Flying during pregnancy – is it safe?

Flying during pregnancy – is it safe?

According to the recommendations of gynecological societies, it is safe to fly during pregnancy without complications. It is best to choose the time of the second trimester for travel, when the woman is not struggling with complaints related to the onset of pregnancy, and there is still some time before the birth. It is always best to ask the attending physician if there are any contraindications to air travel. Many people say that flying during pregnancy is safer than bus travel, which is much longer and carries the risk of thromboembolic complications. Pregnancy has not been shown to be affected by in-flight radiation. Seat belts on airplanes are also safe for pregnant women.

Rules for flying during pregnancy

If a pregnant woman is taking a long flight, her doctor may recommend wearing compression stockings for the duration of the flight and taking anticoagulant prophylaxis in the form of heparin. However, such decisions are made by a medical specialist, and taking medication on your own is prohibited.

On every trip, not only by plane, every expectant mother should take her pregnancy card, in which the results of the examinations and the medications taken are recorded. In this way, doctors outside the country of residence can check the progress of the pregnancy and, if necessary, make appropriate decisions about the diagnosis or possible treatment. In addition to the pregnancy card, it is advisable to carry a certificate from the attending physician stating that there are no contraindications to flying. Some carriers require this type of statement, especially for advanced pregnancies. This should include, but is not limited to:

• The calculated date of birth
• Confirmation of the normal course of the pregnancy to date
• Information about the absence of contraindications to the flight

After the 36th week, most airlines refuse to take the expectant mother on board because of the risk of imminent birth, which could begin during the flight.

Flying during pregnancy – risks

According to the available studies, flying during pregnancy does not increase the risk of miscarriage or premature birth. It also does not affect the premature leakage of amniotic fluid. However, because of the risk of turbulence, it is advisable to keep the seat belt fastened throughout the trip to avoid injury. For longer journeys, the pregnant woman should take a walk on board every hour or so. This reduces the risk of thromboembolic complications, which is higher on long flights.

Flying during pregnancy – contraindications

If complications arise during pregnancy and the woman is undergoing specialist treatment, it is better to postpone air travel until after pregnancy. Diseases such as hypertension could worsen during the flight. Similarly, multiple pregnancies are classified as high-risk pregnancies. If bleeding occurs during pregnancy and there is an increased risk of premature birth, the expectant mother should not fly. Premature placental abruption or fetal growth disturbances are also contraindications for air travel. This is related to the need for more frequent check-ups with the gynecologist or at the maternity hospital.

Air travel during pregnancy is safest when the pregnant woman firstly feels well, secondly has no fear of flying and thirdly the attending physician agrees.