Is It Safe To Fly When Pregnant

Tip : Movement Is Your Friend

Make sure youre taking opportunities to walk and stretch as often as possible at the very least, get up and move around every two waking hours. In between stretching, keep your feet frequently elevated. In conjunction with compression stockings, any kind of movement or shifting of positions help to keep your blood flowing.

As you go through security, note that the TSA scanners are considered safe to use, but that youre also welcome to request a pat-down instead. If, at any point, you feel unable to stand or walk request a wheelchair.

Once youre boarded, buckle up: The ideal seat-belt positioning is just under your abdomen . Request a belt extender if necessary.

When you land, an agent can help you get your luggage off the conveyor belt.

Travel Vaccinations When Pregnant Are They Safe

Theres no evidence of risk from vaccinations that contain inactivated virus, bacterial vaccines or toxoids when youre pregnant . However, avoid live vaccines like yellow fever because of the risk of contracting a disease that might harm your developing baby .

If you need advice on specific travel vaccinations, contact your doctor or midwife. Some anti-malarial tablets are not safe to be taken during pregnancy, so consult your GP or midwife about those too .

This page was last reviewed in May 2018.

Environmental And Recreational Risks

Pregnant women should remember to discuss their travel plans, including any planned or potential recreational activities, with a health care provider, as some may not be recommended or may require additional precautions.

• It is recommended that pregnant women avoid altitudes above 3,658 metres . For high-risk pregnancies and women in the late stages of pregnancy, altitudes should be limited to 2,500 metres .
• Women with pregnancy-related complications should avoid unnecessary high-altitude exposure.
• Keep in mind that most high-altitude destinations are far from medical care services. Remember to discuss all planned activities with your health care provider.

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Maternity Notes And Medical Care

Take a copy of your hand held maternity notes in case you need medical care during travel include information about any pre-existing medical conditions and your blood group.

Carefully consider your intended destinations prior to booking, find out about:

• availability and standard of medical care
• existing health risks in the destination countries
• any other travel warnings.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office website provides advice on the availability of medical treatment and facilities alongside any travel warnings on an individual country basis.

It is essential that all your early pregnancy examinations are carried out prior to travel in order to rule out potential complications. If travelling after 28 weeks of pregnancy, it is important to ensure that available medical facilities at the destination are suitable to manage complications of pregnancy such as pre-eclampsia and caesarean section.

Be aware that blood supplies may not be safe in some destinations this can increase the risks of blood borne infections such as hepatitis B, C and HIV.

Misunderstandings due to language barriers or cultural problems could make communication and therefore diagnosis and treatment of any illness more difficult than it would be at home.

Tips For Safe Travel During Pregnancy

If youre flying during pregnancy, follow these tips to stay safe and healthy:

• dress comfortably in loose clothing and flat shoes
• book an aisle seat so you can stretch your legs and use the restroom easily
• get up to walk the aisles at least every two hours
• avoid gas-producing foods and carbonated beverages before your flight
• bring a water bottle and stay hydrated throughout the flight
• pack healthy snacks for when you get hungry

Its also a good idea to see your doctor before your trip. They can confirm its safe for you to travel.

If youre pregnant, you should avoid travel to any countries with the Zika virus. You can find up-to-date travel guidance information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Before your trip, research the closest hospital to your destination in the event of an emergency, and take a copy of your prenatal records with you just in case you need to see a doctor while youre away from home.

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Pregnancy And Flying: Your Trimester By Trimester Guide

As a general rule of thumb, most airlines will allow pregnant people to fly right up until week 36 of pregnancy, but you should absolutely do your research before booking your flight to check restrictions. You’ll also want to consult with your OB-GYN or midwife before travelingespecially if you’re at a higher risk for complications during pregnancy.

Do Airlines Allow Pregnant Women To Fly

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists , most airlines allow pregnant women to fly from their first trimester through the third trimester until they are in their 36th week of pregnancy. But, some international flights may restrict travel during pregnancy sooner. ACOG recommends checking with your specific airline to see what their rules are for air travel while pregnant.

Many pregnant women worry about wearing the airline seatbelt while in flight. The ACOG recommends that all pregnant women wear their seatbelts while sitting on the plane. This is to prevent any injury that may occur if there is turbulence during the flight. Put the safety belt under your abdomen and position the shoulder harness between your breasts for the best fit.

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Food And Drink Abroad In Pregnancy

Take care to avoid food- and water-borne conditions, such as stomach upsets and travellers’ diarrhoea. Some medicines for treating stomach upsets and travellers’ diarrhoea aren’t suitable during pregnancy.

