Flying When Pregnant

Many pregnant women are concerned about their safety and about the safety of their child when flying. As a woman, you probably wonder whether there is risk or any complications that might occur to you or to the baby. This page will help you overcome your fear of flying while you're pregnant by giving you facts about flying when pregnant.

As a general rule, a woman who is having a normal pregnancy can fly any time she pleases. However, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommended that a woman not fly if she is beyond her 36th week of pregnancy.

Even then, not all pregnant women can fly on all airplanes. There are restrictions on flying by both the airline and the government department that regulates flight in your country or region. Some airlines do not let pregnant women who are a month prior to their due date fly. Others will let you fly if you are not less than a week before your due date.

If you are pregnant and are having complications it is recommended that you not fly. You shouldn't fly either if your pregnancy is considered "high risk". These complications include having the risk of a premature labor or if you have conditions such as high blood pressure, sickle cell, diabetes, or have placental abnormalities.

Your doctor or health care provider is the best person to contact if you have the complications above and are considering flying. If you really really have to fly, are pregnant and you have one or more of the conditions above, you may have to get a doctor's note to go aboard one of the planes.

If you're in your early days of pregnancy, you may suffer from increased morning sickness and a stuffed nose. You might want to take a few extra bags on the plane to throw up in in case you have to. Aside from this, flying during the early days of pregnancy is safe.

If you're going to be flying in the second trimester of your pregnancy you may be concerned about your blood circulation. Blood circulation concern is normal in any pregnancy and has nothing to do with the flight. However, you might want to wear clothing that isn't too tight and sit with your legs well relaxed without crossing them, to encourage blood flow around your body.

Always fasten your seat belt when you have to. This accounts for everyone and not just the mother-to-be. If you're flying in the late days of your pregnancy and you happen to have contractions always speak up and do not be bashful. The flight crew is very likely trained to handle such emergencies.

You might be afraid that airport metal detectors may be harmful to your baby but that's not true. Your baby is perfectly fine. Metal detectors are not like medical x-ray machines. If you're healthy and you're having a normal pregnancy, flying is safe for both you and your baby. But just for the best precautions, consult your health care provider and find out more information about your pregnancy and flying.