There are many reasons a pregnant woman may want to travel by plane during her pregnancies: business, vacation, family visits, holidays, emergencies and more.It is important to know the ins and outs of airline travel when you are pregnant to make sure you and your unborn babies are safe.Many airlines restrict the travel of pregnant women by plane after a certain time in the pregnancy, and they must be prepared for a wide variety of challenges from the airlines and their own bodies.Plane travel during pregnant women is not easy, but with proper preparation, it can go very smoothly.
Step 1: You can consult an OB/GYN, a physician or healthcare provider for individual recommendations about airline travel during pregnancy.
Many healthcare professionals allow pregnant women to fly for the majority of their pregnancies if there are no known problems with the fetus.Women who have previously experienced a stillbirth, premature delivery, fetal loss, or other health risks may not be allowed to travel by plane for any reason, for fear that the current pregnancy is also high-risk.Many medical experts are cautious of endorsing travel by plane for women with high-risk pregnancies due to the fact that flying has an unknown effect on many other conditions.
Step 2: Inform the airline of your pregnancies.
Certain airlines will do what they can to assist pregnant women who need or want to fly, but only if they know about your particular circumstances.Before booking your ticket, be sure to ask what the airline will do for you.The airline should support you.If you have to, shop around to find an airline that helps pregnant women travel by plane.Some companies are more responsive to the needs of pregnant passengers than others.If the airline has received notification of the pregnancy, some immediately offer choice seating, wheelchair escort and other conveniences that are not offered to most passengers.When your airline treats pregnant passengers with care and respect, flying during pregnancy can be a pleasant experience.
Step 3: Discuss the airline's restrictions with them.
If the airline in question has restrictions on how far along a pregnant woman is allowed to travel, you should ask.The closer a woman is to the expected delivery date, the less likely an airline will allow travel without the written consent of a physician or midwife.This is not only to limit their own liability but also to ensure the safety and comfort of the woman and other passengers.Most airlines don't allow travel after 36 weeks.Trans-national and trans-oceanic flights may make traveling when pregnant more difficult, as some airlines require a note from a physician or midwife any time after the 28th week of pregnancy indicating that there are no problems with the fetus.
Step 4: Tell the airline and doctor what you know.
If you want to travel while you're pregnant, make sure you give your doctor and airline accurate information about your condition.If you have had any physical problems during your pregnancy, such as excessive nausea, you should tell your doctor.This is the only way your doctor can tell if you are fit to fly.When giving the airline a timetable for your unborn child, be precise.Estimating how far along you are could have harmful effects on your health and the health of your unborn baby.
Step 5: Request additional courtesies of the airline staff.
Let the airline staff know that you're pregnant.When selecting a seat on the flight, this may help.Inform the airline staff that you are pregnant and request a seat.An aisle seat near the restroom may be convenient for frequent trips to the toilet, while a seat in the back of the plane may have more personal space.Wheelchair delivery and pick-up can be requested by women who have difficulty standing for long periods or walking a long distance through the airport.Requests for blankets and pillows can be made.
Step 6: Don't use heavy lifting.
If you are pregnant, you should avoid strenuous activity, so don't hesitate to request assistance loading or unloading a bag.
Step 7: Stay hydrated
Many flight attendants will serve additional beverages or snacks to customers who request it.On long flights, stewards and stewardesses can give certain luxuries to pregnant customers, such as hot towels, eye masks, and more.
Step 8: It's important to plan for comfort.
Pack the essentials during a flight.A neck pillow, empty water bottle, heat pack, and healthy snacks can make travel more pleasant.Air travel can cause dehydration if you don't drink plenty of water, so fill up after security or request water once seated.Women who are traveling early in their pregnancies need crackers and other snacks.
Step 9: Small exercises can be performed during the flight.
It is important to keep blood flowing during a flight.Deep vein thrombosis is one of the biggest risks of flying while pregnant.It is possible to minimize this risk by moving around and stretching your calves.Roll your wrists and ankles in circles.Leg lifts, back stretches, and short walks are done occasionally.If there is no turbulence, take care to maintain balance by holding onto the seatbacks or overhead bins.
Step 10: A supportive hosiery is worn.
Leg circulation can be aided by support hosiery when standing in line or sitting on the plane.