Pregnancy can be a great time to enjoy a last romantic break as a couple before baby arrives. Whether it’s a holiday booked before receiving your happy news, or squeezing in a ‘babymoon’. However, lots of women are worried about flying during pregnancy.
What are the recommended guidelines for flying when pregnant?
As long as your pregnancy is progressing without complications, flying shouldn’t harm you or your baby. Evidence suggests that in a healthy pregnancy, any changes in air pressure or humidity shouldn’t cause any problems or trigger miscarriage, pre-term labour or the early rupture of your waters.
Is radiation an issue? It is true that each and every person who flies is exposed to a very slight increase in radiation. But this is not thought to be a risk if you only fly occasionally.
When should I fly?
Up to week 36 (week 32 for twins) is now believed to be the safest time to fly. Because after this stage, you could theoretically go into labour at any moment, which could be a little challenging thousands of feet in the air! And if you’re pregnant with twins, the increased risks of early labour mean that you can only fly before 32 weeks. But don’t just take my medical advice. Please check the individual rules of your airline and your travel insurer before booking flights.
Some women avoid travelling in the first trimester because they feel sick and tired. However, many people who are already committed to holidays when they find out they’re pregnant continue with no problems. It’s about choosing what’s best for you and not over-doing things.
Remember, the final months of pregnancy are exhausting and uncomfortable, even without adding travel into the mix. So, sometime in mid-pregnancy, between thirteen weeks and six months, may be the sweet spot for a trip away.
Will I experience any problems or panics when flying?
You may find travelling a little more uncomfortable than usual. The side-effects of pregnancy combined with the side-effects of flying mean that you may notice:
- Swelling of your feet and ankles due to fluid retention
- A stuffy nose and difficulty ‘popping’ your ears and equilibrating the pressure
- Sickness (motion during the flight can make pregnancy nausea worse)
- Pregnancy increases the risk of developing a DVT (deep vein thrombosis). That risk increases when you fly, especially if it’s long haul. A DVT is a blood clot that develops in the deep veins of your leg or pelvis. There is a danger of bits breaking off and travelling to your lungs (a condition known as a pulmonary embolism), which could put your life in danger.
How can I help myself fly safely and comfortably?
Thankfuly, there is a lot you can do to stay safe and comfortable as you take to the skies:
- Wear loose clothing and comfortable shoes.
- Wear your seatbelt below your bump, and ask for an extension strap if it feels too tight.
- Sip plenty of water and pack healthy snacks to stave off hunger and nausea.
- Get up and walk around as much as you can and do stretches and ankle rotations in your seat.
- Reserve your seat in advance to guarantee extra legroom or an aisle seat.
- Longer flights of more than five hours can increase your risk of developing clots in the deep veins of your legs and pelvis (DVT). Protect yourself by drinking plenty of water, moving regularly and wearing compression stockings to prevent swelling and keep your blood moving.
When should I not fly during pregnancy?
Certain medical conditions or complications could mean that flying could put you or baby at risk. You will be advised not to fly if you:
• Are at risk of early labour
• Have severe anaemia
• Have had recent episodes of significant vaginal bleeding
• Suffer from serious medical problems such as heart and lung disease, or have sickle cell anaemia and have recently had a crisis
How do I travel safely whilst pregnant?
Wherever you decide to go, find out what the medical care options are and ensure that you have good insurance. Read the small print to ensure that medical care during labour, premature birth and changing flights because of problems are properly covered.
If you’re travelling within Europe, it’s also a good idea to take a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). Giving you the right to discounted rates in twenty- eight countries.
Take your handheld maternity notes, too. So, if you need medical help the doctors have the relevant information. But keep them in your hand luggage. As you don’t want them getting lost if your hold luggage goes astray.
Should I choose my destination carefully when pregnant?
If you live in the UK, British or European breaks are preferable during pregnancy. The travel times are shorter, so no uncomfortable lengthy flights. Try to stay close to good healthcare. Isolated lodges in the middle of nowhere with no good transport links may be romantic, but how will you get medical attention if you need it?
It’s better to stay away from areas where you need vaccinations or disease prevention. Places where there is a risk of mosquito-borne diseases, like malaria, dengue fever or zika should be avoided, if possible. If there’s no option, see your doctor or a travel health expert before you leave. They can advise on protection, precautions and which vaccinations are safe during pregnancy.
Is it safe to have vaccinations when pregnant?
A number of vaccines are not safe in pregnancy. Particularly those that contain live bacteria or viruses. For specific advice, you should see your GP, midwife or a travel health expert.
How can I protect against Infection when pregnant?
Take extra care if you do travel to exotic or far-flung destinations. There are many mosquito-carried infections that can affect your health and your developing baby. Including the zika virus, malaria, dengue fever and chi-kungunya
Protect yourself against bites by covering up, avoiding watery areas at dusk and using mosquito nets and wire-screens. Mosquitoes are repelled by some strong natural scents like citronella, peppermint and eucalyptus, so burn a candle or warm a little in a bowl.
The government says that insect repellents containing up to 50% DEET are effective and safe for pregnant women.
Any foods to avoid? Sampling local food can be a holiday highlight, but try to avoid foods that could cause stomach upsets and travellers’ diarrhoea. Anyone pregnant should avoid seafood. You should also take care to drink bottled water, avoid ice and be cautious with salads and raw veggies which may have been washed in tap water.
What should I take with me when travelling pregnant?
It’s important to be prepared for any eventuality when travelling whilst pregnant. Don’t forget to pack:
- Your hand-held pregnancy notes
- Any medication you need
- Insurance documents and an UK GHIC card for Europe
- A letter from your doctor or midwife confirming that you are healthy and well, and the details of your due date if you’re over 28 weeks
But most of all, remember to have plenty of rest and relaxation, as well as plenty of fun!
This article is an adapted version of a chapter from Dr Duncan's new book, Anything Pregnancy. If you've enjoyed reading it, the full book is available to purchase on Amazon.