Most doctors believe it’s safe for healthy pregnant women to fly on commercial airlines, but caution against frequent flying due to low levels of radiation exposure. Precautions should be taken, such as using compression stockings and staying hydrated. Pregnant women with pre-existing medical conditions or complicated pregnancies should consult a doctor before flying.
Many wonder if it is safe for pregnant women to travel by plane. When it comes to commercial airlines, and not rockets, paragliding or bungee jumping, most doctors believe it is safe for healthy pregnant women to fly under most circumstances. There are some contraindications to flying during pregnancy and some airlines may not allow it after the 36th week of pregnancy unless you have a note from a doctor authorizing you to fly.
It is also true that it may not be safe for pregnant women to travel by plane frequently. During the flight, you are exposed to low levels of radiation. Constant exposure, if you’re a flight attendant or pilot, can make flying too regularly dangerous, as radiation, even at low levels, can affect fetal development. Airlines often have rules to protect their employees from keeping their regular jobs if they become pregnant. This may not be the case if you work in a workplace, not an airline, where you have to travel by plane frequently. If your job or lifestyle requires frequent travel, the potential impacts on pregnancy and fetal health may need to be discussed.
Most medical experts suggest that it is safe for pregnant women to fly during the first two trimesters, but recommend not flying during the third trimester unless absolutely necessary. Precautions during the first trimester may have more to do with physical comfort than anything else. Provided a woman is healthy and the pregnancy is proceeding normally, air travel is usually fine, but it can worsen early pregnancy symptoms such as morning sickness and nasal congestion. There is also some concern about the rate of catching viruses or infections on crowded planes, especially on long flights. Because some viruses can put you and your baby at risk, especially during the first three months, you may want to save on travel for the second trimester.
You can also make it safer for pregnant women to travel by air by observing a few precautions. Though rare, occasionally air travel causes blood to clot in the legs, which can lead to an embolism or stroke. To avoid this risk, use compression stockings and get up every half hour to walk, restoring good blood circulation in your legs. It is also advisable to drink plenty of water on long journeys, as flying can dehydrate the body.
Sometimes, it’s not safe for a pregnant woman to travel by air, particularly if she has a pre-existing medical condition or a complicated pregnancy. If you have prenatal diabetes, uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart problems of any kind, placenta problems, or any other condition that makes your pregnancy at high risk, you should consult a doctor before planning your trip. Women at risk of miscarriage or stillbirth may also be told to avoid flying, and women carrying a baby with serious medical conditions may be asked not to fly in the third trimester to avoid the potential problems early labor could pose. .
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