Flying when pregnant

Air travel is perfectly safe in pregnancies and most airlines will allow you to fly through your eighth month assuming you’re not high-risk – any later than this and you may need written permission from your OB-GYN or nurse-midwife.

When you book your ticket, check airline policy with your travel agent or check the airline website to find out – and factor in your return date too, to ensure it falls within the time you’ll be permitted to fly.

It may seem unlikely, but a quick trawl of the internet reveals an abundance of news stories about women giving birth mid-flight! Of course, some of these incidents are genuine premature arrivals, but it is prudent to assess how necessary your flight is in late pregnancy. See how quickly your birth plan will fly out the window when your waters break at 30,000 feet!

Experts agree that the best time to fly is during the second trimester, when you’re over the niggles of early pregnancy and the size of your bump and the risk of premature labor aren’t yet issues.

If you are fit to fly and have checked out the airline policy regarding pregnant women and flights, you need to think about how to make the flight a pleasant one. It goes without saying that the longer the flight, the more potentially uncomfortable you could be, so again, if it’s just a vacation maybe now isn’t the best time to fly to Europe! The air circulating around airline cabins is notoriously unhealthy – it’s one of the easiest ways to pick up a virus. Avoid colds by making sure you’re in tiptop condition before you leave and stock up your body’s supply of vitamin C.

One of the most crucial things to do on a long flight is to keep hydrated, so drink lots of water. If you’re flying long haul, it’ll help fight jetlag and stop your skin feeling like a sandpaper once you’ve landed.

Keep in mind you’ll need the bathroom more often than usual with a baby on board, so ask for an aisle seat when you check in. Getting comfortable can be difficult with a bump in front, so ensure you get up as regularly as you can to give yourself a little exercise and loosen those limbs. When sitting, circle your ankles to boost blood circulation in your legs. If you’re worried about motion sickness, ask your caregiver or pharmacist to recommend a treatment.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.

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