Air Travel During Pregnancy

December 30, 2022
Queens
Management Pregnancy, Overall Health, Pregnancy, Wellbeing
0

Air travel during the course of pregnancy requires one to be extra cautious. Therefore, if the tropical sun is beckoning to you and your growing tummy, read this post to learn more about some of the key topics that will help you determine if you should travel during pregnancy and whether or not air travel is safe during pregnancy. Additionally, we have discussed the possible reasons not to travel during pregnancy and provide tips on safe air travel.

In this Article

1 Is Air Travel Safe During Pregnancy?
2 Is Air Travel Safe Allowed Pregnancy?
3 Reasons Not To Travel While Pregnant
4 Safe Air Travel During Pregnancy – All You Need To Know
5 In Flight
6 What Are The Risks?
7 Frequently Asked Questions
8 Conclusion

Is Air Travel Safe During Pregnancy?

It is safe for pregnant women to occasionally fly if there are no obstetric or medical issues. Pregnant women can fly safely if they take the same safety procedures as other passengers. Pregnant women should be advised to utilize their seat belts continually when seated because strong air turbulence cannot be expected and the danger of trauma is high should this happen. For women who have obstetric or medical issues that could be made worse by flight or that could necessitate emergency care, flying during pregnancy at any point is not advised. When making travel plans, the flight’s duration should also be taken into account.

Is Air Travel Safe Allowed Pregnancy?

As a general rule, most airlines allow pregnant passengers to fly up until week 36 of their pregnancies, but you should absolutely conduct research before booking your journey to confirm any restrictions. Some ban pregnant passengers from taking foreign flights earlier in the pregnancy, while others demand proof of gestational age. Women should contact each airline directly to learn about their exact rules. Additionally, you should speak with your OB-GYN before departing, particularly if you are more likely to experience pregnancy issues.

Traveling is generally safe up until the final few weeks of pregnancy, but depending on when you decide to plan a vacation and how high-risk your pregnancy is, there are some measures to take.

Here’s all that you need to know about air travel during pregnancy before your plan next vacation

Before you travel

While you may be used to packing only the essentials or organizing a trip on the whim, there is one additional thing you should think about doing before booking a ticket while pregnant: Purchase travel insurance.

You should postpone or cancel your pregnancy travel plans and visit your doctor as soon as possible if there are any changes to the recommended travel restrictions, or if your healthcare provider advises you to stay at home, or if you experience any unsettling symptoms, such as bleeding, abdominal pain, swelling, headaches, vision changes, or decreased fetal movement.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)advises against pregnant women who have certain conditions, such as preeclampsia, premature rupture of the membranes (PROM), or who are at risk of preterm labor, from traveling.

First trimester

Early in pregnancy, flight travel is actually thought to be rather safe. Moreover, your fetus won’t be harmed by metal detectors. The same fundamental safety considerations for air travel apply to pregnant women as they do to the general population. What should pregnant passengers flying in any trimester take special care to avoid? Blood clots, which are 7 times more likely to form in pregnant women, especially on lengthy flights. You can reduce your risk by selecting an aisle seat, getting up and moving around sometimes, and moving your legs and toes while seated.

Additionally, since exhaustion and morning sicknessmay be your two main complaints during the first trimester, you might want to speak with your doctor about bringing anti-nausea medication.

You should give this subject greater thought as the flight distance and distance from the destination increase. During the first few weeks of pregnancy, sickness is frequent. For your comfort, this should also be taken into account before traveling.

One in eight pregnancies ends in miscarriage in the first trimester, with most cases taking place in the first three months. Even if flying during pregnancy doesn’t raise that danger, it should nevertheless be considered when making vacation plans. It is advisable to think about how you would react if this occurred while you were flying or at your destination. It goes without saying that your doctor should be informed of any additional medical conditions you may have.

Second trimester

The three middle months of pregnancy are thought to be the most secure times to travel during pregnancy. Miscarriage risks have decreased, and problems like early labor are rare. Mid-pregnancy (14 to 28 weeks) is the ideal time for air travel, according to the ACOG. These weeks have seen a restoration of your energy, an improvement or disappearance of morning sickness, and continued mobility. It could be more difficult to move or sit for a long period of time after 28 weeks.

