Is it safe to fly during pregnancy? The answer is generally yes! Why not take some time to travel now before the baby comes? Many people choose to holiday prior to the due date. Be sure to check with your doctor before making any plans, but most women will have no issues flying while pregnant.
If you have decided to book that airplane ticket, here is everything you need to know to stay comfortable while in the air.
Table of Contents
- 1. Travel During the Second Trimester
- 2. Reserve an Aisle Seat
- 3. Wear Comfortable Layers
- 4. Wear Comfortable Slip on Shoes
- 5. Stand Often
- 6. Bring Snacks
- 7. Stay Hydrated
- 8. Only You Know Your Body
1. Travel During the Second Trimester
When planning and booking your holiday, it is best to book and fly within the second trimester. Although it can be safe to travel during the first and third as well, it is safest in the second. During the second trimester is also when you generally feel the best as well.
If you experience nausea and morning sickness in the first trimester, you would want to avoid flying during that time as the airplane will just make it worse. Early on in the first trimester is also when you are most at risk for miscarriage, so it is best to take it easy and stay at home, especially if you have miscarried in the past.
By the third trimester, the chances of miscarriage are drastically reduced, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t faced with different concerns. Premature delivery is a concern during this time. Some airlines actually put restrictions in place for pregnant passengers during the third trimester. Some won’t allow them to fly at all, and others will require a doctors note.
It’s best not to travel too close to your due date out of caution. After all, you never know when baby will be born.
This leaves the entire second trimester open for travel. It’s usually during this time that expecting mothers have the most energy and any nausea has usually subsided. Take this time to go on a holiday including travel by air.
2. Reserve an Aisle Seat
Choosing your seat isn’t always an option, but if you are able to it’s best to reserve an aisle seat. There are a few benefits to an aisle seat over any other.
Every pregnant woman knows how often their bladder has to be emptied. A big benefit of an aisle seat is no need to bother anyone every time you need to head to the bathroom. It’s also a good idea to get up and stretch every hour or two during a flight, whether it’s a walk to the bathroom or not.
We all know that leg room seems to be disappearing on airplanes these days, but when you are pregnant you will notice this lack of space even more. If you are able to sit in an aisle seat take advantage of the extra aisle space when no one is walking by. Stretch out your legs as often as you can.
3. Wear Comfortable Layers
This is a rule of thumb for all travellers. Comfortable layers is your best bet on any flight at any time. During pregnancy it can be much harder to regulate body temperature, so layers are also important.
Pick a comfortable pair of long pants that are not too heavy. A pair of leggings is a great choice. On top choose a loose fitting t-shirt and a comfortable sweater that is easy to put on and take off while sitting.
Be sure to not choose any clothing with metal buttons or clips that could pose a problem while going through security.
4. Wear Comfortable Slip on Shoes
Your choice of shoes is just as important as your clothes. It’s a good idea to wear a comfortable slip on shoe. It’s always nice to be able to slip your shoes off during the flight, but be able to get them back on quickly without having to bend over and fiddle with laces.
For the same reason as above, don’t choose shoes with large metal clips and zippers so as to avoid issues through security. You may be asked to take off your shoes if this is the case.
If you are prone to swollen feet during pregnancy, your choice in shoes will be more important. Since You may also want to consider a pair of compression socks. A good pair can help eliminate any issues with blood pooling in the legs and feet during the flight.
5. Stand Often
Make sure to get up and stretch at least once every two hours. You may want to increase this to every hour if you do have issues with swelling.
On top of limiting feet and leg swelling, getting up and moving will also help prevent or alleviate any back pain during the flight.
6. Bring Snacks
Lots of people forget that you can actually bring your own snacks and food from home on an airplane. Be sure to check any food regulations where you are traveling to first.
To help regulate blood sugar and to keep any nausea at bay it’s important to eat lots of small meals. On an airplane this can be difficult.
By packing lots of snacks in your carry on or personal item, you can be sure to always have something to nibble on when it’s needed. The best kind of snacks are prepackaged foods that are sealed prior to boarding. Stay away from anything that would normally need to be refrigerated. Granola bars, cookies, dried fruit and nuts are a great option provided fruit is allowed to be brought to your travel destination.
Stay away from any foods that are known to make you gassy. Flying at high altitudes will already increase bloating and gas so you will want to stay away from foods that will cause further bloating.
Try not to over snack. Too much food will make you feel very uncomfortable.
7. Stay Hydrated
This is perhaps the most important tip. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, preferably water.
As you are not able to bring liquids exceeding 100mL (3.4 ounces) through security, you will either have to bring an empty bottle to fill or buy water bottles from the shops past security. Water is notoriously overpriced at airports. If you want to save a few dollars, your best bet is to bring an empty bottle to fill up. There are water fountains and bottle fill stations available around the airport once past security.
On each flight you are also welcome to ask an attendant for water at any time. They will be more than happy to bring a cup of water to your seat for you.
Try to stay away from carbonated drinks. Carbonation mixed with the altitude will cause or increase any bloating you may be experiencing. Water is your best bet to feel great the entire flight.
8. Only You Know Your Body
If you are having a healthy pregnancy, there is no reason you couldn’t fly while pregnant. Only you know your own body though. Talk with your doctor about your plans and decide together. If you are having any reservations, opt to travel somewhere more local, or drive to your destination if able.
Every woman is different, and what works for one may not work for the next. These easy tips should help you better prepare for your upcoming trip, and help you decide if flying while pregnant is right for you.
