With the holiday season looming, it’s natural to wonder what you need to consider when you’re pregnant with an upcoming flight. Pregnant women often feel anxious about traveling due to hesitation fuelled by concerns that traveling, especially by air, might pose risks for both the mother and the baby.
So, what’s fact and what’s fiction? KLM Royal Dutch Airlines sheds light on four key aspects to consider when traveling during pregnancy:
Flying is safe
Flying while pregnant won’t harm your unborn baby. There’s no scientific evidence suggesting that traveling during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, birth defects, or premature birth, as shared by the airline.
Rest assured, the fetus is well protected from external changes like variations in air pressure and humidity within the aircraft cabin. Nonetheless, it’s beneficial to familiarize yourself with a few things before boarding your flight.
Clue yourself up about vaccinations
Before heading to your destination, it’s crucial to inquire about any necessary vaccinations or malaria prevention treatments. Being well-informed matters because vaccines or treatments might differ during pregnancy. In some instances, travel to certain countries might be discouraged due to disease risk factors. Pregnant women or those planning pregnancy should avoid areas experiencing Zika outbreaks, a virus transmitted through mosquito bites.
How late into pregnancy can you fly?
The recommendation is not to fly after reaching 32 weeks of pregnancy. KLM goes a step further by discouraging flying during the first week post-birth—for both you and your child’s safety. Even if you’re under 32 weeks, consulting with your doctor about travel plans is always wise.
For subsequent pregnancies or if you’ve had previous complications, seeking your doctor’s permission to fly is advisable. Carrying pregnancy-related documentation with due date and other pertinent medical details is also recommended.
Cosmic radiation concerns:
Cosmic radiation exposure during flight is comparable to that of an X-Ray. Since X-ray radiation can be harmful to pregnant women and affect the fetus, it’s prudent to minimise frequent air travel during pregnancy for safety.
Increased risk of thrombosis
Pregnancy inherently carries risks, including an elevated likelihood of developing thrombosis. Flying is believed to heighten this risk. Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potentially life-threatening condition where blood clots form in the body’s deep veins. The dry air in aircraft cabins can lead to dehydration, potentially thickening your blood. Prolonged periods of sitting in a confined space can cause blood to pool in your legs.
To prevent or minimize the risk of thrombosis:
- Walk around the cabin every 15 to 30 minutes during long flights if possible.
- Perform simple stretching exercises while seated.
- Limit sleeping to short periods—up to 30 minutes at a time.
- Move around after each nap.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine consumption.
- Consider wearing compression socks.
If you’re concerned about DVT during your flight, consult your doctor beforehand to discuss strategies for reducing the risk. With a little extra preparation and advice, you can ensure a more comfortable and safe journey before your baby arrives.
Once you’ve made necessary preparations, take a deep breath, and enjoy your flight!
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