Medical expert of the article
New publications
Pregnancy and flight by plane
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Pregnancy and airplane flight is a real mystery for a modern business woman who is preparing to become a mother. So can you fly on a plane during pregnancy or have contraindications, and future mothers should be afraid of flights on the plane?
Travel is an integral part of human life. Hiking, riding horses and cars and finally conquering the air. But, unfortunately not all travel options are equally good for pregnant women. So, for example, pregnancy and flight on an airplane - this is the subject of lively discussions that have been going on since the time of man conquering the sky.
Pregnancy and flight to the plane - this is normal. Use of air transport services during pregnancy is allowed, but there are many precautions that can not be forgotten. Some airlines have introduced special rules for pregnant clients. So early flights do not require permission from the gynecologist, but flights in the last months of pregnancy are allowed only if there is a special certificate-permit.
Doctors have their own opinion regarding pregnancy and flight on an airplane and allocate a number of the following dangers that the expectant mother may be waiting for:
- Sharp pressure drops, fear of heights and nervousness during the flight - this all can cause miscarriage, premature birth or bleeding.
- The baby can be negatively affected by the fact that there is dry air in the airplane, and the temperature is raised, since that is the reason for the large loss of moisture. In addition, during flight, there is a shortage of oxygen in the air.
- There is a danger that during a flight to a pregnant woman, solar radiation, which is associated with a high altitude, can have a negative effect.
- Long and long flight on the plane adversely affects blood circulation, it can cause stagnation of blood in the legs, as a result - the development of thrombophlebitis and varicose veins.
Can I fly on an airplane during pregnancy?
Whether it is possible during pregnancy to fly by plane is a question that interests lovers of long-distance travel through the air. During the holiday it is very difficult to resist and not to fly to warmer lands, to the sea and to bask under the rays of the affectionate sun. And then you have to choose between the desired rest and a potential threat to the health of the future baby.
It is impossible to answer this question unequivocally. But all doctors converge in a single pregnancy and flight on an airplane - this is an additional burden on an already weakened organism. Loads during the flight can harm both mother and future baby. Let's look at a few tips for pregnant women, which are recommended when preparing for a flight.
- Before deciding to fly necessarily consult with your doctor, take a survey to know what condition the body is in. Do not forget about the certificate from the doctor, especially if you are on the last months of pregnancy, as some carriers do not allow pregnant women on board without a certificate.
- When buying a plane ticket, do not forget to state your position, as many companies have special rules for pregnant women. In advance, learn about all conditions of the carrier for pregnant women.
- For the flight, choose comfortable clothes that will not restrict your movements. Be sure to take the road inflatable pillow or roller, which can be put under your back for more comfort.
- If you use a safety belt, do not forget that two fingers should pass freely between the belt and the tummy.
Remember that pregnancy and flight on the plane do not have contraindications, but do not zealous with the flights. Since frequent flights are an additional burden on the body, which is not desirable for pregnant women.
Aircraft in early pregnancy
The aircraft in the early stages of pregnancy has a lot of disagreement. So, some doctors say that in the first trimester to fly on a plane is prohibited, since that is the period of hormonal changes in the body. During the flight in the early stages of pregnancy, fatigue increases, well-being worsens, plus a constant headache and nausea. And this all can cause a miscarriage.
Remember that a long exhausting flight will worsen the condition of the pregnant woman, cause sudden changes in temperature and pressure, and negatively affect the baby. But at the same time, there are no scientifically proven contraindications to flights for pregnant women.
Features of flight by plane on different terms of pregnancy:
- The first trimester - there are no special contraindications, but doctors frighten the interruption of pregnancy, that is, miscarriage. It is proved only the only complication when flying early in pregnancy is toxicosis.
- The second trimester is the most favorable time for flights. Doctors have no contraindications, there are no complications during the flight.
- Third trimester - flights at the end of pregnancy are not desirable. The body is in full swing preparing for the forthcoming birth, and pressure surges will cause complications.
