Flying a pregnant woman on an airplane: rules, contraindications, timing

When a woman is pregnant, she must take care of herself, since the entire period of pregnancy is a very difficult and stressful condition. In this regard, representatives of the fair sex very often have a question: is it possible to fly on an airplane while pregnant?

Flying in the air itself is also a stressful state, ranging from physical to moral. Flying is quite dangerous. And women should know what risks exist in order to make a decision for themselves - should they fly? Among the biggest dangers for pregnant girls, the following are especially noted: pressure surges, lack of oxygen and thromboembolic complications.

A pregnant woman is very sensitive to various changes in the environment. Therefore, when an airplane takes off or lands, pressure problems may occur. Depending on her body, each girl tolerates the flight differently. In practice, it has long been proven that premature births occur on an airplane. And this is dangerous both for the child and for the woman in labor, not only because of pressure and stress, but also because of the lack of qualified assistance. In any case, before the flight, you should definitely consult a gynecologist, measure your cervix and undergo an ultrasound. In case of disapproving results or if a risk of giving birth on the plane is identified, the airline has the right to refuse the young lady to provide its services. Even if the deadline is already late, the girl should not fly. The same situation applies to multiple pregnancies.

All expectant mothers, when boarding a plane, should be aware that they may experience a lack of oxygen. And this also negatively affects the fetus. The woman begins to get nervous and worried, and the child begins to suffer from hypoxia. There is only one way to avoid this. You need to pull yourself together, throw everything bad out of your head, take a deep breath and relax. Some girls in difficult and stressful situations often develop a severe form of anemia. In this case, the flight is strictly prohibited.

Thrombosis is considered one of the mildest complications. During pregnancy, thromboembolic complications may occur during flights due to the need to constantly sit. A blood clot may form in the legs, leading to deep thrombosis in the veins. And in an uncomfortable seat on a multi-hour flight, everything only gets worse. There are several solutions to this problem. First, you can use compression stockings. They will make the flight easier. Secondly, you need to drink a lot of water, but regular water. And in no case with caffeine. Thirdly, in the absence of turbulence and air pockets during a calm flight, you can walk around the cabin a little. But this must be done extremely carefully.

Recent research by scientists has proven that flying has a negative effect on pregnancy, just like radiation. Flights should be infrequent. Cosmic radiation is not a fiction. Previously, the study of the effects of radiation in the air on humans was carried out exclusively at NASA to increase the protection of astronauts.

As long as a person lives anywhere at sea level, he is protected by a thick layer of atmosphere and annually receives a dose of radiation equal to 2 x-rays. It is safe. But in the sky, where airplanes fly quietly, this layer is greatly reduced, which, in turn, leads to an increase in radiation exposure. Back in the 90s, the US Federal Aviation Administration recognized the fact that an airplane pilot receives the same amount of radiation exposure per year as a person working in a place of high radiation. But this is not a reason for pregnant girls to panic and categorically refuse to fly. Researchers and scientists have proven that if you fly infrequently, there will be no risk to the fetus.

If we compare exposure in the sky and on the ground, we can confidently observe the following picture: during a seven-hour flight, a person is exposed to 2.5 times less radiation than when exposed to a chest X-ray. As for the fear of getting a dose of radiation when passing through metal detectors at the airport, you can generally calm down. Airport officials say the frame produces a very weak magnetic field.

What can frighten a pregnant woman during a flight?

Pressure changes. Premature birth

It is known that pregnant women are extremely sensitive to pressure changes, an inevitable phenomenon during a flight, especially noticeable during takeoff and landing. It is impossible to say with one hundred percent certainty how a woman will endure this. There is an opinion that a strong difference in atmospheric pressure can cause premature birth. However, there is no scientific evidence for it. Of course, premature birth is not uncommon, and it can happen on earth. But it is in the air that there will be no pediatric intensive care unit, a team of doctors and the ability to provide qualified assistance.

You can find out the risk of premature birth using an ultrasound, measuring the length of the cervix. Many airlines are introducing travel restrictions for women who have a high chance of experiencing the joys of motherhood right on the plane. These include late-term pregnant women, women with multiple pregnancies, and those with a history of preterm birth.

