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Topic: Is it OK for a pregnant woman to fly in a plane?
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Post #1
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I'm 7 months pregnant and want to travel oversea.
Some says it's ok to fly. Some says it's very dangerous for a pregnant woman.
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Post #2
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Euny
wrote
at 10/21/2008 05:27:47 PM
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Generally it's safe for pregnant women to fly until around 32 weeks,
but if she has a high-risk history, her doctor may recommend that she not fly during certain times (for e.g. My friend was restricted from flying during her first and third trimesters). This is a question for her doctor. |
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Post #3
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Mary
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at 10/21/2008 09:00:30 PM
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She is safe to travel by plane from the beginning of her pregnancy all the way up until the end portion of her last trimester (usually 9th month - 36 weeks) and can manage what ever kind of trip(s) she wants to do as long as her and her pregnancy are healthy and the pregnancy is progressing normally. As long as everything is fine, air travel does NOT increase the risk of miscarriage or pre-term labor, and poses no other risks to her or her child.
It is the last four weeks (once you reach the 9th month - 36 weeks) that women are usually prohibited from flying. This is because after 36 weeks, a women can go into labor at any time, and the airplane is not made to handle such situations. For one, there is no guarantee that a doctor will be on board a plane, plus, should any complications arise during the labor and delivery, the plane does not have the medical equipment to handle such situations and it could put the health of the mother and child in danger.
She needs to get a check-up from her doctor to make sure that she is in fit enough health, and that the pregnancy is healthy enough to allow for her to fly. Many airlines will require a medical certificate from her doctor dated 24-72 hours before the flight once she reaches her third trimester (27 weeks). By the time she reaches her eighth month (32 weeks) almost all airlines will require a doctors note.
All airlines make up their own rules and regulations regarding pregnant women. Some do not restrict travel at all, no matter what stage of pregnancy a women is in, and others start to restrict at 7 months, although the majority restrict around 36 weeks.
While traveling I advise you to tell her to keep her medical records, and the name and number of her doctor. She should also tr to get the name and number of a doctor where you will be staying/visiting in case an emergency comes up.
To keep herself safe and comfortable on the trip, have her follow these simple things:
*drink plenty of water
*avoid caffeine
*don't eat food that causes gas for at least one day before you travel (pressure builds up as you ascend through the altitudes and could cause pain)
*walk around as much as she can (up and down the aisles)
*stretch while sitting
*wear loose fitting clothing
*wear slip on shoes (her feet may swell)
*wear maternity support pantyhose or socks
*try to get an aisle seat or a front row seat for more leg room
*eat light foods
*eat small meals or snacks at frequent intervals rather than big heavy meals
*do not eat salt
*Wear her seat belt just under her abdomen (depending on how big she is, she can also ask for a seat belt extender - just be sure that that too goes under her abdomen)
*relax
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Topic: Is it OK for a pregnant woman to fly in a plane?
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