[3]
Pregnancy and flight by plane
Pregnancy and flight by plane - today it is a reality for modern mothers. When deciding to fly by plane during pregnancy, special attention should be given to the choice of the carrier and the time of flight.
Pregnancy and flight on the aircraft has a number of features:
- Flight in the third trimester of pregnancy is strictly prohibited. Some carriers refuse to the pregnant women in the flight services, because they do not want to take responsibility.
- Many airlines do not sell tickets to pregnant women, until the future mother does not produce a certificate-permission from the gynecologist's attending physician.
- Flights are prohibited for complications and diseases, as they can cause a miscarriage.
If your gynecologist believes flight on an airplane can have a negative effect on your body and on the development of the baby, it is wise to think about changing the transport or refusing to travel. If you decide to fly, then remember that all the responsibility lies only on you.
Mom, who flew on the plane during pregnancy, give the following tips:
- No stressful situations - before the flight and during the flight you should be absolutely calm.
- Headaches - to prevent headaches during the flight, drink plenty of fluids. For these purposes, ordinary filtered water of room temperature is suitable.
- Correct position - in the plane try to sit next to the passage. Do not sit, the whole flight is in place, get up and walk around the cabin every half hour. This will prevent swelling of the legs and the development of varicose veins.
Pregnancy and travel by plane
Pregnancy and travel by plane are completely permissible, the main thing is to follow the rules that will prevent all sorts of complications. Before deciding to fly on an airplane, you should always go to the doctor for an examination. The doctor should make sure that the pregnancy is normal and the flight will not bring consequences for the baby. Do not forget to ask for a certificate that you are allowed to fly by plane, otherwise the airline may not sell you a ticket for the flight.
When planning a flight during pregnancy, pay special attention to the country for recreation. Refuse to travel to exotic countries, since such rest is associated with unsanitary conditions, infections and bacteria that are simply unacceptable in pregnancy. A safe trip to exotic countries involves mandatory vaccination, which is contraindicated during pregnancy. In addition, a sharp change of climate from the cold in the heat and vice versa will negatively affect your health.
Observe the rules for pregnancy and travel by plane:
- Refuse to travel to Africa, Asia, South America, as well as from recreation in the mountains.
- If you relax on the seashore or in a sunny country, then avoid direct sunlight, drink plenty of water, wear light clothing and a hat.
- Before buying airplane tickets, take care of insurance. Choose one that covers complications during pregnancy.
Influence of aircraft on pregnancy
The influence of the aircraft on pregnancy is not scientifically proven, but it is theoretically justified. There are several caveats that all future mothers should know before deciding to fly an airplane.
- Occurrence of thrombi
Lack of oxygen during flight causes a thickening of the blood and causes thrombosis of the veins. Therefore, when traveling, be sure to move, do not sit still. It's enough to stroll around the salon and change the pose so that your legs do not flow out. Do not forget about the drinking regime, drink as much water as possible. It helps to thin the blood.
- Lack of oxygen during flight
The aircraft fly at an altitude of 10,000 meters, and at this altitude the atmospheric pressure is too low. Therefore, to ensure that passengers during the flight feel good, the pressure is artificially leveled. As a result, the oxygen content in the cockpit is lower than on the ground.
The child gets access to oxygen through the placenta, and because of oxygen jumps, the baby may experience oxygen starvation. And this is a serious danger to the health of your baby.
- Cosmic radiation
The effect of the radiation belt of the earth, that is, cosmic radiation, depends entirely on the time in the path and the place of flight. The effect of cosmic radiation on the human body is not fully understood and is the cause of violent disputes. So, some experts believe that flights on an airplane in the early stages of pregnancy are harmless. Others, on the contrary, argue that the impact of the aircraft on pregnancy is very strong and can lead to disastrous results.
The effect of an airplane on pregnancy is compared with X-ray radiation. If you are afraid of doing a fluorography during pregnancy, as this can harm a child, the airplane also affects your baby.
Pregnancy and airplane flight are a matter that future parents should carefully examine before making a decision. Since no one is immune from accidents and potential harm to the baby.
Be healthy!