Always check if tap water is safe to drink. If in doubt, drink bottled water. If you get ill, keep hydrated and continue eating for the health of your baby, even if you’re not hungry.

Heat And Sun Exposure And Pregnancy

If travelling in hot weather:

• Carry a water bottle with you and drink water frequently.
• Stay in the shade or inside during the hottest part of the day.
• Protect your skin by wearing loose-fitting clothing, a hat and sunscreen.
• Avoid rushing or overexertion plan your activities and give yourself plenty of time.

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Airline Policies For Pregnant Women

How To Reduce Your Risk Of Dvt

You can reduce your risk of DVT by:

• wearing loose clothing and comfy shoes
• getting an aisle seat and going for regular walks around the plane
• doing in-seat exercises every 30 minutes
• drinking plenty of water
• avoiding drinks containing alcohol and caffeine
• wearing graduated elastic compression stockings to help reduce leg swelling.

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Is It Safe To Travel During Pregnancy

Traveling by air is considered safe for women while they are pregnant however, the following ideas might make your trip safer and more comfortable.

• Most airlines allow pregnant women to travel through their eighth month. Traveling during the ninth month is usually allowed if there is permission from your health care provider.
• Most airlines have narrow aisles and smaller bathrooms, which makes it more challenging to walk and more uncomfortable when using the restroom. Because of potential turbulence that could shake the plane, make sure you are holding on to the seatbacks while navigating the aisle.
• You may want to choose an aisle seat which will allow you to get up more easily to reach the restroom or just to stretch your legs and back.
• Travel on major airlines with pressurized cabins and avoid smaller private planes. If you must ride in smaller planes, avoid altitudes above 7,000 feet.
• Although doubtful, the risk of DVT can be further reduced by wearing compression stockings.

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the International Air Travel Association recommend that expecting mothers in an uncomplicated pregnancy avoid travel from the 37th week of pregnancy through birth.Avoiding travel from 32 weeks through birth is recommended for women who have complicated pregnancies with risk factors for premature labor, such as mothers carrying multiples.

Risk factors that warrant travel considerations include the following:

• Current or recent bone fractures

Flying While Pregnant: Is It Safe What You Need To Know

From the moment you find out you’re pregnant, your life changes. You suddenly have another person to consider with every decision you make. Pregnant women have a lot on their plate when it comes to their health and their baby’s health. Many women wonder if they can still do the things they used to, including air travel or if that will prevent them from having a healthy pregnancy.

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We all know life goes on during pregnancy and that includes air travel. Whether you’re looking to catch a flight for business or pleasure, here are the things to consider if you’re wondering if flying while pregnant is safe during the first trimester or up to your due date.

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Travel Tips During Pregnancy

Whether you are going by car, bus, or train, it is generally safe to travel while you are pregnant however, there are some things to consider that could make your trip safer and more comfortable.

• It is essential to buckle-up every time you ride in a car. Make sure that you use both the lap and shoulder belts for the best protection of you and your baby.
• Keep the airbags turned on. The safety benefits of the airbag outweigh any potential risk to you and your baby.
• Buses tend to have narrow aisles and small restrooms. This mode of transportation can be more challenging. The safest thing is to remain seated while the bus is moving. If you must use the restroom, make sure to hold on to the rail or seats to keep your balance.
• Trains usually have more room to navigate and walk. The restrooms are usually small. It is essential to hold on to rails or seat backs while the train is moving.
• Try to limit the amount of time you are cooped up in the car, bus, or train. Keep travel time around five to six hours.
• Use rest stops to take short walks and to do stretches to keep the blood circulating.

• Dress comfortably in loose cotton clothing and wear comfortable shoes.
• Take your favorite pillow.
• Plan for plenty of rest stops, restroom breaks and stretches.
• Carry snack foods with you.
• If you are traveling any distance, make sure to carry a copy of your prenatal records.
• Enjoy the trip.

Comfort And Safety Tips For Expecting Mothers Who Wish To Fly

When flying during pregnancy, there are special considerations that must be taken into account. Depending on your situation, some airlines may have restrictions on flying for expectant mothers. It is important to check ahead of time and adhere to any restrictions put in place. Additionally, it is also crucial for pregnant women to fly safely and comfortably.

For those who are cleared to fly during pregnancy, it is best to stay hydrated before and during the flight. Drink plenty of water before you board and keep drinking fluids after the flight as well. Staying hydrated can help reduce the risk of blood clots from forming in your legs while in a seated position. Additionally, try to get up on occasion and stretch your legs or take a walk down the aisle when possible. This will give you a break from sitting still for long periods of time and help avoid leg cramps or discomfort associated with relaxing/sleeping in a sitting position during the flight. Lastly, dress comfortably while flying consider wearing loose-fitting clothes and shoes that slip on and off easily this way you dont need to bend over too often which can lead to backaches and pains in other areas related to your posture .

