During your pregnancy, it’s quite normal to be concerned about your baby’s health, particularly when it involves traveling -whether by train, car, or plane. Traveling while you are carrying your precious little life within you can bring its own set of challenges for you. However, expectant mothers are seen in more dilemma about the clarity on how safe it is to travel by air when you are pregnant. Here are a few important points that can help you in planning air travel during pregnancy.
It is usually safe to fly once in a while during pregnancy. Women who are pregnant and have medical or obstetric conditions that could get worse on a flight or need emergency care should not take a plane at any time. When making travel plans, you should also think about how long the flight will be. There are some more things to add to this. Read on.
In This Article
- What Is The Safest Time To Air Travel During Pregnancy?
- Air Travel During Pregnancy First Trimester
- Is a Medical Certificate Required For Air Travel During Pregnancy?
- What Should I Consider When Booking My Tickets For Air Travel During Pregnancy?
- Air Travel During Pregnancy – Important Points
- FAQ’s
What Is The Safest Time To Air Travel During Pregnancy?
As long as everything is normal and healthy and you don’t have any complications in your pregnancy, then you may find that your second trimester – between 14 to 27 weeks – is the best time to plan your air travel. By this time you are free from morning sickness, there are very less chances of any miscarriage and thus the second trimester is considered the best time to travel. After experiencing a low-energy period in your first trimester the second one will keep bringing all the charge you need, especially as this is the time for you to experience the famous pregnancy glow.
Though traveling in your second trimester is quite safe and recommended, still you should discuss your trip and health conditions with your obstetrician before booking your tickets for your flight. It may be possible that she may not permit you to travel if you have a high-risk pregnancy. Also, it’s advisable to research properly about the place you are visiting so that in case of any emergency, you can visit the nearby hospital. Try not to choose any adventurous place; instead, try a place that can help you in relaxing. Also, unless your doctor advises, do not travel after crossing your 36th week of pregnancy.
Air Travel During Pregnancy First Trimester
Though safe, many women avoid traveling during their first trimester of pregnancy owing to nausea and fatigue that kicks in around 6 or 7 weeks. It could leave you uncomfortable and pretty irritated. If you have to travel, ask your doctor to prescribe some anti-nausea medicines that can help you keep calm during the flight.
Is a Medical Certificate Required For Air Travel During Pregnancy?
While flying via domestic airlines you can travel without any restrictions in your first and second trimesters, but If in case you are planning a foreign trip, then you will need a “fit to travel” certificate from your doctor even if it’s your second trimester. Each airline has its own set of rules and regulations, but most of them ask for this certificate after you have completed 22-23 weeks.
What Should I Consider When Booking My Tickets For Air Travel During Pregnancy?
While booking your tickets via a travel agent tell him in advance how far along you are pregnant and then ask him to find out the policies of airlines regarding pregnant women. If it’s possible then recheck yourself with the airlines you are traveling with. Plan your return trip well in advance before your due date as many airlines won’t allow you to travel in the third trimester even with your “fit to travel” certificate.
Also, keep in mind that the more pregnant you are the tougher it will be for you to sit for a longer period of time. So while deciding the destination think about how many hours flights will be.
Air Travel During Pregnancy – Important Points
Women who do not have any serious medical problems usually have no trouble during air travel. You just need to be a little bit careful and prepared while going on vacation. Following are some important points to remember while flying during pregnancy.
- Cabin pressure and Humidity Flying pressured cabin and low humidity inside the aircraft can be a cause of discomfort for pregnant women, so in order to stay relaxed throughout your journey. It is very unlikely that the fetus will be affected by the change in oxygen levels, which actually is negligible
- Seat belts Most of the time cabin crew of an airline will ask you to wear seat belts throughout the journey. So it’s advisable to wear a seat belt below your abdomen to avoid any kind of uneasiness
- Choose your seat wisely Pregnancy can increase your visits to the bathroom so book an aisle seat for yourself so that you’re getting up and sitting down can get easier. Try taking a seat close to the restroom as the frequency is more
- Try doing small exercises Flights with a long duration can pose your risk of thrombosis in your legs so try some small exercises of the calf to improve your blood circulation and if possible take occasional walks. If you cannot walk, stretch your ankles every now and then
- Keep yourself hydrated The low cabin pressure can cause dehydration during pregnancy, and hence
- Stay away from gas-producing foods Gas can be troublesome during pregnancy. Try to avoid foods and drinks that produce gas before and during your flight.
Before you leave for vacation pack a copy of all your prenatal charts so that consulting a doctor in a new place can be easier. Make a separate folder of your ultrasound and pregnancy-related lab test so that you can find them easily.
If in case it’s your first baby then going on nappy-free vacations can be your golden opportunity to enjoy some time alone with your partner. It can be your one easy trip where you can travel light (imagine going on a trip with diapers feeding bottles and toys). So make the most of it and enjoy.
Read more about traveling during pregnancy here.
FAQ’s
How Long Can A Pregnant Woman Travel By Plane?
After 36 weeks of pregnancy, your healthcare provider may advise against flying. And many other airlines don’t allow pregnant individuals to travel beyond 36 weeks. The airline also may want a statement from your health care practitioner that specifies how far along in your pregnancy you are and whether flying is suggested.
Which Seat Is Good For Pregnant Ladies In Flight?
Even if you prefer a window seat, choose the aisle if you are pregnant. To begin with, there will be greater space. Second, an aisle seat allows you to move around the cabin more freely without colliding with your neighbors.
Is Indian Seat Good For Pregnant?
Pregnant women benefit from using Indian toilets since they encourage them to squat. There is no strain on the uterus as a pregnant lady sits on the Indian toilet. It is also stated that using Indian toilets on a daily basis prepares pregnant women for a natural birth.
