What you need to know about flying during pregnancy: 10 things

1. Get a doctor’s approval

It is generally safe for healthy pregnant women to travel up to 36 weeks, but most airlines require written permission from a doctor for 28 weeks or more. This rule came about to reduce the number of births and complications that occur in the air. Even if you are healthy, in the early stages, it is still worth getting your doctor’s approval. Just to be safe. For a specialist to confirm: your body can cope with the flight.

In addition, without a certificate, they may simply not be allowed on the plane, as happened with Glafira Tarkhanova when she was pregnant with her fourth child.

2. Give up long-distance flights

And from flying abroad at the same time. It is not always easy for a healthy person to endure long flights, and in position it can become a super task. In addition, if suddenly childbirth begins on the plane, you will not only be transported to an unknown hospital, but in the case of abroad you will also have to overcome the language barrier. And then solve the issues of citizenship, insurance, payment for medical services with a bunch of paperwork. It is unlikely that you will want to spend time and energy on this when you have a wonderful newborn baby in your arms.

3. Don’t go overboard with your luggage

Getting around the airport is never fun. Between check-in, search for a terminal, and boarding, you have to walk thousands of steps. If you are traveling without someone who can be assigned to carry luggage, then take only the essentials and light with you. Excessive stress when moving a heavy suitcase can harm both mom and baby.

4. Dress in layers

Everyone is very individual about the temperature on the plane. For some it may be cold, while for others, on the contrary, it may be hot. Or the temperature may fluctuate during the flight. When you first step on board, it can be warm – this is the adrenaline rush from moving around the airport. But then other factors start to influence, for example, the flight altitude or how well the blood circulates through the body, and it can get cold. Therefore, dress in layers to compensate for these changes. If necessary, you can take off or throw on something.

5. Choose a seat near the aisle

Yes, this is for extra money. But it’s worth it – with a big belly in the tiny space between the chairs, sitting is hellishly uncomfortable. Even better is to fly in business class, but, alas, not everyone has such an opportunity. Although international airlines sometimes give such a bonus to pregnant women, stewards transfer women to more comfortable seats. The aisle seat, by the way, has another significant bonus: you don’t have to disturb anyone to go to the toilet.

6. Watch out for hydration

Airplanes fly at high altitudes, where the air is lighter and drier, and dehydration occurs much faster. Therefore, it is important to feed yourself all the time. Drink often, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Dehydration is dangerous for everyone, but especially for pregnant women and children.

7. Walk around the cabin

Airplane space is filled with compressed air to help offset the effects of altitude. Although it makes breathing easier, it also affects the circulatory system: blood clots can form, which are life-threatening. Pregnancy makes a woman even more susceptible to blood clots. Therefore, walking around the cabin will help the blood flow somewhat maintain a normal routine.

8. Wear compression stockings

Compression stockings, socks, knee-highs or tights also help in preventing blood clots. Deep vein thrombosis develops when blood accumulates in the lower extremities and stagnates in the veins. Compression stockings make the blood flow back to the heart. Anyone can wear them, but they are especially useful for pregnant women.

9. Prepare for nausea

The best time to travel during pregnancy is after the first trimester, when morning sickness should have subsided. But turbulence also happens on board the aircraft, which can affect your condition. Nausea, of course, is not life-threatening (like turbulence, by the way), but unpleasant. In any case, if you are pregnant and decide to fly, you can most likely guarantee that you will feel a little sick. Drinking mint tea on board is a great way to help your body.

10. Keep it clean

Airports and airplanes are breeding grounds for germs. With so many people from different countries in one place, the likelihood of getting sick is very high. Therefore, take disinfectant wipes with you. Use them on an airplane to wipe down armrests and other parts that come in contact with. Try to avoid common, non-disposable items. Wipe down any utensils provided with meals.