So are you pregnant and wondering if you can still get to a plane for beach holidays or important work trip? Good news! Most medical experts and sites agree that the flight during pregnancy is generally safe for women with simple pregnancies. Here are the straight events about taking in the sky while you wait.
The actual agreement on the flight while pregnant
The healthiest pregnant women can fly absolutely. Here you need to know:
- The sweet spot for flight is during your second quarter (14-28 weeks). Fortunately, this is when you probably feel less like rubbish (or at least less as we should every 5 minutes)
- Most airlines will not allow you to travel after 36 weeks for singles and 32 weeks for twins, but this is mainly because they are afraid that you are going to give birth to the boat and upset the beverage service. “Ladies and gentlemen. We will suspend our beverage service as one has a baby in the series 27.”
- If you are the last 28 weeks, many airlines want a doctor’s note by essentially saying “yes, it is pregnant, not going to pop and it is good to go”. Check the policy of this airline before booking so that you do not get trapped in an embarrassing airport stance.
Wait, but what about radiation?
Some pregnant women are worried about exposure to cosmic radiation during flights. According to medical experts, radiation from casual air travel is not enough to hurt your baby. We’re talking about a minimal report here-as less than you will get from a chest x-ray. Now, if you are a pilot or stewardess that is constantly in the air, this is a different story and is worth discussing with your doctor. But for your typical holiday or business trip? It is not worth losing sleep.
International against domestic flights
Do you plan to launch internationally? Keep in mind that different countries have different healthcare systems and insurance requirements. Some travel insurance contracts have specific pregnancy clauses, so read this delicate printing before booking your exotic Babymoon. Also, check that there are illness epidemics or vaccine requirements in your destination – some vaccines are not recommended during pregnancy.
suggests keeping your travel plans closer to your home in your third trimester. Not because the flight itself is dangerous, but because it is in premature work in a country where you do not speak your language and your safety does not work is … underlying.
When you may not have to fly
Some situations where your doctor may give you the side eye for the flight:
- If you had bleeding problems
- If you rock high blood pressure or other health concerns
- If you are carrying multiples
- If you have a history of early work
- If you have placental problems
- If you have severe anemia (low iron can make you more sensitive to fatigue and fainting)
- If you have been diagnosed with preeclampsia
Just check with your doctor before holding this ticket – they know better your condition.
Making your flight less miserable
- The only thing worth mentioning is to be sure to wear your seat belt on the flight, even if you are pregnant. I will go into the security belts in Go Figure. Just make sure it goes under your belly, beyond your hips.
- It is also worth getting up to walk on a flight to reduce swelling and the chance of blood clots – even better to try compression socks. Honestly, we must all wear it, pregnant or not.
- Stay hydrated. The air of the plane is dry AF and dehydration will bring all sorts of unpleasant such as dizziness and headaches. (Of course this means more often – sorry.)
- Try to look as adorable as possible and sweaty both in check-in and boarding-you may be able to score an diaphragm or free Sundae on the flight. This may be your only opportunity to get preferential treatment before the baby comes and you are just another horrible parent traveling with a screaming infant.
Pack like a professional
The NHS and other health authorities recommend that you bring a copy of your medical files and information about your blood type when traveling while you are pregnant, for each case. Also don’t forget to pack:
- Any prenatal vitamins or drugs you take
- Extra snack (I mean, c’mon)
- A bottle of water that you can refill after safety
- Your doctor’s contact details
- Details about healthcare facilities in your destination
The Thrombosis thing of a deep vein thrombosis
DVT (blood clots) is a risk for everyone on long flights, but pregnancy increases this risk. Hopkins Medicine points out that your blood clots are easier when you are pregnant. To reduce your risk:
- These compression socks I mentioned? Not just a fashion statement. They actually help prevent blood concentration on your feet.
- Try to get up and walk the hallway at least once every hour or two.
- If you can’t get up, do some seated exercises (ankle circles, beef increases, foot pumps
- Stay extra hydrated (yes, more bath trips, but better than a blood clot).
The bottom line
Do not let pregnancy automatically consolidate your travel plans. For most people waiting for mothers, the flight is completely safe until the last few weeks. Just do your work on airline policies, chat with your doctor about your particular condition.
With a little programming and the right precautions, you can enjoy one last adventure before your little compatriot arrives.
Also check: Jika Virus & Pregnancy: When are A-Troying Mosquitoes?
Useful reports:
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-Week-by-week/expert-answers/air-travel-during-pregnancy/faq-200580877
- https://travel.gc.ca/travell
- https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/travelling/
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-an
- https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/flying-pregnancy.html
- https://www.medparkhospital.com/en-us/lifestyles/can-you-fly-when-pregnant-is-it-safe
- https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/adivice/general-travel-health-advice/pregnant-travelelers
- https://myhealth.alberta.ca/health/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=HW194989
- https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/travel-during-pactancy
- https://www.united.com/en/ca/fly/travel/accessibility-and-assisionance/pregnancy
