Air Travel Guidelines Regarding Pregnancy

Today, seeing a pregnant woman traveling on an airplane is not at all a miraculous thing. For normal pregnancy, there are very few restrictions that the airlines impose and it further encourages a large number of pregnant women to opt for air travel.

But still there are certain precautions that a pregnant woman should always keep in mind prior to take a ride on an aircraft. 

Second Trimester –the Ideal Stage to Travel

According to most of the physicians, pregnancy travel should always be limited to the second trimester. This is because all the major risks like miscarriage usually get over by the end of the first trimester and hence it’s always safe to travel during the second one.

However, this does not mean that you can also travel during the third trimester. Most of the airlines don’t accept reservation of a pregnant woman who is in the third trimester and its chief reason is there is the possibility of delivering anytime. In fact, most of the women are also reluctant to go for an air travel in the third trimester due to various health issues.

Choose a Bulkhead Seat

Selecting a proper seat is also very important for a pregnant flyer. For a pregnant woman, it is always advisable to choose a bulkhead seat, located close to the lavatory. Besides this, there is the extra legroom, which will further allow her to sit comfortably.

Fasten the Seat Belt Properly

You should also keep in note of certain things while fastening your seat belt. Always fasten the seat belt either under your belly or across the thighs. To keep the blood circulation going, also move around inside the flight couple of times, especially if it’s a long-haul one.

Always Stay Hydrated  

For a pregnant woman, it is very important to stay hydrated and this will only be possible once you drink sufficient amount of water during the journey.

Seek Advice from Your Physician

Also consult with your physician before taking an airplane ride. Although, for normal pregnancy, there is no harm in air travel, but still to be on the safer side have a talk with your physician once before the journey.

Avoid Traveling to Countries that Require Immunization

And last but not the least, always try to avoid traveling to those countries where you might require special vaccination. Any kind of unnecessary medication can be harmful during pregnancy and hence it would always be advisable to avoid the same.