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- is it safe to fly during pregnancy?
Anna McGrail answers:
Yes, in your first and second trimesters. Although check with your doctor if you've had medical problems during your pregnancy, such as:
If you're carrying one baby and you've had an uncomplicated pregnancy then you can fly up to 36 weeks of pregnancy. However, airlines are sometimes unwilling to carry women who are more than 28 weeks pregnant because of the risk of premature labour.
Ticket agents won't ask if you're pregnant when you book a seat, but you could be questioned about your due date at the gate. In fact, an airline can bar you from travel if they are worried about how far along in your pregnancy you are. To avoid delays – and more importantly, to confirm it's safe for you to fly – get written permission to fly from your doctor or midwife. The letter should confirm your due date and state that you have been examined and are not likely to go into labour in the next 72 hours.
Travel policies vary with each airline, so ask about restrictions when you book your flight. Don't forget to take into account how far along you'll be on the return trip, too. In addition, you should not fly in small planes that don't have pressurised cabins.
Of course, airline policies aren't the only restrictions you should consider. It never takes long to get uncomfortable in an aeroplane seat, and it takes even less time when you're pregnant. Be realistic about the possibility of a medical emergency, too. Do you really want to risk having early contractions during a safari in the middle of the African savannah? Whenever possible, you should avoid travelling to places where emergency services are not readily available.
Flying during pregnancy can slightly increase your risk of thrombosis (blood clots) and varicose veins. Wearing support stockings (not tights, which increase your risk of developing thrush) when you fly will help keep your circulation flowing and relieve swollen veins. It's also possible to buy knee-high socks which are specially designed for flying. For maximum protection, put the stockings or socks on before you get out of bed in the morning and keep them on all day.
You may also have heard that exposure to natural atmospheric radiation while flying can increase the risk of miscarriage or abnormalities in unborn babies. Pregnant flight attendants and business travellers who fly hundreds of times a year may have a slightly higher risk of both. However, be assured that if you only fly a few times a year the risk is negligible.
- spotting
- diabetes
- high blood pressure
- a previous early birth
If you're carrying one baby and you've had an uncomplicated pregnancy then you can fly up to 36 weeks of pregnancy. However, airlines are sometimes unwilling to carry women who are more than 28 weeks pregnant because of the risk of premature labour.
Ticket agents won't ask if you're pregnant when you book a seat, but you could be questioned about your due date at the gate. In fact, an airline can bar you from travel if they are worried about how far along in your pregnancy you are. To avoid delays – and more importantly, to confirm it's safe for you to fly – get written permission to fly from your doctor or midwife. The letter should confirm your due date and state that you have been examined and are not likely to go into labour in the next 72 hours.
Travel policies vary with each airline, so ask about restrictions when you book your flight. Don't forget to take into account how far along you'll be on the return trip, too. In addition, you should not fly in small planes that don't have pressurised cabins.
Of course, airline policies aren't the only restrictions you should consider. It never takes long to get uncomfortable in an aeroplane seat, and it takes even less time when you're pregnant. Be realistic about the possibility of a medical emergency, too. Do you really want to risk having early contractions during a safari in the middle of the African savannah? Whenever possible, you should avoid travelling to places where emergency services are not readily available.
Flying during pregnancy can slightly increase your risk of thrombosis (blood clots) and varicose veins. Wearing support stockings (not tights, which increase your risk of developing thrush) when you fly will help keep your circulation flowing and relieve swollen veins. It's also possible to buy knee-high socks which are specially designed for flying. For maximum protection, put the stockings or socks on before you get out of bed in the morning and keep them on all day.
You may also have heard that exposure to natural atmospheric radiation while flying can increase the risk of miscarriage or abnormalities in unborn babies. Pregnant flight attendants and business travellers who fly hundreds of times a year may have a slightly higher risk of both. However, be assured that if you only fly a few times a year the risk is negligible.
References
This article was written using the following sources:ACOG. 2009. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. No. 443: Air Travel During Pregnancy. Obstetrics and Gynecology 114(4):954-955
Barish RJ. 2004. In-flight radiation exposure during pregnancy. Obstetrics and Gynecology 103(6):1326-1330. ww.acog.org
RGCG. 2008. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Air travel and pregnancy. Scientific Advisory Committee Opinion Paper 1. www.rcog.org.uk
Kingman CEC, Economides DL. 2002. Air travel in pregnancy. The Obstetrician and Gynaecologist 4:188-192. onlinetog.org
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Reader comments about this page
No worries - 3 Aug, 2012
Did a return flight from Australia to Japan (10 hours one way) and a return flight Australia Thailand (also 10 h one way) during my first trimester and I did not experience problems. Just make sure you are wearing Support sockings (very important) and force yourself to drink a lot of water. You can also mention when getting your boarding pass that you are pregnant and get a roomier seat. Bon voyage!Not happy with this comment? Let us know
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