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Parentpedia
Air Travel
Some women get skittish about flying when they are pregnant, but the skies may be friendlier than you expect. According to the Mayo Clinic, commercial air travel offers "no special risks to a healthy pregnant woman or her fetus."
When to Fly
Keep in mind that your window to fly isn't all that wide. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the safest time for a pregnant woman to fly is in the second trimester.
Doctors typically tell women not to fly after 36 weeks, because of the chances they might go into labor while several miles in the air -- and several hours from a hospital. Your doctor might discourage you from flying in the first trimester because you're at greater risk for a miscarriage early on.
What to Look Out For
Decreased pressure
Decreased air pressure means both you and your baby will have slightly less oxygen in your blood, but your bodies will adjust by increasing heart rate and blood pressure.
Exposure to rays
You're more likely to get exposed to cosmic radiation at higher altitudes. However, the level of exposure is not considered a risk if you're a casual flyer. Pregnant women who fly constantly — pilots and flight attendants, businesswomen, or jet-set heiresses — might be exposed to levels above current recommendations and should discuss it with their doctor.
Bumpy air
The Mayo Clinic recommends women ask for an aisle seat or — better yet — a seat in the bulkhead or emergency exit row. These seats offer the most comfort to your expanded body and, if they're over the wing, generally give the smoothest ride. Fasten your seat belt under your abdomen in case of turbulence.
Circulation
Get up and walk every 30 minutes or so (seat-belt sign permitting), and do foot and leg exercises to prevent blood clots. Moving around and sitting in different positions will keep blood from collecting in your feet and legs.
Dehydration
Be sure you drink plenty of water in flight. Airlines decrease humidity in the cabin to avoid corrosion, which can make you more dehydrated.
Safety Note
- Women with severe anemia, sickle cell disease, a history of blood clots, or a condition called placental insufficiency should generally avoid flying.
- Avoid flying in unpressurized small planes higher than 10,000 ft.
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