Will you Face any kind of Discomfort while Air Travel (Flying) during your Pregnancy Period? How Safe it is to Fly during Pregnancy? These are the few questions that strike every pregnant woman before flying by air. There is no need to panic but it’s important that you must be aware of all the Dos and Don’ts you need to follow during your Air Travel. Therefore, read the below points for a comfortable and safe flying during your First Trimester, Second Trimester and Third Trimester.
When is the Safest Time to Fly During Pregnancy?
- The safest period would be between your Mid- Pregnancy Period, which is 4 to 6 months. The period before 37 weeks because any pregnant woman could go into labor after that time.
- If you’re carrying a twin’s babies, then its recommended traveling before 32 weeks.
- As per old wives’ tale, pregnant women should not travel during their first trimester, due to the problems like nausea and vomiting. As we all know that most pregnant women go through these common problems in their first trimester and this may lead to discomfort during your traveling.
Can Travelling through the Air may Harm You and Your Baby?
There is no evidence which proves that air travel has any kind of side effects or are harmful to you and baby. Don’t get confused, it’s just that you need to prepare yourself and pack all the necessary things you may require during your air travel.
What Kind of Discomfort you can face while flying during your pregnancy?
- Motion Sickness – If pregnant women who already have motion sickness like nausea or vomiting during her pregnancy may experience the same problem during her flying time.
- Swelling In legs: It can be due to fluid retention.
- May experience problems in your ears – like blocked ears, which can create pressure in your body.
- A problem in wearing a seat belt – pregnant women should always wear the plane seat belt under her bump and if you find it difficult to wear it then ask the cabin crew to provide you a seat belt extension.
Why Pregnant women can develop Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
It is a Big Problem for Pregnant Women, which can be life-threatening too.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is the development of a blood clot in s deep vein (legs or pelvis). and, if it travels to your pulmonary embolism (lungs) it can be life-threatening. The chances of increasing the risk of developing a DVT is due to Long Halt Fights. Therefore, it’s not advised for pregnant women to take long-distance flights in their last trimester.
It generally hit pregnant women who are overweight or previously have a DVT Problem. If you think that you can develop a DVT while air travel, it’s we would advise you to consult your doctor or midwife and ask for a Heparin Injection.
Heparin is an anticoagulant (blood thinner) that prevents the formation of blood clots. This Injection will keep your blood thin and help in preventing a DVT.
8 Important Precautions to take while Air Travel for Pregnant Women
- Avoid eating spicy foods, which can cause vomiting or gastric issues
- Take all the necessary medicines with you.
- Wear light and loose clothes and comfortable shoes.
- Take regular walks and in intervals of 20 minutes.
- Book or take an Aisle Seat during your travel.
- Keep yourself hydrated.
- Try not to travel alone, it will be a better choice if you have someone with you.
- Keeping moving your legs is sitting position, do little bit leg exercise to avoid the blood clot in legs.
Important Note
If you’re traveling during or after your 29th week of pregnancy, you may be asked to bring a medical certificate or letter signed by your doctor or midwife by airlines. Also, check your airline’s rules and regulations for pregnant women traveling, as some airlines do not allow to fly after the 32nd week of multiple pregnancies or the 36th week of a single pregnancy.
