Many women have doubts about flying during pregnancy. Numbers of questions come into picture. Is it safe to fly during this time? Will it harm the baby? Will it affect the cycle of pregnancy? What if it is time for labour while flying?
Usually, flying when pregnant is quite safe and it has nothing to do with the mother or baby as long as it is a normal pregnancy.
Although there is not much risk in flying during the pregnancy cycles, yet minimum guidelines have been prepared for the safety purpose. These guidelines clearly mentions of who are and who are not eligible for flying during pregnancy.
Generally, women who have a healthy and normal pregnancy are free to fly as they want. However, it is not advisable to fly after the 36th week of the pregnancy. Different airlines have different regulations for pregnant women.
Some may not allow you to travel when your due date is just a month away while some may not allow when it is just a week away.
So it is necessary to make your travel plans after consulting your ticket agent. These are some of the things the agents usually don’t say unless you ask them.
Irrespective of the pregnancy stage, it is recommended to consult your health care provider before you make any travel plans.
Sometimes, it is good to have a note from the doctor mentioning that there is no risk with your flying during pregnancy.
This is important when you are in the third trimester of your pregnancy. Though it is not required always but it is always better to move with precautions!
Flying in the earlier stages of pregnancy is safe. But this is the time when the early symptoms of pregnancy are active.
There is the risk of these symptoms becoming worse. You have to make sure that you have extra sick bags nearby. If you are traveling with slight cold and fever, it may become a problem when you are at a higher altitude in air.
Flying during pregnancy is actually comfortable during the second trimester. By this time, the early symptoms like morning sickness, vomiting, nausea, etc are gone.
Risk of miscarriage is also lowered and going for a preterm labour’s chance is also reduced. However the point of concern here is the body circulation.
Problems in circulation are quite common among pregnant women and while flying, there is maximum chance of blood clotting. Care can be taken by wearing loose and comfortable clothes and compression stockings.
It is also important to take plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated and avoid sitting with crossed legs. It is also advisable to keep moving in the aisle every hour and stretch hands and feet time to time.
If the seat next to you is empty, then lie down comfortably on both the seats and enjoy the extra space! These are some of the simple measures that can be taken so as to have a happy flying.
Flying during pregnancy becomes uncomfortable as the belly grows with the baby growing inside. However, airline seats are not that famous for providing comfort. In that case, do ask for a seat with some extra space.
Aisle seats are usually recommended to be used while flying for they have that extra spacing. Even emergency row seats can do that but they cannot be used by a pregnant lady because people seated here need to lift the plane door and help the flight crew when necessary.
Update on Aisle seats: Why you really don’t want to sit in the aisle seat (foxnews)
It is not possible for a pregnant woman to carry out all these tasks. Due to this, the Federal Aviation Administration has clearly specified that this area should not be occupied by pregnant women.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommends that pregnant women are required to keep their seatbelt on so as to avoid any risk.
Flying during pregnancy, especially in third semester is safe as long as you are not near to the due date. It is advisable to carry all your medical records and check for your health insurance.
Also you may have a medical contact at your destination in case you are required to go for an early labour. If you experience some kind of pain, do inform the flight crew so that they can have an emergency landing.
Health issues are of more concern while flying during pregnancy. Make sure you don’t travel with any risks or complications like cardiovascular problems, uncontrolled diabetes, placental abnormalities, etc.
Also make sure that you have taken all the care and preventive measures before flying. Now pack your bags and enjoy one more travel before the baby comes!