Can You Fly on a Plane While Pregnant? A Comprehensive Guide for Expectant Mothers

Traveling by air during pregnancy raises many questions for expectant mothers. Understanding the guidelines and precautions can ensure a safe and comfortable journey for both you and your baby. Generally, for women experiencing a healthy pregnancy, flying is considered safe, especially before reaching 36 weeks of gestation. However, it’s crucial to consider various factors and consult with your healthcare provider before making travel plans.

Is it Safe to Fly When Pregnant? Understanding the General Guidelines

For most pregnant women, air travel is perfectly safe, particularly during the second trimester. Airlines and medical professionals generally agree that flying is permissible up to 36 weeks of pregnancy, provided there are no underlying health issues or pregnancy complications. This is because the risks of common pregnancy-related emergencies are at their lowest during the second trimester, making it often considered the most comfortable time to travel.

However, this general safety guideline comes with important nuances. It is essential to have an open conversation with your healthcare provider before booking any flights. They can assess your individual health status and pregnancy progress to offer personalized advice.

When Flying During Pregnancy Might Not Be Recommended

Certain pre-existing conditions or pregnancy complications can make air travel inadvisable. Your healthcare provider might caution against flying if you have a history of:

• Miscarriage or Vaginal Bleeding: These can be indicators of potential instability in the pregnancy, and air travel might exacerbate the risks.
• Severe Anemia: Low red blood cell count can be further complicated by the reduced oxygen levels in airplane cabins.
• Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure or Diabetes: Fluctuations in cabin pressure and the stress of travel can negatively impact these conditions.
• Preeclampsia in a Previous Pregnancy: This condition, characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine, can recur, and air travel might not be recommended.
• Multiple Pregnancies (Twins or more): Pregnancies with multiples are considered higher risk, and flying might pose additional concerns, especially in later stages.

It’s vital to disclose your full medical history and current pregnancy status to your doctor to receive tailored guidance on the safety of air travel for you.

Flight Duration and Airline Policies for Pregnant Passengers

The length of your flight can also play a role in the recommendations. Longer flights inherently involve prolonged periods of sitting and potential dehydration, which can increase certain risks, such as blood clots. Discuss the duration of your intended flight with your healthcare provider to understand any specific precautions you might need to take.

Furthermore, be aware that airlines have their own policies regarding pregnant passengers. Some airlines, particularly for international flights, may have restrictions on flying after a certain gestational week, often around 28 weeks or 36 weeks. It is crucial to check with your specific airline about their pregnancy travel policies before making any bookings to avoid potential travel disruptions. Some airlines might require a letter from your doctor confirming your due date and deeming you fit to fly, especially in the later stages of pregnancy.

Flying After 36 Weeks of Pregnancy: Proceed with Caution

After you reach 36 weeks of pregnancy, both healthcare providers and airlines generally advise against air travel. This is primarily due to the increased risk of going into labor closer to your due date and the potential need for immediate medical care that might be difficult to access mid-flight or in an unfamiliar location upon arrival. Many airlines outright restrict travel for pregnant women beyond 36 weeks for these reasons. Always consult your doctor and your airline if you are considering flying close to or after this point in your pregnancy.

Making Air Travel During Pregnancy More Comfortable and Safe: Essential Tips

If your healthcare provider has given you the green light to fly, there are several steps you can take to ensure a more comfortable and safer journey:

• Buckle Up Properly: Always keep your seatbelt fastened whenever you are seated, even if the seatbelt sign is off. Position the lap belt low and snug across your hips, below your baby bump, to ensure safety and comfort.
• Stay Hydrated: Airplane cabins have low humidity, which can easily lead to dehydration. Drink plenty of water throughout your flight to combat this. Avoid excessive caffeine and sugary drinks, as these can contribute to dehydration.
• Choose Your Foods Wisely: Avoid gassy foods and carbonated drinks before and during your flight. Gas expands at higher altitudes, which can cause bloating and discomfort. Foods like broccoli, beans, and carbonated sodas are best avoided. Opt for lighter, easily digestible meals.
• Plan for Medical Care: Before you travel, research and identify healthcare facilities at your destination in case of any pregnancy-related concerns. Carry copies of your prenatal medical records with you, including information about your due date, blood type, and any pregnancy complications. This information can be invaluable if you need to seek medical attention while away from home.

Understanding the Risks: Blood Clots and Radiation

While generally safe, air travel does present some minor risks that are important to be aware of during pregnancy:

• Blood Clots (Venous Thrombosis): Prolonged sitting during flights, combined with the natural increase in blood clot risk during pregnancy, can elevate the chance of developing blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis or DVT). To minimize this risk:

  • Move Regularly: Get up and walk in the aisle every hour or so.
  • Ankle Exercises: If you must remain seated, frequently flex and extend your ankles and calf muscles to promote blood circulation.
  • Loose Clothing: Wear loose and comfortable clothing to avoid restricting blood flow.
  • Compression Stockings: Consider wearing compression stockings, especially for longer flights, to improve blood circulation in your legs.

• Radiation Exposure: Air travel at high altitudes involves slightly increased exposure to cosmic radiation. For occasional flyers, this level of radiation is not considered harmful during pregnancy. However, for frequent flyers like pilots and flight attendants, cumulative radiation exposure could be a concern. If you are a frequent flyer and pregnant, discuss this with your healthcare provider to assess any potential risks and necessary precautions.

By taking appropriate precautions and consulting with your healthcare provider, flying during pregnancy can be managed safely and comfortably, allowing you to travel with peace of mind. Always prioritize open communication with your doctor and be well-informed about airline policies to ensure a smooth and healthy journey.

References:

1. AskMayoExpert. Health considerations for air travelers: Pregnancy considerations. Mayo Clinic; 2022.
2. Air Travel During Pregnancy: ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 746. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2018/08/air-travel-during-pregnancy. Accessed Dec. 1, 2022.
3. Ram S, et al. Air travel during pregnancy and the risk of venous thrombosis. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2022; doi:10.1016/j.ajogmf.2022.100751.