“Is air travel safe during pregnancy?“

With more and more mothers expected taking a pre-baby to the skies, the question is common for pregnant woman. Some women worry about the effect of decreased air pressure on the fetus during air travel.

Flying is actually safe for pregnant woman with some requisite. Commercial air travel poses no special risks to a healthy pregnant woman or her fetus. However, certain conditions in pregnancy — such as severe anemia, sickle cell disease, clotting disorders and placental insufficiency — can put you at increased risk of problems.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the safest time for a pregnant woman to travel is during the second trimester (18 through 24 weeks). This is when a pregnant woman has the lowest risk of miscarriage or premature labor. Many doctors recommend that women avoid flying after 36 weeks of pregnancy or if they are at risk of preterm delivery.

During the flight, air pressure is adjusted to approximately that of between 5,000 and 8,000 feet above sea level. Although you and your baby will both have slightly less oxygen in your blood than you would at sea level, your bodies will adjust to this.

photo credit: grazie, davvero

Another concern about air travel during pregnancy is exposure to cosmic radiation at high altitudes. The effects of radiation exposure in pregnancy are very well understood. Although the exposure increases at higher altitudes, the level of exposure for the occasional traveler is not a concern. However, pregnant women who fly very frequently — such as pilots, flight attendants, air marshals and couriers — may receive radiation exposure that exceeds current recommendations.

Tips for Flying When Pregnant

photo credit: Kalense Kid

• Pregnant women should be aware that flying carries a greater health risk to the baby and mother than the average passenger.
• The risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is greatly accentuated and DVT preventative in-flight socks should be worn.
• Background cosmic radiation levels are also higher at altitude, which can be harmful to the fetus. Therefore, expectant mothers are recommended to avoid flying during the first three months of pregnancy if possible.
• Pregnancy represents on of the most valid times to splash out on a business or first class ticket, especially if you are making a long haul flight. Leg rests encourage better circulation, and greater leg room will provide greater comfort, then the more cramped economy class.
• Seat belts should be worn low around the pelvis.
• Avoiding immobility for the duration of the flight is paramount for expectant mothers, as the viscosity of their blood tends to increase. Try walking around the plane at regular intervals.
• Consume plenty of water throughout the flight and avoid the consumption of heavy foods, which, through prolonged immobility, can lead to stomach cramps and pain.
• Do not take sleeping tablets to circumvent jet lag; instead try to realign your sleeping patterns.

All airlines have policies regarding pregnancy and flying. So check with the airline before booking a flight. Below are some policies examples :

Singapore Airlines

Expectant mothers in good health can be accepted for travel under the following conditions:

Normal Pregnancy: Mothers can be accepted up until the 35th week of pregnancy. If pregnancy is up to limiting dates, passenger should hold a certificate of fitness for travel.

Multiple Pregnancies: (twins, triplets etc) Mothers can be accepted up until the 32nd week of pregnancy.

If more than one month elapses between date of booking and date of departure a new doctor’s certificate is required and must be issued no more than three days outside departure date.

For urgent or compassionate cases, expectant mothers may be uplifted for travel after above limiting dates, but only with consent from our Singapore Airlines doctor. A doctor or nurse should also accompany passenger.

If mothers are wishing to travel with newborns, no infants are uplifted with in 7 days of birth unless approved by our Singapore Airlines doctor. Parents should be advised that if the infant is being raised on formula, you should bring your own onboard, as none is supplied by the airline.

In addition, parents should bring their own supply of nappies onboard as only an emergency supply is kept onboard.

Virgin Blue

Women can fly with Virgin Blue until 35 weeks in their pregnancy without producing any documents. After 36 weeks, expectant mothers must have a medical certificate issued for medical clearance before they are able to fly.

Qantas

Medical clearance is only required if you are having complications of pregnancy. International travel is not permitted after the 36th week for routine pregnancies or the 32nd week for routine multiple pregnancies. Some countries place limitations on the entry of non-national pregnant women. It is best to check with the local consulate if in any doubt.

For domestic travel there is no restriction for a normal uncomplicated pregnancy but medical clearance is required if you wish to travel past the 36th week for uncomplicated multiple pregnancy.

So, what are you waiting for? Happy flying with your baby inside

Tags: pregnant fly, pregnancy flying, pregnancy travel, Air Travel pregnancy

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