Are you considering flying when pregnant? Experts advise that after the 36th week of pregnancy, it’s considered unsafe to fly. And many airlines have strict rules in place in this regard. However, before then, there’s no reason why you can’t take a trip on an airplane. Of course, there are things to consider when you plan to be flying when pregnant – and in this blog we’ll cover 5 key pieces of advice for this exact situation!
Being pregnant can be a rollercoaster – both physically and emotionally. You’ve heard stories from friends and family; you’ve read the books and the blogs; but ultimately, pregnancy is an experience that you won’t be able to predict. So, because flying when pregnant is not like “normal” travel – you need to prepare appropriately and arm yourself with knowledge before you do it! From the changes happening to your body, it’s important to check week by week pregnancy symptoms, to understanding the potential risks and precautions associated with air travel during pregnancy, being well-informed is key.
So, let’s dive into the essential information you need to know before taking flight while expecting.
disclosure: this is a partnered post
#1: Trust Your Own Instincts
There’s so much advice out there – this blog included! – about pregnancy. What you should do, what you shouldn’t do, what’s bad, what’s good. This is often very helpful, but at the end of the day, your pregnancy is yours alone. Whatever you feel comfortable doing, or not doing, is what you should trust.
Some expectant mothers have no issue flying when pregnant, while for others, this can create a lot of anxiety. What if something happens on the plane? What if there’s an accident? These ‘what-ifs‘ can drive people crazy and be detrimental to their pregnancies.
That’s why you need to assess your pregnancy and unique situation individually. While others might feel fine traveling on an airplane while pregnant, you might not. While your best friend might not have wanted to fly while pregnant, you might feel fine with it. You should listen to your instinct, not other people’s judgements.
#2. Pack Nausea Treatments
Morning sickness and nausea is very common in pregnancy, and can cause all sorts of discomfort. When traveling on an airplane, it can also be common for people to feel sick, due to turbulence, nerves, claustrophobia or hating plane food!
Pregnancy tea and nausea medications can help immensely if you are flying when pregnant. Even if you haven’t had a particularly nauseous pregnancy it is a good idea to arm yourself with backup, just in case. There’s nothing worse than feeling sick and having nothing to combat it!
#3. Inform The Airline Of Your Pregnancy
Flying when pregnant requires more care from others, and this includes the airline you are traveling with. You’ll need to inform them of your pregnancy before you fly, so they can be prepared to accommodate you.
In addition, you may want to request extra legroom or book a business class seat for maximum comfort on the flight. Being pregnant can be uncomfortable to say the least, so having that little bit of extra stretch room can be very helpful.
#4: Avoid Long Haul Flights
While flying during pregnancy is usually not an issue, long haul flights can be more problematic, particularly in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Being on a flight that is longer than four hours can increase your chances of blood clots, which can be devastating for yours and your baby’s health.
If you do need to take a long flight, remember to do the following:
- Get up and walk around at least once per hour. This will help keep your circulation optimal during the flight.
- Wear circulation socks! These might not exactly be the sexiest items of clothing in the world, but circulation socks are vital for reducing your chances of a blood clot.
- Speak with your doctor beforehand. Your doctor can help prepare you or give you any other advice, medications, or warnings before taking a long flight during pregnancy.
#5: Get Health Insurance
It’s always a good idea to invest in health insurance for traveling to a foreign country, but if you are flying when pregnant, this is especially important. Having comprehensive health insurance means that if you experience any issues on the flight, or afterwards, you can immediately see a doctor wherever you are. Having access to healthcare is crucial for any pregnant person.
Ensure that the health insurance you buy covers prenatal care. If you’re unsure about this, make sure to ask your doctor what plan you should invest in before you travel.
If you are thinking of flying when pregnant, make sure to consider the tips and advise in this blog to help you prepare for your flight. You shouldn’t spend excess time and energy worrying – just take precautions and you will likely have a smooth flight!
