Flying during pregnancy?

Question

I know it is always said that it is perfectly safe to fly during pregnancy but I am a little uneasy about it, particularly as i'm at very early stage (only 7 weeks). It will only be a one hour flight, and I know it sounds crazy but I do think about the air pressure etc/how does it affect the developing baby as it certainly affects us doesn't it - even if its just for take off and landing? Anyone else had same worries?

Answer 1

eww just the thought of flying during my pregnancy makes me feel sick just generally becuase my travel sickness is bad enough with out a baby in there :(

Answer 2

hi my daughter asked the same question cos she is moving over to dubai in sept.she would have been 18 wks but unfortunatly she has recently misscarried at 14 wks.Anyway they advised her that 28 wks would be the safe zone to fly by and sometimes it depends on the airline.So i think you will be fine honey take care and all the best x

Answer 3

Well if you have to, then you have to. They say it's best to travel after your first trimester and not to far into your third just to be safe...

Answer 4

I was the same way. i flew at 6 weeks and everything was fine. the baby is well protected.  

Answer 5

They won't let you fly late on in pregnancy for their benefit- not yours.

It's incase you go into labour and there's no one to deliver the baby safely.

Flying has no physiological effect on the baby

Answer 6

You are safe to travel by plane from the beginning of your pregnancy all the way up until the end portion of your last trimester (usually 9th month - 36 weeks) and can manage what ever kind of trip(s) you want to do as long as you and your pregnancy are healthy and the pregnancy is progressing normally. As long as everything is fine, air travel does NOT increase the risk of miscarriage or pre-term labor, and poses no other risks to you or your child.

The pressure in the cabin of the plane is to make you comfortable. If the cabin was not pressurized, among other things, the most important is that you would not be able to breathe. The pressure will not cause any harm, pain, or discomfort to your baby.

It is the last four weeks (once you reach the 9th month - 36 weeks) that women are usually prohibited from flying. This is because after 36 weeks, a women can go into labor at any time, and the airplane is not made to handle such situations. For one, there is no guarantee that a doctor will be on board a plane, plus, should any complications arise during the labor and delivery, the plane does not have the medical equipment to handle such situations and it could put the health of the mother and child in danger.

You need to get a check-up from your doctor to make sure that you are in fit enough health, and that the pregnancy is healthy enough to allow for you to fly. Many airlines will require a medical certificate from your doctor dated 24-72 hours before the flight once you reach your third trimester (27 weeks). By the time you reach your eighth month (32 weeks) almost all airlines will require a doctors note.

All airlines make up their own rules and regulations regarding pregnant women. Some do not restrict travel at all, no matter what stage of pregnancy a women is in, and others start to restrict at 7 months, although the majority restrict around 36 weeks.

While traveling I advise you to keep your medical records, and the name and number of your doctor. You should also try to get the name and number of a doctor where you will be staying/visiting in case an emergency comes up.

To keep yourself safe and comfortable on the trip, follow these simple things:

*drink plenty of water

*avoid caffeine

*don't eat food that causes gas for at least one day before you travel (pressure builds up as you ascend through the altitudes and could cause pain)

*walk around as much as she can (up and down the aisles)

*stretch while sitting

*wear loose fitting clothing

*wear slip on shoes (your feet may swell)

*wear maternity support pantyhose or socks

*try to get an aisle seat or a front row seat for more leg room

*eat light foods

*eat small meals or snacks at frequent intervals rather than big heavy meals

*do not eat salt

*Wear your seat belt just under your abdomen (depending on how big you are, you can also ask for a seat belt extender - just be sure that that too goes under your abdomen)

*relax

I traveled internationally (14+ hours each way) this summer at the beginning of my 4th pregnancy (I'm currently at the end of my first trimester), and I flew last summer while pregnant. I left when I was 13 weeks and returned when I was around 30 weeks. I also did another short (3 hours each way) international trip (left at 32 weeks and returned at 34 weeks). My daughter was born 23 December and is perfectly healthy and happy. I have also traveled internationally at various stages with my first two pregnancies (my children are now 8&6 and are normal, happy, healthy, lovable kids).

I wrote an article about traveling while pregnant. It gives more in-depth information if you'd like to reference it: http://jamiehassen79.angelfire.com/pregn...

If I can be of any more help or assistance, please feel free to contact me.

Answer 7

I had exactly the same worries, I found out I was pregnant a week before my honeymoon, I would have been 7 weeks. It was a 6 hour flight! Everything is with the baby fine as far as I'm aware.

I'm sure you'll be fine.  

Answer 8

Hello, my wife and I flew from Edmonton to Puerto Vallarta when she was 9 weeks pregnant and she was just fine. I wouldn't worry, but if you feel sick you can use children's gravol for motion sickness. That is what her doctor recommended for her and it worked.  

Answer 9

I've flown early in pregnancy before, and this time I'll be 14 wks when I fly in October, and I can tell you it's not bad at all.  The only thing you might have a problem with is if you've been having morning sickness, you may get a little queezy, but since it's only an hour it'll go by super fast.  Also, the pressure really doesn't affect the baby when it's that tiny.  Things will equalize inside your body just fine, and at 7 wks your baby's ears haven't even developed yet so it's not like his/her ears will be popping!  Don't worry, and just be glad that it's only 1 hour.  My flight will be more like 3 1/2 with a layover.  With a hubby and two other kids.  Yuck.