Air Travel Safety Guidelines for Different Stages of Pregnancy

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG) consider air travel safe till the thirty-sixth week of a normal pregnancy. The ideal time that pregnant women could opt for air travel is in-between 18-24 weeks of gestation as the likelihood of miscarrying and preterm labor are comparatively lesser by that time. Hence, in case one has already booked an air ticket, there is no necessity to hustle around amending travel plans due to pregnancy. Here are several handy tips and crucial info about flying being permissible in which stages of pregnancy.

Air Travel Safety tips through all stages of pregnancy

Pregnant women shouldn’t be worried about passing through metal detectors placed in airports since they are not X-ray apparatus and pose no risk to maternal-fetal health. Furthermore, there is no true harm of risky exposure to electro-magnetic radiations from the sun’s rays when one flies at high elevations. The extent of exposure in these scenarios is not considerably more than regular day-to-day radiation exposure from the surroundings. In case a woman in her initial trimester of pregnancy who has been experiencing morning sickness opts for air travel then she might be especially prone to feeling nauseous when air-borne. Passageway or bulk-head seats could be requested when such women book their air-tickets since frequent urination would mean several loo trips.

Recommendation for staying mobile is pertinent to all air travellers and particularly so in all stages of pregnancy to prevent blood circulation problems from arising. It is advisable to do frequent stretches, taking walks all through the flight, walking about in the cabin, flexing feet and rolling the ankles when seated. Compression stockings are ideal for maintaining proper blood circulation in the leg region. Also comfy, loose fit clothes are best during air travel. Drinking plentiful water for maintaining hydration is also important even though it might translate to frequent loo breaks. According to the ACOG recommendation, expectant mothers must always fasten their seat belts when seated except when they are walking around or using the toilet. Although a woman might be having a smooth-sailing pregnancy yet it is always prudent to verify with one’s gynaecologist or physician if any pre-flying advice or caveats are to be followed. Once on the plane, if a pregnant woman feels sick or has contractions then notifying the flight crew instantaneously if some arrangement could be done for an urgent landing.

Scenarios when Air travel is moot

Women with high risk pregnancy or those with any form of complications must avoid flying in any stages of their pregnancy. Though air travel could be safe, however in case any problem crops up while one is miles off from any physician’s clinic or hospital could be a thought to ponder over. Expectant mothers with conditions like elevated blood pressure levels, heart problems, diabetic with unregulated blood glucose levels, placental irregularities, sickle cell anemia or at risk of pre-term delivery must steer clear from air travel.

Also, ACOG recommendation for women in their thirty-sixth week of gestation is to avoid air travel since there are strong chances of labor developing at the time of flying. In case a woman has to fly around her expected delivery date then ensuring to carry along relevant health-related documents along in case an unanticipated situation arises. Also, pregnant women should request their physician in getting a reference to a reliable medical service provider at the location they are landing. A number of flights have their guidelines in place regarding an expectant mother getting a consent-type letter from the physician-concerned for boarding a flight, hence ensuring that this is arranged prior to the day one plans to board the flight.

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