Tips for Travelling by Air During Pregnancy

Finally, the pregnancy test is positive. Another life-changing journey has begun and along with it comes a battery of doubts, questions. A  common question asked is

Can I air travel during pregnancy?

The simple answer is; if the pregnancy is normal and no high-risk factor is there then nothing speaks against it.

Generally all airlines allow air travel till 28 weeks of pregnancy, after that individual airlines have their own policies. Only in few cases flight is banned, this includes:

• Multiple pregnancy.
• Pregnant woman with heart and lung diseases.
• pre eclampsia.
• placenta previa.
• Thrombophilia (tendency of blood to clot.)
• Hemoglobinopathies  (haemoglobin disorder.)

In any case it’s a good idea to discuss with your doctor.

A flight during pregnancy can generally be more strenuous than usual.

In the first trimester pregnant woman generally struggle with nausea, circulatory problems and an increased urge to pass urine frequently.

Most pregnant women feel comfortable in the 2^nd trimester.   Mostly the nausea has disappeared and the body is well adapted for the pregnancy and the belly is not yet too big. This time looks comparatively relaxed and comfortable for air travel without restrictions.

In the 3^rd trimester the time for delivery is getting closer, the belly has grown and becomes a restricting factor even in day to day life and other pregnancy symptoms like swelling in legs and symphysis pain can also occur. As the pregnancy advances travelling becomes increasingly difficult and the  additional risk of going into Labour increases with each week of pregnancy.

Read Blog : How to Increase the Chance of Getting Pregnant

In  3^rd trimester pregnant women should carefully weigh the risk and benefits of air travel and travelling should only be for a reason with consultation of your doctor. If there is a risk of premature birth, bleeding or going into labour your doctor often advise against air travel. The airlines usually follow the I- ATA medical manual in their specifications. This allows flights during pregnancy in generally up to 28 weeks of pregnancy. 28 weeks onwards the Handbook recommends travel only after medical advice from your caretaker or doctor.

Whether it’s first, second or third trimester almost all pregnant woman receive a little special treatment when they are travelling, the flight attendants are usually particularly attentive and some airlines even allow pregnant passengers to priority boarding without any extra charges.

The seat belts must remain closed not only during take-off and landing but also during the entire flight. Seat belts are compulsory for pregnant women as for all other passengers. It should be noted that the belt does not lie over the tummy but under it on the pelvis, this is not only safer but also more comfortable. For more comfortable flights doctors, midwives and flight experts recommend wearing support stockings in addition to comfortable clothing and shoes. They prevent water retention and thrombosis during the flight. Regular drinking stabilizes the circulation and loose-fitting comfortable clothes will make your journey more comfortable.

So dear would-be mums…you can be traveling but with all due precautions and medical advice from your doctor.