Air Travel During Pregnancy
Contents:
- Permission to Fly
- The Tactics of "Pregnant" Flight
- In What Cases You Should Avoid Flights
- When is it Better to Fly During Pregnancy
Pregnancy and Air Travelling
Quite often expectant mothers are wondering: "Is it safe to fly on the plane during the pregnancy?" This question cannot be answered unequivocally. The best choice is to postpone the flight till the delivery. But what about when it is impossible to delay the journey? The key aspect is: if a woman is healthy, the pregnancy goes without complications, the flight most likely should go smoothly and safely.
Permission to Fly
Air carriers are absolutely not interested in an emergency landing in case if something goes wrong. For this reason, the gestational age at which a woman can fly safely, are stipulated in the flight rules. However, every airline has its own limitations in this matter, which is always better to know in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises.
The general rules are such that you should not make flights when the pregnancy is 36 or more completed weeks (or four weeks before the expected date of delivery). If you are expecting twins or triplets, you will be most likely not allowed to fly in case if your pregnancy is 32 full week or more.
Airlines do not establish any restrictions, if your pregnancy is less than 28 weeks. But just in case case we recommend you to take an extract from the exchange card (or the exchange card) with the expected date of birth, number of children and the confirmation that you do not have any health problems or complications.
The Tactics of "Pregnant" Flight
Flight increases the risk of swelling and blood clots due to the lack of motor activity. It is important not to let the blood to stagnate, then you will avoid any unpleasant consequences.
- Try to do a workout, make your muscles strain. Select a place closest to the aisle and every 30 minutes (or at least every 2:00) walk around the cabin.
- Consult your doctor if you can use compression stockings. They exert a slight pressure on the calf muscles and improve blood flow in the deep veins of your legs.
- Drink water to avoid dehydration.
In What Cases You Should Avoid Flights
This question cannot be answered unequivocally, it all depends on the individual characteristics of the expectant mother. Women with high blood pressure are strongly discouraged to fly, as well as the ones with heart disease, diabetes, epilepsy, severe anemia, certain blood diseases, those who had surgical intervention, abortion or premature birth.
When is it Better to Fly During Pregnancy
It is believed that the second trimester (from the start of the 14-week before the end of the 27-th week of pregnancy) is the safest and most comfortable period for air flights. Thus, flying during pregnancy is safe, but the general recommendations should be adjusted taking into account the well-being of a future mom and doctor's recommendations.