Lack of oxygen

During the flight, the oxygen concentration in the aircraft cabin decreases. This fact is also associated with a lot of anxiety among pregnant women, who immediately picture in their heads terrible pictures of oxygen starvation of the child in the womb. Swiss professor R. Huch is ready to calm them down. He conducted research, studied the effect of relative hypoxia on the body of healthy pregnant women and found no cause for concern: there were no deviations either in the gas composition of the mother’s blood or in the reactions of the fetus. So modern science generally believes that a slight decrease in blood oxygen saturation does not pose a danger to pregnant women. True, only healthy pregnant women were taken into account. Women suffering from anemia will suffer more severely from a lack of oxygen. Severe anemia is a direct contraindication to flying.

Blood stasis, venous disease and thromboembolic complications

The formation of thrombosis, that is, a blood clot in the veins of the legs, is perhaps the most serious danger that pregnant women expose themselves to while sitting still during long flights. Doctors grimly report that the risk of developing deep venous thrombosis in pregnant women is 5 times higher than the risk of developing it in non-pregnant women of approximately the same age.

Pregnancy itself is a risk factor for venous thromboembolism, and prolonged sitting in an economy class seat clearly does not improve the situation. Therefore, you need to follow simple recommendations: use compression stockings, drink water more often during the flight, give up caffeine-containing drinks, and leisurely walk around the aircraft cabin for at least 10 minutes per hour.

Possible exposure to radiation

Cosmic radiation is not a myth at all. True, it is mainly studied at institutes such as NASA due to the danger of radiation exposure for astronauts.

While we live somewhere near sea level, under a thick layer of atmosphere (it serves as a natural barrier to radiation), we annually receive a dose of radiation equal to two x-rays. It is considered safe.

However, at the altitude where modern aircraft fly, which do not aim to conquer space, the protective layer of the atmosphere is much lower than on the ground. Back in the early 90s, the US Federal Aviation Administration issued a paper admitting that aircraft pilots are exposed to almost the same amount of radiation per year as at facilities with increased radiation hazard.

And for those pregnant women who do not work as airline pilots, there is still no need to panic. Researchers believe that infrequent flights do not have a negative effect on the fetus. For example, during a transatlantic flight (which lasts at least 7 hours), a person is exposed to 2.5 times less radiation than during a chest x-ray.

As for radiation exposure, which is always scary to get when passing through metal detectors at the airport, there is no need to be nervous here at all. Airport employees claim that the frames' operation is based on only a weak magnetic field.

When is it better to cancel a flight?

It is not recommended to fly when:

multiple pregnancy;
preeclampsia;
severe toxicosis and gestosis;
uterine tone;
abnormalities of the placenta;
anemia;
risk of miscarriage and premature birth;
thrombophlebitis;
incorrect position of the baby in the second half of the third trimester.

Only a doctor can answer the question of whether flying is harmful for a pregnant woman. Don’t neglect going to see him before your flight, especially since there may be other contraindications. Eliminate them and travel with pleasure!

Pregnancy: When is the best time to fly?

The most favorable time for flying is the second trimester, from the 28th week of pregnancy. In the first trimester, there is a risk of miscarriage; the baby’s main organs have not yet formed, and the passenger will most likely be tormented by unpleasant symptoms of toxicosis. In the third trimester, there is a high risk of premature birth; in addition, due to the size of the belly, a pregnant woman may simply feel uncomfortable in a cramped airplane seat.

However, the main guide to making a decision on a vacation in distant lands should still be the opinion of your gynecologist, because he is the one who knows about all the complications of your pregnancy and is aware of possible problems. When visiting your doctor, you should take a certificate indicating the duration of pregnancy, the approximate date of birth, as well as a laconic message “such and such has no contraindications for flying.” Before this, the gynecologist may ask you to take an additional test or go for an ultrasound to finally dispel your worries.

If everything is in order, then, most likely, the doctor will agree with the World Health Organization, which does not recommend boarding a plane only in the following cases:

pregnancy more than 36 weeks (more than 32 weeks with multiple pregnancy);
complicated pregnancy (pregnancy pathology, threat of miscarriage, etc.);
within seven days after birth.

And the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Great Britain consider placenta previa, preeclampsia, and severe anemia to be absolute contraindications for flying. Relative contraindications include the risk of premature birth and premature abruption of a normally located placenta; moderate anemia, low placentation (from 20 weeks of gestation), the presence of bloody discharge from the genital tract at any stage of pregnancy, invasive procedures, multiple pregnancies (after 24 weeks), and abnormal fetal position in the second half of the third trimester).

Is it possible to fly on an airplane during pregnancy?

It is possible to fly on an aircraft during pregnancy, but doctors still strongly recommend against it. If you need to fly, you should carefully prepare for it. Gynecologists are convinced that the safest time to fly is the second trimester of pregnancy.

