We are all travelling more frequently and to further destinations than
even a decade ago. Much of this increase in travel is by air. Long-haul
flights and travel to exotic, but under-developed, destinations bring
with them important health considerations. Such travel while pregnant
needs special consideration. This article addresses some of the most
important issues to help you decide where, when and even if you should
fly.
Pregnancy is conveniently divided into "trimesters" or three-month periods of time. Each has its own particular issues.
First trimester (0-3 months)
The first few weeks of pregnancy tend to be a mixture of excitement and anxiousness. There is the excitement of the promise of a new child but also anxiety that sometimes things do not work out as hoped. The risk of miscarriage is approximately one in eight, mostly occurring in the first three months of pregnancy. Although flying does not increase that risk it has to be borne in mind when planning travel. It is wise to consider how you might cope should this happen while airborne or at your destination. The longer the flight and the more remote the destination the more you should consider this issue.
Sickness is not uncommon during the first few weeks of pregnancy. This too should be considered before travel for your comfort. Obviously if you have other medical conditions these should be discussed with your doctor.
Second trimester (3-6 months)
The middle three months of pregnancy are considered the safest months to fly. The risks of miscarriage have diminished and complications, such as premature labour, are low. If you have a medical condition or have had pregnancy complications you should discuss these with your doctor.
Third trimester (6-9 months)
From the seventh month of pregnancy onwards the physical burden of carrying the baby increases. The longer the pregnancy continues the higher the chance that labour will occur. For this reason most major airlines will not allow pregnant women to travel after 34 weeks1 (this includes the return flight!). This is because cabin crew are not trained to cope with obstetric emergencies.2 Between 28-36 weeks airlines may allow a woman to fly if she has a doctor's certificate showing that there are no complications and stating the expected delivery date. Complications that would prevent travel include carrying twins or a previous premature labour.
Specific problems associated with air flight during pregnancy
Blood clots: the risk of deep vein thrombosis rises in pregnancy. It is well known that thrombosis is linked to having to remain seated for extended periods of time; for example, as one does on long air journeys or other forms of travel.3 The risk of thrombosis can be reduced quite simply:
-- keep well hydrated - take a bottle of water on board with you
Pregnancy is conveniently divided into "trimesters" or three-month periods of time. Each has its own particular issues.
First trimester (0-3 months)
The first few weeks of pregnancy tend to be a mixture of excitement and anxiousness. There is the excitement of the promise of a new child but also anxiety that sometimes things do not work out as hoped. The risk of miscarriage is approximately one in eight, mostly occurring in the first three months of pregnancy. Although flying does not increase that risk it has to be borne in mind when planning travel. It is wise to consider how you might cope should this happen while airborne or at your destination. The longer the flight and the more remote the destination the more you should consider this issue.
Sickness is not uncommon during the first few weeks of pregnancy. This too should be considered before travel for your comfort. Obviously if you have other medical conditions these should be discussed with your doctor.
Second trimester (3-6 months)
The middle three months of pregnancy are considered the safest months to fly. The risks of miscarriage have diminished and complications, such as premature labour, are low. If you have a medical condition or have had pregnancy complications you should discuss these with your doctor.
Third trimester (6-9 months)
From the seventh month of pregnancy onwards the physical burden of carrying the baby increases. The longer the pregnancy continues the higher the chance that labour will occur. For this reason most major airlines will not allow pregnant women to travel after 34 weeks1 (this includes the return flight!). This is because cabin crew are not trained to cope with obstetric emergencies.2 Between 28-36 weeks airlines may allow a woman to fly if she has a doctor's certificate showing that there are no complications and stating the expected delivery date. Complications that would prevent travel include carrying twins or a previous premature labour.
Specific problems associated with air flight during pregnancy
Blood clots: the risk of deep vein thrombosis rises in pregnancy. It is well known that thrombosis is linked to having to remain seated for extended periods of time; for example, as one does on long air journeys or other forms of travel.3 The risk of thrombosis can be reduced quite simply:
-- keep well hydrated - take a bottle of water on board with you
2 comments:
I guess air travel during pregnancy is perfectly safe as long as it isn't close to due date. Best to get your doctor's blessing before you fly.
Thanks for the vital info. I believe all pregnant travelers should be armed with this knowledge.
Post a Comment