Flying why pregnant

When is flying while pregnant not safe? There are some situations when it's not safe to fly while you're pregnant, including if you: are having signs of a possible miscarriage , such as cramping, pain, or bleeding have cervical insufficiency an incompetent cervix have preeclampsia have vaginal bleeding are under observation for preterm labor have premature rupture of membranes PROM , which means you're leaking amniotic fluid or your water has broken but you're not yet in labor Your healthcare provider may also recommend you not fly if you: are carrying twins or higher multiples after 28 weeks have intrauterine growth restriction have a history of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy have placenta previa or another placental abnormality have any chronic medical condition, such as diabetes or high blood pressure have a history of blood clots have any other conditions that put your pregnancy at extra risk How late in pregnancy can you fly?

Tips for flying when pregnant These tips will help you and your baby stay safe and comfortable on your next flight: For the smoothest ride, request a seat in the middle of the plane over the wing. This is the area where you're least likely to get airsick too.

For more legroom, try to get a seat in the bulkhead or pay for an upgrade. Stretch your legs and flex your feet as often as possible to minimize swelling. Choose an aisle seat so you can get up easily to go to the bathroom or walk around and stretch — which you should do at least once an hour every half hour is even better. Pregnant women who sit still for long periods have a higher risk of developing deep vein thrombosis. Wearing compression socks can also help you avoid clots because they keep the blood moving in your legs.

Wear comfortable shoes, as your feet may become swollen when flying. Opt for loose clothing to stay as comfortable as possible too. Drink lots of fluids especially water to avoid the dehydrating effects of dry cabin air. Go to the bathroom frequently, especially before the plane begins its descent. You don't want to be stuck in your seat with a full bladder during the time it takes to land and taxi to the gate. If you're prone to nausea, ask your healthcare provider if you can take prescription anti-nausea medication.

Be sure to pack some healthy snacks and a bottle of water in case you have any unexpected delays on the ground or in the air. Sources BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. Featured video. Is airplane cabin pressure safe during pregnancy? Traveling while pregnant: Your complete guide.

Your Life. Read terms. Reaffirmed Pregnant women can fly safely, observing the same precautions for air travel as the general population. Because severe air turbulence cannot be predicted and the subsequent risk for trauma is significant should this occur, pregnant women should be instructed to use their seat belts continuously while seated.

Despite a lack of evidence associating lower extremity edema and venous thrombotic events with air travel during pregnancy, certain preventive measures can be used to minimize these risks, including use of support stockings and periodic movement of the lower extremities, avoidance of restrictive clothing, occasional ambulation, and maintenance of adequate hydration.

For most air travelers, the risks to the fetus from exposure to cosmic radiation are negligible. However, aircrew or frequent flyers may exceed these limits. The Federal Aviation Administration and the International Commission on Radiological Protection consider aircrew to be occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation and recommend that they be informed about radiation exposure and health risks. Occasional air travel during pregnancy is generally safe.

Recent cohort studies suggest no increase in adverse pregnancy outcomes for occasional air travelers 1 2. Most commercial airlines allow pregnant women to fly up to 36 weeks of gestation. Some restrict pregnant women from international flights earlier in gestation and some require documentation of gestational age.

For specific airline requirements, women should check with the individual carrier. Civilian and military aircrew members who become pregnant should check with their specific agencies for regulations or restrictions to their flying duties. Air travel is not recommended at any time during pregnancy for women who have medical or obstetric conditions that may be exacerbated by flight or that could require emergency care.

The duration of the flight also should be considered when planning travel. Pregnant women should be informed that the most common obstetric emergencies occur in the first and third trimesters. In-craft environmental conditions, such as changes in cabin pressure and low humidity, coupled with the physiologic changes of pregnancy, do result in adaptations, including increased heart rate and blood pressure, and a significant decrease in aerobic capacity 3 4. The risks associated with long hours of air travel immobilization and low cabin humidity, such as lower extremity edema and venous thrombotic events, recently have been the focus of attention for all air travelers.

Despite a lack of evidence associating these events with air travel during pregnancy, certain preventive measures can be used to minimize these risks, including use of support stockings and periodic movement of the lower extremities, avoidance of restrictive clothing, occasional ambulation, and maintenance of adequate hydration. Because severe air turbulence cannot be predicted and the subsequent risk for trauma is significant should this occur, pregnant women should be instructed to use their seatbelts continuously while seated.

Check with the embassy or consulate before you travel. Flying during pregnancy can slightly increase your risk of developing DVT deep vein thrombosis. This is because the level of blood-clotting proteins increases during pregnancy, while anticlotting protein levels decrease. During the flight drink plenty of water, walk when you can and try to elevate your legs where practical. Some airlines will not allow an infant to travel in the first 48 hours and some require medical clearance for babies under 7 days old, again policies vary between airlines so it is important you know the policy of the airline you are travelling with if you are intending to travel with your newborn.

It is important to wear a seatbelt while travelling in a car during pregnancy. A three point seatbelt should be worn throughout pregnancy with the lap strap placed as low as possible beneath the pregnancy bump and lying across the thighs.

The diagonal shoulder strap should be above the bump and lying in-between the breasts.