Is it possible to fly in the early stages?

At a period of less than 4 weeks, a woman may not even suspect that a new life is already developing in her body.
In the first weeks of pregnancy, the fetus is not yet connected to the mother’s body, and therefore the flight does not pose any danger to the baby and mother. During the first days of the delay, it is safe to fly. In the first trimester, organs are laid and the skeleton of the unborn child is formed. Therefore, the additional load on a woman’s body negatively affects the organization of these processes. At the beginning of pregnancy, women often suffer from toxicosis, and this makes travel much more difficult. This is why doctors do not recommend flying in the early stages of pregnancy.

Flying can cause miscarriage and fetal death.

Is it possible to fly in the second trimester?

The second trimester of pregnancy is the most favorable period for air travel. At this time, the condition of the mother and the unborn baby (in the normal course of pregnancy) is as stable as possible.

Is it possible to fly before giving birth?

Flying in the third trimester of pregnancy is very dangerous. Flight will provoke placental abruption. In addition, the belly in the last stages is already quite large, and the woman experiences maximum discomfort due to its size and regular frequent urge to go to the toilet. Over long periods of time during a flight, thrombosis of the lower extremities often appears. Therefore, flying is not recommended.

Doctors prohibit flying during a complicated pregnancy.

In addition, it is important to have a flight certificate from a gynecologist. This document confirms that the flight does not threaten the health of the mother and the unborn baby.

Airline requirements for pregnant women

Before traveling, you should find out what policies your chosen airline has regarding pregnant women. Their requirements are different. For example, on the Aeroflot website there is the following information: “Pregnant women whose birth is expected within the next four weeks must provide written consent from a doctor for the flight. The medical examination must be completed no earlier than 7 days before the start of the flight.”

Advertising

And Transaero reports: “The flight of pregnant women is permitted provided that it is carried out no later than four weeks before the expected date of birth and that there is no danger of premature birth. Information about the condition of a pregnant woman, confirmed by a medical report and an exchange card, must be provided to the airline.

The flight of pregnant women is possible on the condition that before the flight a guarantee is signed, which stipulates that the airline does not bear any responsibility for adverse consequences that may arise for the pregnant woman and the fetus during the flight and as a result of the flight.”

AirFrance does not require any paperwork at all: “Pregnant women are allowed on Air France flights without a doctor’s certificate. Despite this, we still recommend that you consult your doctor before traveling.”

In any case, it is better to clarify such information immediately before the flight, because it happens that airlines change their rules.

Airline rules

It is worth noting that each air carrier has its own requirements for expectant mothers when boarding a flight. But there is no need to be upset, most of them provide for written permission to fly, which, in essence, is a certificate. You can request it, as well as an exchange card indicating the woman’s excellent health, already at 30 weeks.

Along the way, the expectant mother may be asked to sign a guarantee under which she herself will bear responsibility for the negative consequences of the flight.

Below are the rules of some air carriers that are present on the Russian market:

Aeroflot requires a doctor’s certificate as early as 36 weeks of pregnancy. The statute of limitations is a week or 7 days before air travel. The company has good reviews.
"Lufthansa" - "roll" for up to 6 months. Later, women in labor are asked to wait until delivery. The result of such bans is the absence of cases of premature births in the cabins of their liners.
"British Airways" - they require a certificate already at 28 - 36 weeks, and it must include the expected date of birth. After 36 weeks they will not take you on board.
“KLM” - with a singleton pregnancy they take it at 36 weeks, with a multiple pregnancy they require a certificate of no risks already at 35 weeks.
“Air France” - they love expectant mothers, but they are not allowed on board without a certificate with the expected date of birth if they are 3 weeks pregnant. If there is no certificate, there must be a midwife who can deliver the baby if something happens.
“SAS” - up to 4 weeks of pregnancy they are carried without a certificate, and after that even with it they are allowed on flights whose duration does not exceed 4 hours. After 36 - 38 weeks they may refuse.
“EL AL” - up to 32 weeks they “ride”, but with a certificate, after that they refuse.

Delta Airlines has no restrictions on flights, but other difficulties may arise there. This is an American air carrier that flies, including to the United States. If the birth takes place on the territory of this country, the child will automatically receive its citizenship. It's a good news. The bad news is that getting it out of the US could then be problematic.

There are cases when absolutely all airlines take on board women who are already pregnant or have already begun labor pains. We are talking about natural disasters, wars, urgent evacuation.

