After reading this complete guide to pregnancy and air travel, you’ll know everything there is to know about flying after your first trimester, dealing with airport security, preparing emergency contacts, and staying comfortable.
For most women in a normal and healthy pregnancy, it is perfectly safe to travel during most of it. However, it is advisable that you consult with your midwife or doctor before you book your flight.
There are certain high risk cases where your doctor can advise a pregnant woman to stay near her home throughout her pregnancy. The perfect time for you to fly is during the second trimester, that is fourteen to twenty seven weeks into your pregnancy. Once a woman is past her first trimester, it is more likely that her morning sickness is behind her.
In addition, after your first trimester, you will have more energy and the chances of suffering a miscarriage are going to be low. However, it is not advisable for a woman to travel after thirty six weeks. Before leaving, it is advisable for you to have your pre-natal caregiver arrange for a midwife or obstetrician at the destination just in case you are going to require some medical attention when you are vacationing. There are some things that you need to consider when you are planning to travel by airplane during your pregnancy.
It is important to consider whether it is going to be safe for you to pass through the screening machines at the airport. In addition, you should consider whether the cabin pressure in the airplane is going to harm your unborn baby. Changes in altitude can make your morning sickness to become worse. During the flight, you will be exposed to radiation and you need to consider whether this is going to harm your unborn baby. Another thing that you need to consider is the airline policy with regards to pregnant travelers.
A pregnant woman should also consider having an emergency contact sheet. This is a form that contains information that can be used in case there is an emergency. In this form, you will indicate your full names, the name of your healthcare provider when you are home and away from your home. Your health insurance will be required and you should also provide your emergency contacts. You medical and prenatal history is also going to be required in this form. For this section, you need to indicate your due date, most recent checkup, immunization history, allergies and previous births.
A pregnant woman should also consider how they can stay comfortable while flying in the plane. When you sit anywhere for long periods, your ankles and feet can swell. This means that you should rest your feet by putting them up. The seat belt should be fastened below your belly while you are seated. Plenty of fluids should be taken and this will prevent the dehydration that comes from the dry air in the cabin. Wearing comfortable clothing is also a good idea and you can wear a nice dress. Clothing should be layered in order to be able to cope when the temperature changes suddenly. It is also advisable to wear sensible shoes.
