable journey for you:

• Wear loose fitting clothes that can provide you enough comfort throughout the flight. Wear pressure stockings to maintain the normal blood flowing. Your shoes should have adjustable straps as your feet may get swollen up due to long hours of sitting.
• Eat fresh fruits that are rich in vitamins during your flight. Avoid eating heavy meals as it can cause stomach cramps and pain.
• Drinking of plenty of water is a must in order to prevent dehydration but stay way from alcohol or caffeine beverages.
• While sitting, do not cross your legs. From time to time, get up from your seat and move around. This will prevent the increase of viscosity of the blood and reduce the chances of blood clot formation.
• Try to take as much rest as possible when in the air. However, do not use any sleeping tablets to beat the jet lag. Rather, use of an eye mask and ear plugs are better options to fall asleep.

Flying while pregnant rules mostly vary from airline to airline. While booking the ticket, make sure you inform your ticket agent that you are pregnant and inquire about their restrictions associated with it. Most importantly, consult your doctor before you make any travel plans. Collect a written note from your doctor that says you are fit for flying. There are many airlines who may ask you for this note before they allow you on board.