Rules for a successful flight

It is better to buy a ticket, of course, in business class: the seats there are wider and generally more comfortable. In economy class, you can ask to take a seat in the first row, where you can stretch your legs without resting your knees on the front seat. In addition, the air flow on the plane goes from nose to tail - it will be easier to breathe in the front seat. You should not choose a seat by the window; you should be able to get up and go out into the aisle often.
Clothing for a flight should be comfortable, loose-fitting and made of breathable material. You can bring several pillows into the cabin - under your neck and somewhere else to ensure maximum comfort.
To avoid dehydration, drink as much water as possible and avoid diuretics (coffee, carbonated drinks).
The seat belt must be fastened; it should be passed under the stomach.
Remove your shoes before flying. You should not sit cross-legged, as this impedes blood circulation in the legs. From time to time, it makes sense to tense your calf muscles and walk around the salon.
To freshen up, take with you a seawater nasal spray and a thermal water aerosol.
Always keep an exchange card with you, as well as a note indicating your blood type and the phone number of a loved one (if you are flying alone or only with children).

During the flight

Air travel for a pregnant woman always carries risks, so not every airline agrees to take risks with the expectant mother. However, not one airline imposes a complete ban on pregnant women flying, but at the same time it warns them about the risk that is present at any stage.

But not every carrier agrees to take these steps and spend a lot of money. And providing medical care on board is a big responsibility, which can be avoided if you refuse a pregnant woman before boarding.

In what cases may a pregnant woman not be allowed on a plane? As mentioned above, any airline has restrictions for pregnant women. You can find out about flight bans in the office or on the company’s website.

Video on how to make an airplane flight easier:

Recommendations for pregnant women who need to fly

So, the decision has been made, the tour is booked. Now let's talk about how to properly organize a flight so that it is pleasant and safe for mother and baby:

Choose the most comfortable seats for your flight. If possible, fly business class - wide seats and good distance between the seats allow you to feel quite comfortable throughout the flight. In economy class you can also find comfortable seats, for example, in the first row there is an increased distance between the seat and the cabin partition. As a last resort, sit near the aisle in the first rows so that it is convenient to exit.
The last rows of an airplane are not suitable for pregnant women because the air flow goes from head to tail, and the air in the last rows is not as clean as in the front of the plane.
If you usually experience stress during a flight, then prepare for the trip in advance and provide yourself with sedatives. Consult your doctor about medications you can take while pregnant.
Long flights are poorly tolerated even in a healthy state, and for pregnant women it is doubly difficult. Stagnation of blood in the legs can lead to swelling, exacerbation of thrombophlebitis and varicose veins. Before your flight, take a walk around the airport, be the last person to board the plane, and systematically walk around the cabin during the flight. While sitting in a chair, periodically stretch your legs, bend them at the joints and lightly massage them with your hands.
On the day of the flight, you should drink plenty of water. In general, the volume of liquid should reach 1.5 liters - 0.5 liters before landing, 0.5 liters on the plane and 0.5 liters after landing. This will balance blood circulation and reduce the risk of disruption of blood flow in small vessels during a sharp change in atmospheric pressure, which is observed during takeoff and landing.
Take care of your wardrobe. For the flight, choose comfortable, loose-fitting clothes made from natural fabrics. The main thing is that there is no pressure anywhere - this is not only inconvenient, but also dangerous, because it disrupts blood flow.
Fasten the seat belt under your stomach, the distance between your stomach and the belt should be at least two fingers.
On the plane, buy a special neck pillow (or take it with you), ask the flight attendant for a blanket and place it under your lower back to provide maximum comfort to your body during the flight and prevent neck and back pain.
If you're thirsty, don't be impatient. Ask the flight attendant for an extra bottle of water or juice.
During a flight, problems with blood vessels often arise, so stock up on medications for motion sickness, and if the flight is short, take a pill before the flight begins. Check with your doctor about medications for motion sickness, but tablets for babies up to three years of age are usually suitable for pregnant women - they do not cause harm to the fetus.
Bring saline nasal spray and a bottle of thermal water with you.
Always take an exchange card and the phone number of close family members when traveling (if you are flying alone).
Many companies offer to order individual dietary meals - take advantage of this opportunity.

When deciding on a trip, first of all consult your doctor. Women all over the world successfully fly by plane at different stages of pregnancy, but the flight must be approached individually - everyone’s health is different and pregnancy also progresses differently. If your pregnancy is proceeding without complications and you are past the first trimester, your doctor will most likely be positive about the possibility of flying. And if you have certain contraindications or concomitant chronic diseases, he will advise how to avoid problems or recommend another way to travel.