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What Do Pregnant Women Need To Know About Travel And The Zika Virus

In 2015 and 2016, there were outbreaks of Zika a virus spread by infected mosquitoes that, in pregnant women, can cause birth defects, including microcephaly in the Western hemisphere, particularly in Brazil. Since then, however, the number of Zika cases worldwide has declined.

While there are no current Zika outbreaks in the world, the mosquitoes that cause the infection, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, are present in many countries, including those in the tropics and subtropics. If youre pregnant , talk to your doctor before making any plans to travel to an area where Zika can be transmitted.

Theres no vaccine that can prevent Zika, but you can reduce your risk of being infected with the virus by protecting yourself from mosquito bites. Wear long sleeves and pants and wear DEET- and picaridin-based mosquito repellent whenever youre outside. DEET used topically is considered safe to use during pregnancy.

When Should You Stop Traveling While Pregnant

If youre having a healthy pregnancy with no complications, you can likely travel up until the month before your due date. However, if youre at risk for preterm delivery, your doctor may advise against traveling at all in the third trimester.

Just because youre feeling physically up to traveling, though, doesnt necessarily mean youll be allowed to travel. Even in non-pandemic times, many cruise lines dont allow moms-to-be to board the ship after week 23, for example, and some airlines only allow women to fly domestically until theyre about 36 weeks pregnant. If youre taking an international flight, you may be prohibited from flying even earlier in your pregnancy.

In general, the best time to travel while pregnant is mid-pregnancy . During the first trimester, you may feel too nauseated and tired to withstand long trips or enjoy yourself once you get where youre going.

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Car Travel In Pregnancy

It’s best to avoid long car journeys if you’re pregnant. However, if it can’t be avoided, make sure you stop regularly and get out of the car to stretch and move around.

You can also do some exercises in the car , such as flexing and rotating your feet and wiggling your toes. This will keep the blood flowing through your legs and reduce any stiffness and discomfort. Wearing compression stockings while on long car journeys can also increase the blood flow in your legs and help prevent blood clots.

Tiredness and dizziness are common during pregnancy so it’s important on car journeys to drink regularly and eat natural, energy-giving foods, such as fruit and nuts.

Keep the air circulating in the car and wear your seatbelt with the cross strap between your breasts and the lap strap across your pelvis under your bump, not across your bump.

Road accidents are among the most common causes of injury in pregnant women. If you have to make a long trip, don’t travel on your own. You could also share the driving with your companion.

Staying Safe On Holiday

Activities like walking and swimming are fine while youre pregnant, but its not a good idea to do any activity where you might fall.

Take care to avoid coming into contact with water or food that could cause tummy upsets. Some medicines for treating diarrhoea may not be suitable in pregnancy.

Talk to your midwife if you have questions.

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Must You Speak With Your Healthcare Provider Before Flying

Even if your pregnancy is considered low-risk, it’s always a smart idea to speak with your healthcare provider before flying. “There are a number of potential risks that go along with flying during pregnancy and those risks can change from week to week and month to month, so it’s important to have that honest conversation with your doctor,” Dr. Gopal said.

There are certain pregnancy conditions that may make flying more risky or unadvisable. If you are hypertensive, asthmatic or prone to clotting disorders, it’s even more critical to speak with your doctor before flying.

Airline policies differ, but if you need documentation, it never hurts to include enough detail to satisfy the most stringent airline requirements.

“As with many things related to air travel, it’s better to be safe than sorry,” Dr. Gopal said. “It’s definitely worth it, and sometimes necessary, to have medical documentation from your provider’s office.”

A thorough medical certificate or waiver should state:

• The number of weeks of pregnancy.
• The estimated delivery date.
• Whether the pregnancy is single or multiple.
• Whether there are any complications.
• That you are in good health and fit to travel through the date of your final flight.

Additionally, the certificate should be:

• Signed by the doctor or attending midwife.
• Be dated no later than 72 hours before the departure date.
• Be written in clear, simple English.

Live Vaccines In Pregnancy

The risk of the disease versus the benefit of administering any live vaccine during pregnancy requires expert consideration and expert advice should be sought. This is due to a theoretical concern that vaccinating pregnant women with live vaccines, such as: measles, mumps, rubella, chicken pox and yellow fever, could potentially infect the unborn baby. Consequently, live vaccines are usually avoided during pregnancy. However, the use of live vaccines in pregnancy may be appropriate if travel is unavoidable and the risk of the disease is high.

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