Your doctor might advise you to stop traveling sooner owing to the increased risk of difficulties if you are expecting twins or more, have a medical condition or have already experienced pregnancy complications.

Third trimester

The physical strain of bearing the baby grows after the seventh trimester. The likelihood of labor occurring increases with the length of the pregnancy. Because of this, the majority of big airlines won’t allow travel during pregnancy after 34 weeks (including the return flight!). This is due to the lack of obstetric emergency training among cabin crew.

However, if you have a doctor’s certificate stating that there are no complications and stating the expected delivery date and you’re relatively healthy—and not at risk of complications like preterm labor, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or placenta previa then you’re usually OK to opt for a flight travel up until 36 weeks. Carrying twins or having experienced a previous early labor are complications that might limit travel.

Although some OB-GYNs may advise you to stay close to your house at the end in case you run into any difficulties or if your baby arrives earlier than anticipated. To travel near the end of your pregnancy, consult your doctor first.

Reasons Not To Travel While Pregnant

Air travel is not advised after 36 weeks. Patients at high risk may be told to postpone or avoid flying altogether after 24 weeks. It is advised against traveling for pregnant women who are experiencing complications. Additionally, pregnancy and flying is an unsafe combination under the following circumstances exist:

Cervical conditions like an “incompetent cervix“
Uterine bleeding
Multiple pregnancies
Past or present gestational diabetes
Past or present high blood pressure
Past or present pre-eclampsia (a dangerous condition that can occasionally emerge during pregnancy)
Previous or current placental anomalies
Previously miscarried
Ectopic pregnancy
Previous early labor

Additionally, it is advised that you avoid any air travel during pregnancy if you are

35 years of age or older and expecting your first child.
Traveling to a great height (more than 12,000 feet)
To regions experiencing severe disease outbreaks
If live virus vaccines are necessary for travel to your destination

Safe Air Travel During Pregnancy – All You Need To Know

Although it may be safe to travel during pregnancy, it is still however highly advised to visit your doctor and describe the trip details. If your doctor clears you for flying, then take out that diary and make your pregnancy travel plans. But before you do, read the following section which highlights some precautions for before and during your flight travel to stay safe and healthy.

Before Travelling

Medical Kit for Emergencies

Consult your doctor to determine whether you require a medical kit before departing. To ensure that you can access this equipment during the journey, remember to pack it in your carry-on bag.

What might be in your medical kit:

Medications that can be used to treat pregnant symptoms include constipation, Hemorrhoids, thrush, and heartburn.
Oral rehydration solutions for traveler’s diarrhea
Pregnancy-specific multivitamins
Urine dipsticks to monitor blood sugar levels (if required).

Check policies with airlines and insurance providers.

After 36 weeks, airlines discourage travel. Ask your carrier what their guidelines are for flying during pregnancy. Find out if you’ll need a doctor’s note confirming your due date. Examine your health insurance policy as well. What happens if you require medical attention while traveling or give birth there? Do you have coverage?

Check to see if you need a separate policy for coverage abroad if you’re going on a trip. Take into account getting medical evacuation insurance so you can, if necessary, be transported home for treatment.

Get Takeoff Clearance

Consult your doctor for a few weeks (or months, if your air travel involves an international destination) before your vacation. Obtaining takeoff clearance is particularly crucial if you suffer from a persistent medical condition, such as breathing difficulties. Ask about:

Gather information on decompression stockings. Find out if you need to wear them. They are not trendy, no. But they could promote blood flow.
Ask about anti-nausea medications or acupressure bands if you frequently get motion sickness. These bands are not well supported by science. But some individuals find them useful.
Cures for diarrhea and gas as on flights, as the higher altitude can cause intestinal gas to expand and be uncomfortable. Eat nothing gassy before your flight. Traveling abroad could expose you to microorganisms that can cause diarrhea.
Determine whether you require prenatal care at your destination based on the length of the journey. If so, determine who will provide it.

