Flying Internationally while Pregnant
My pediatrician friend said classy ladies often ask him if a 7 or 8-month pregnant woman can fly, and how late in pregnancy women can fly internationally.
If you have a flight, you should think about your comfort and safety before the purpose of your travel.
If you consult your doctor or pediatrician, there may be health reasons not to travel while pregnant but traveling by flight is usually safe during pregnancy.
However, some precautions still have to be taken if you want to travel by air during pregnancy.
In addition, some airlines have restrictions on pregnant women on board so you can inquire before booking your flight to know when a pregnant woman can not fly.
When to Stop Travelling while Pregnant?
To avoid labor during a flight or emergency landing, most airlines don’t take pregnant women in their 36th week or later, and up to this week, they may ask for a medical report from your doctor.
Moreover, for women with twin pregnancy, these rules are usually more strict since they can deliver before 36th week of pregnancy.
You must keep this in mind if your plan to fly back. As you could fly in one direction up to 36th, and may want to return closer to the due date. And that can bring some troubles for you to get permission to fly.
Is it Safe to Travel during Pregnancy in First Trimester?
While it’s safe to travel in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, travelling a long distance can be stressful and some pregnancy women can worsen their symptoms of pregnancy such as back pain, vomiting, nausea or tiredness.
If you feel the reason you’re advised not to travel by flight is miscarriage, then, you’re wrong. Travelling by air will not cause miscarriage, early labor or birth defects.
Are X-rays, Scanners and Other Machines Safe?
Many pregnant women wonder if the metal detectors they go through could bring harm to the baby.
X-rays are used only in the machines with a moving tape for baggage and in scanners.
Even the high-tech machines used at the airports, like the scanners are tested and proven not to have ill effects on your pregnancy.
The metal detectors that you need to go through are safe. Besides, you can refuse and go around the frames, after informing about your pregnancy and ask the employees for a manual search.
Which Month is Safe to Travel During Pregnancy?
The second trimester is the safest period to travel by air, therefore, if you’re 4, 5, 6 month pregnant, you can fly internationally without any restriction, however, medical documentation would be required to ensure there are no complications.
Like I’ve said earlier, your safety and comfort should be more prioritized than just flying. And if you want to fly, you should consider your stay and flying back.
What Can You do During the Flight?
Having said that you can fly abroad if you’re pregnant, you should ask for an aisle seat so that you could use the toilet when necessary, without disturbing other passengers.
You should also take some snacks and water with you to avoid dehydration during your flight.
You should also ask your doctor, pedatrician or midwife which medicine to take to get rid of the airsickness.
In some cases, you may be asked for a medical certificate confirming your pregnancy.
Unfortunately, in some countries, they won’t look at it, and in case of refusal, they could even call off the police.
Radiation During Flight Pregnancy
The risks of flying while pregnant is related to distance if you don’t have any health issue. The main reason it’s not advisable to travel by air while pregnant is the radiation coming from the flight itself.
The real danger is the radiation to the developing fetus when travelling a long distance by air, like 10 hour flight or more.
The amount of radiation you could get depends on the place and altitude.
The closer your flight to the north or south pole, the greater the level of radiation.
You should also know that the higher you fly above the ground, and the longer your flights, the more your baby and yourself are exposed to radiation.
You dont have to worry when flying over short distances, but if you’re having a long flight, you should consult your doctor first.
