Air Travel During pregnancy: Is It Safe For Expectant Mothers?

Introduction

Air travel during pregnancy has been a crucial concern of expected mothers. They come with a plethora of questions and doubts in their mind during their pregnancy, especially when they are planning to travel internationally. Their concern is relevant during this sensitive time. Let’s talk about the most asked questions to resolve your queries and promote safer travel during pregnancy.

What is the safe period for air travel during pregnancy?

The women having complications during their pregnancy have to be meticulous enough throughout their pregnancy. In normal cases, the second trimester is the best time to travel, as the morning sickness ends by then. Your condition becomes less sensitive and you can also manage the trip. Moreover, you will have so much time till your due date. However, women can plan a trip within 36 weeks of their period. It is highly unadvisable to travel after 36 weeks. You need your doctor’s approval before taking such a risky step.

Can a pregnant woman prefer flight travel?

Unless your due date is approaching or your doctor advises you to stay closer to home because of a medical issue that might affect you or your unborn child, it is fine for you to travel by plane while pregnant. Pregnant women in good health can often travel up to four weeks before their due date. It’s advised to avoid travelling far after that in case you are going to deliver. Pregnancy travels are possible under certain conditions. Pregnancy is not a barrier between your trips if you have been in good health.

How many months pregnant should you stop flying?

If you have been facing zero complications during your pregnancy then you can just relax on this concern. You can travel safely till 36 weeks of pregnancy. You should avoid travelling after that unless your doctor has approved it. After 36 weeks, your condition becomes extremely sensitive. A few airlines do not allow their passengers to travel to avoid the possibility of an emergency landing. Make sure to check with your airlines that if they allow you to travel in such conditions. Moreover, if you still plan to travel after 36 weeks, then follow all the precautionary measures properly.

Does flying during pregnancy increase the risk of miscarriage?

In the event of a standard pregnancy, there is no conclusive evidence that flying poses a health risk to the foetus or the expecting woman. Moreover, there is no proof flying results in uterine rupture, early labour, or miscarriages. Certain phases may make pregnancy and flying difficult for expectant moms. They may have earache, swollen legs, nasal congestion, or pregnancy nausea as a result of the pressure shifts brought on by this congestion. Travel plans during the first trimester should be postponed by women who are deemed high-risk for miscarriage or who have a history of miscarriage until they have received permission from their ob-gyn.

Reasons not to travel while pregnant

Pregnancy and flight are no risk if you have a normal pregnancy without any complications. But if your case is different or special, then avoiding your international flight would be recommended. Avoid travelling if-

1. Your age is less than 15 years or more than 35 years. It becomes very difficult for your body to adapt new environment in such sensitive conditions.
2. You have a history of miscarriage. You should strictly avoid travelling if you have faced a miscarriage in the past. That makes you more vulnerable to complications today.
3. You are carrying more than one baby. Getting pregnant with more than one baby makes your condition sensitive so you need some extra amount of care.
4. You are going to a disaster-hit area or a virus-spread area. That makes you prone to infections or serious illness and it may affect the health of your baby. Avoid places that can get you sick.
5. You are already undergoing a medical condition like high blood pressure diabetes or any other. Existing medical condition adds to the risk of your

pregnancy.

6. Your journey is going to be very long. Avoid international flights or continuous flights for a longer duration. It may cause a little harm to your unborn baby’s health.
7. You have or had a condition of placenta abnormality. Even if your problem doesn’t persist now, it is better to take safety measures by avoiding travelling in flight.

Conclusion

Flying during pregnancy is fine if you have taken precautionary measures. If your doctor allows you to travel abroad, then you shouldn’t miss the opportunity. But if your doctor or your existing health conditions restrict your trip then you better follow the expert advice. Make sure to consult the expert gynaecologist of Amandeep Group of Hospitals for a more personalised treatment plan and accurate diagnosis. Our doctor provides tailored guidance to each patient after studying their case and possible complications.