Can I travel by air during pregnancy?
This is a common question asked by women during pregnancy.
When the pregnancy is straightforward, there is no evidence that flying is harmful to the pregnant women or the baby. There is no evidence to suggest that the change in air pressure and/or the decrease in humidityhave a harmful effect.
There is also no evidence that flying cause’s miscarriage, but it is important to remember that miscarriages are any way more common (15%) in the first three months of pregnancy.
One must wear the seat belt as and when advised to do so by the air craft personnel.
Most airlines have certain rules and will not allow pregnant women to fly after a certain gestation. Usually it is 34weeks. They may also require a letter from the doctor stating that all is well with the pregnancy.
During pregnancy and up to 6 weeks after delivery there is an increased risk of DVT (deep vein thrombosis). DVT is formation of clot in the vessels of the leg calf or pelvis. This is a medical emergency and life threatening condition. When one undertakes air travel one may have to sit in a seat for long hours (more than 8 hours) with the legs not supported. This could increase the risk of DVT.
Certain other problems may also occur
- Swelling in the legs due to decreased activity and dependent position of the legs for long hours.
- Nose block.
- Ear block – due to decreased air pressure in the cabin.
- Vomiting may get worse if you have motion sickness and pregnancy sickness.
It is advisable to do air travel only if it is essential. One should avoid long haul flights. Nevertheless if you still have to do a journey that will last more than 4 hours then then you can reduce the risk of DVT by taking following precautions:-
- Try to get an aisle seat and take regular walks around the plane frequently.
- Have fluids at regular intervals throughout your flight.
- Cut down on drinks which contain caffeine (coffee, fizzy drinks).
- Wear graduated elastic compression stockings if required.
It is advisable to avoid air travel in following circumstances.
- After 37 weeks of pregnancy
- Presence of vaginal bleeding or presence of factors such as low lying placenta that can trigger vaginal bleeding
- Ear infection (otitis media) or a sinus infection.
- Severe anemia.
- Sickle cell anemia
- serious condition affecting your lungs or heart
- You have a fracture. If there is a cast then the risk is even much more. There can be considerable swelling inside the cast and that could compromise the blood circulation. The swelling is even worse if the fracture has not healed.
- History of recent surgery to your abdomen which involved your bowel,e.g. having your appendix removed.
If you go into labor on a flight then it is important to note that the flight personnel are not under any obligation to conduct a delivery as they are not trained to do so. They can only assist you as much as possible in the given circumstances