So you’re pregnant and wondering if you can still hop on a plane for that beach vacation or important work trip? Good news! Most medical experts and sites agree that flying during pregnancy is generally safe for women with uncomplicated pregnancies. Here are the straight facts about taking to the skies while you’re expecting.
The Real Deal on Flying While Pregnant
Most healthy pregnant women can absolutely fly. Here’s what you need to know:
- The sweet spot for flying is during your second trimester (14-28 weeks). Thankfully, this is when you’re probably feeling less like garbage (or at least less like you need to vomit every 5 minutes)
- Most airlines won’t let you travel past 36 weeks for singles and 32 weeks for twins, but that’s mostly because they’re scared you’re going to give birth on board and upset the drink service. “Ladies and gentlemen, we’ll be suspending our beverage service as someone’s having a baby in row 27.”
- If you’re past 28 weeks, many airlines want a doctor’s note basically saying “Yes, she’s pregnant, not about to pop, and good to go.” Check your specific airline’s policy before booking so you don’t get trapped in an awkward airport standoff.
Wait, But What About Radiation?
Some pregnant women worry about cosmic radiation exposure during flights. According to medical experts, the radiation from occasional air travel isn’t enough to harm your baby. We’re talking about minimal exposure here – like less than you’d get from a chest X-ray. Now, if you’re a pilot or flight attendant who’s constantly in the air, that’s a different story and worth discussing with your doctor. But for your typical vacation or business trip? Not worth losing sleep over.
International vs. Domestic Flights
Planning to jet off internationally? Keep in mind that different countries have different healthcare systems and insurance requirements. Some travel insurance policies have specific clauses about pregnancy, so read that fine print before booking your exotic babymoon. Also, check if there are any disease outbreaks or vaccine requirements at your destination – some vaccines aren’t recommended during pregnancy.
, suggests keeping your travel plans closer to home in your third trimester. Not because flying itself is dangerous, but because finding yourself in premature labor in a country where you don’t speak the language and your insurance doesn’t work is… suboptimal.
When Maybe You Shouldn’t Fly
Some situations where your doctor might give you the side-eye about flying:
- If you’ve had bleeding issues
- If you’re rocking high blood pressure or other health concerns
- If you’re carrying multiples
- If you’ve got a history of early labor
- If you have placental issues
- If you have severe anemia (low iron can make you more susceptible to fatigue and fainting)
- If you’ve been diagnosed with preeclampsia
Just check with your doctor before booking that ticket – they know your situation best.
Making Your Flight Less Miserable
- The only thing worth mentioning is to be sure to wear your seatbelt on the flight even if you’re pregnant. I’ll get into the seatbelt thing in seatbelts (go figure). Just make sure it goes BELOW your belly, across your hips.
- It’s also worthwhile getting up to walk around on a flight to reduce swelling and the chance of blood clots – even better try compression socks. Frankly, we should all be wearing them, pregnant or not.
- Stay hydrated. Airplane air is dry AF, and dehydration will bring on all kinds of unpleasantness like dizziness and headaches. (Of course this means peeing more often – sorry.)
- Try to look as pathetic and sweaty as possible both at check-in and boarding – you may be able to score a bulkhead seat or free sundae on the flight. This might be your only chance to get preferential treatment before the baby comes and you’re just another frazzled parent traveling with a screaming infant.
Pack Like A Pro
The NHS and other health authorities recommend bringing a copy of your medical records and information about your blood type when traveling while pregnant, just in case. Also, don’t forget to pack:
- Any prenatal vitamins or medications you’re taking
- Extra snacks (I mean, c’mon)
- A water bottle you can refill after security
- Your doctor’s contact information
- Details about healthcare facilities at your destination
The Deep Vein Thrombosis Thing
DVT (blood clots) is a risk for everyone on long flights, but pregnancy increases that risk. Hopkins Medicine points out that your blood clots more easily when you’re pregnant. To reduce your risk:
- Those compression socks I mentioned? Not just a fashion statement. They actually help prevent blood from pooling in your legs.
- Try to get up and walk the aisle at least once every hour or two.
- If you can’t get up, do some seated exercises (ankle circles, calf raises, foot pumps
- Stay extra hydrated (yes, more bathroom trips, but better than a blood clot).
The Bottom Line
Don’t let pregnancy automatically ground your travel plans. For most expecting moms, flying is perfectly safe until those final few weeks. Just do your homework on airline policies, have a chat with your doctor about your specific situation.
With a little planning and the right precautions, you can enjoy one last adventure before your little co-pilot arrives.
Also check out: Zika Virus & Pregnancy: When Aren’t Mosquitoes A-holes?
Helpful citations:
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/air-travel-during-pregnancy/faq-20058087
- https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/travelling-pregnant
- https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/travelling/
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/traveling-while-pregnant-or-breastfeeding
- https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/flying-pregnancy.html
- https://www.medparkhospital.com/en-US/lifestyles/can-you-fly-when-pregnant-is-it-safe
- https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/advice/general-travel-health-advice/pregnant-travellers
- https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=hw194989
- https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/travel-during-pregnancy
- https://www.united.com/en/ca/fly/travel/accessibility-and-assistance/pregnancy