Plane travel when pregnant
Many people worry that flying during pregnancy is a big no-no, and in some cases it is. However, for the most part, as long as you follow some simple rules, you can fly while pregnant.
There are a few reasons people do not fly when pregnant:
- Flying can lead to poor circulation, which can be harmful to a fetus.
- Flying in a pressurized cabin with recycled air can make you motion sick, combined with morning sickness, it can be very uncomfortable to fly.
- Flying puts you somewhere away from your health care provider, which can mean that if you were to go into labor someone else would be delivering your baby, possibly somewhere not covered by your insurance, etc.
- Flying in rough air, or for a long time can cause stress on your body that leads to premature labor.
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Most airlines will have a policy about flying for pregnant women. In most cases they allow it during the first and second trimester, but not during the third, or at least not during the end of the third. Of course this changes from airline to airline. Some will allow you to fly during the last month of your pregnancy as long as you have a doctor's note. Some do not want the risk, so they ask you not to fly, but have to take your word for it as far as how far along you are.
So, the question is less whether or not you are allowed to fly as much as it is whether or not you should be flying when pregnant?
The answer is going to be based on how your pregnancy is going. If you are having complications during your pregnancy, it is best to avoid flying. However, if you have a normal, healthy pregnancy, it can be perfectly safe to fly during most of it. Either way you will want to talk to your doctor, midwife or health care professional about it before you travel. They will know best what you should or should not do because they will be the one familiar you're your situation.
In certain high-risk cases, your healthcare provider may advise you to stay close to home throughout your pregnancy, but again this is going to change from person to person.
For most people, flying during the first trimester is possible, but if you can avoid it, it is a good idea. The reason for this is simply that your body is going to undergo changes when you are flying, and they may or may not be good for the baby. Everyone's body responds differently to flying. Mostly, flying in the first trimester can be very uncomfortable.
From about weeks 14 to 27, or in other words, the second trimester, flying is acceptable, and in most cases perfectly fine. This is the most comfortable time to fly as usually your energy levels are up, and your sickness is past. Also, there is less chance of miscarriage once you are past the first trimester.
In general, do not fly after 36 weeks as the changes it can cause in your body could put you into labor. Having a baby on a plane is not really very fun.
Of course, to be safe, make sure you let your doctor know where you will be traveling in case you do end up needing medical attention, they may be able to help you find the right health care professional. It is also wise to take a copy of your prenatal chart with you, that way if you did need medical attention, the doctor will be informed.
