First things first:
Flying when you are pregnant will run no harm to your unborn baby and there is no scientific evidence that traveling while pregnant will increase the risk of miscarriage, birth defects or premature birth the airline shares.
Pre-travel advice and immunisation
Depending on your destination, you should enquire about any vaccinations and malaria prevention treatments. It’s important to be well informed because vaccines or treatments might be different if you are pregnant. There are rare cases that travelling to some countries could be discouraged because of the disease risk factors. Pregnant women or women who want to get pregnant should also avoid travelling to countries with outbreaks of Zika, a mosquito borne virus spread through mosquito bites.
How far into your pregnancy can you fly?
Women at 32 weeks or more are recommended not to fly. KLM actually discourage flying – for you and your child – during the first week after birth too. Even if you are less than 32 weeks, it is always wise to consult with your doctor regarding any travelling.
If this is not your first pregnancy and you’ve experienced any complications you should get your doctor’s permission to fly. Additionally, it is recommended that you carry any pregnancy documentation with information about your due date and other relevant medical information needed.
Cosmic Radiation
Cosmic radiation is compared to the same exposure as that of an X-Ray.
X-ray radiation can are harmful to women who are pregnant because it affects the foetus. To be on the safe side it is recommended to avoid frequent air travel when pregnant.
Increased Risk of Thrombosis
Pregnancy on its own comes with some risks and there is a great risk of developing thrombosis. Flying is believed to increase this risk. Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) can be life-threatening disorder, in which blood clots can form in the deep veins of the body. In an aircraft, the dehydration caused by the dry air may thicken your blood. The static position of sitting in a confined space for a long period can cause blood to collect in your legs.
There are a few things you can do to prevent or reduce the risk of thrombosis:
- During long flights, walk around the cabin every 15 to 30 minutes, if possible
- Do some simple stretching exercises while you are seated
- Only sleep for short periods – up to 30 minutes at a time
- Move around after every nap
- Drink plenty of water
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine
- Wear compression socks
A little extra preparation and advice can really help you because let’s face it, you might need this break before baby arrives.
