Sometime during the nine months of pregnancy, you may need, or want to travel. Many couples like to get away before the baby arrives and travel becomes more difficult. As long as your pregnancy is progressing normally and is not complicated, travel is considered safe. Since each woman is unique, you should check with your doctor before you book your flight.
The second trimester is considered the safest time to travel. For the most part, the fear of miscarriage has passed and labor is far off. If you experienced morning sickness in the beginning, this will generally pass by the second trimester. Most women feel more energetic and experience less fatigue once the first trimester has passed.
Policies vary among airlines for travel in pregnancy. These policies also vary, depending upon whether you are flying domestically or internationally. Most have restrictions beginning between 32 and 36 weeks. Some may require a certificate from your doctor and other airlines will take your word concerning how far along you are in pregnancy.
Call the airline ahead of time to determine their policy. If you are unsure, check with the airline before travel time. It can be hard to tell how far along a woman is, since each woman carries differently. Bringing along a letter from your doctor may be a good idea for anyone traveling after the 30th week of pregnancy. In the event you are questioned during check in, you will be covered.
There are some situations in which traveling far from home during pregnancy may not be safe. These include bleeding at any stage of pregnancy, gestational diabetes, problems with the placenta, a history of multiple miscarriages, high blood pressure or a multiple pregnancy. Even in a seemingly normal pregnancy, it’s a good idea to have a check up prior to travel to be sure everything looks good.
Some international travel requires immunizations prior to the flight. Some vaccines, such as rubella, mumps and typhoid are not considered to be safe during pregnancy. You may not want to travel to any country requiring vaccines. Check with your doctor to be sure.
Certain illnesses that are dangerous for pregnant women are prevalent in some countries. Malaria is one disease that can be particularly dangerous for pregnant women. More recently, Bird Flu is becoming an increasing world health concern. You may want to avoid areas with incidents of these diseases. Although Bird Flu is still relatively rare, there is still a risk in some areas.
For Safer Travel:
Bring along any medications you regularly take or may need during your trip. Also, pack your prenatal vitamins. Before packing any over the counter medication, check with your doctor to be sure they are safe during pregnancy. Don’t take anything without your doctor’s approval.
When on the plane, always wear your seatbelt. It should be placed under your belly. Shorter flights are better as you may get uncomfortable sitting for long periods of time. Stretch your legs and move them around in your seat as much as possible. Get up only for bathroom trips. Your balance changes during pregnancy and you could be injured if the plane encounters turbulence while you are walking around. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated on the flight. With a little planning, you can have a fun, safe trip.