You might need to make a prenatal appointment at your destination in advance depending on your travel arrangements. Learn about the hospitals that are close to the accommodations you will be staying at while traveling. Just in case, get referrals for local medical professionals and hospitals. Your doctor might be able to recommend someone or know a coworker there.
Before you go, find out if you need a flu shot. You might need to be immunized against specific diseases depending on where your final destination is, especially if you’re going internationally.

In Flight

Here are some things to consider while flying during pregnancy:

Fasten Your Seat Belt

Keep your seatbelt secured while flying. Put the buckle low on your hipbones, under your belly. Flight travel can be unpredictable when it comes to intense turbulence, which can result in harm, the ACOG warns. So it’s a good idea to belt up and stay buckled while seated the entire trip.

Stay Hydrated

Drink a lot of water during the flight. Dehydration can lower the amount of blood flowing to the uterus. Low humidity in an airplane’s cabin can make anyone’s nose and throat feel dry. To avoid being dehydrated throughout the journey, make sure to drink enough of water.

Exercise in the air

During a calm flight, your doctor could advise you to move your lower extremities every half an hour or so by wiggling your toes, taking a trip up the cabin, and walking. It will support maintaining blood flow. To increase circulation when seated, flex and extend your ankles.

Best seat on the plane

A seat with an aisle will make it simpler to enter and exit for walks and restroom breaks. The most roomy and feature the most legroom are bulkhead seats, which are positioned directly behind a wall separating the cabins. If you’re worried about a bumpy air travel, try selecting a seat over the wing, which will likely provide you with the smoothest ride.

What Are The Risks?

These dangers shouldn’t be a serious concern even though they get somewhat increased in air travel during pregnancy –

Blood Clotting

Blood clot formation, or thrombosis, is a problem for all fliers, pregnant or not, especially on lengthy trips. To reduce dangers, pregnant travelers should take extra care. Long periods of stationary sitting during pregnancy might lead to blood pooling in the legs. That could make blood clots more likely. Low humidity and the recirculated cabin air raise the danger. The risk is still manageable, though. By moving about as much as your doctor advises, you can reduce this risk.

Heart rate and blood pressure

Your blood pressure and heart rate may increase if you fly while pregnant. However, according to specialists, it’s usually insufficient to put you at any risk.

Body Scanning

According to the Transportation Security Administration, body scan equipment is safe to use while pregnant at airports. However, you might ask for a hand or wand search in its place.

Radiation

The majority of pregnant ladies have no issues taking the occasional flight. However, if you frequently fly, such as if you’re a pilot, flight attendant, or business traveler, you might go over the radiation level that is thought to be safe for pregnant women. Find out more from your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What would happen if I gave birth during the flight?

There is a little risk that any pregnant woman will go into labor or have her waters burst early. There is no assurance that other passengers or flight staff will be prepared and skilled to assist you in giving birth safely if this occurs to you while you are in flight. Therefore, the pilot might have to change the course of the aircraft to acquire help for you.

2. How are Pregnancy and flying associated with Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

A DVT is a blood clot that develops in the pelvis or leg. It can be fatal if it gets to your lungs (pulmonary embolism). Compared to women who are not pregnant, you have an increased chance of getting a DVT during pregnancy and for up to six weeks after the birth of your child. Due to the prolonged sitting involved in flying, there is an increased risk of getting a DVT. The length of the flight raises the likelihood of a DVT. If you have other risk factors like a prior DVT or are overweight, your risk is also raised. Your doctor will be able to assess your specific risk.

Conclusion

As long as your pregnancy is not problematic, occasional plane travel is safe for both you and your unborn child. Your risk of getting a blood clot may rise if you take a long flight. You can take steps to lessen the likelihood of this occurring. In case you require emergency care, it is crucial to research the healthcare facilities that are offered at your destination.

Being pregnant can make traveling stressful. Experiencing any type of anxiety or worry before your air travel during pregnancy is natural and the healthcare team at Queen’s Gynecology can help alleviate those doubts. With experience spanning more than a decade, the team of OB-GYNs at Queen’s Gynecology can answer all your questions about your safety and that of your baby’s while traveling. The doctors here will assist you by providing information about the tests, immunizations, and medicines that you may need before your journey. At Queen’s gynecology, Delhi, every patient is a queen, and health and comfort are what matter the most.