A pregnant woman can travel by plane as long as she has consulted her obstetrician before the trip so that an assessment can be carried out and whether there is any risk. In general, air travel is safe from the 3rd month of pregnancy, as before that there is still a risk of miscarriage and changes in the baby’s formation process, in addition to the fact that the first trimester of pregnancy can be marked by constant nausea, which could make the trip uncomfortable and unpleasant.
For the trip to be considered safe, it is recommended to pay attention to the type of plane, as smaller planes may not have a pressurized cabin, which can result in decreased oxygenation of the placenta, increased heart rate and blood pressure. Furthermore, some conditions related to women can interfere with flight safety and the baby’s health, such as:
- Vaginal bleeding or pain before boarding;
- High pressure;
- Sickle cell anemia;
- Diabetes;
- Placental insufficiency;
- Ectopic pregnancy;
- Anemia grave.
Therefore, a medical evaluation at least 10 days before the trip is essential to check the health status of the mother and baby and, thus, determine whether the trip is safe or not.
Until when can pregnant women travel by plane?
Although there is no consensus among doctors and airlines as to when it is safe for pregnant women to travel by plane, travel is normally permitted up to 28 weeks, in the case of a single pregnancy, or 25 weeks in the case of a twin pregnancy, as long as do not have any signs of contraindication, such as vaginal bleeding, high blood pressure or diabetes, for example.
In the case of women of greater gestational age, travel is permitted up to 35 weeks of gestation as long as the woman has medical authorization in hand, which must include the origin and destination of the trip, flight date, maximum flight time allowed, gestational age, estimated birth of the baby and doctor’s comments. This document must be sent to the airline and presented at check-in and/or boarding. From week 36 onwards, travel is only authorized by the airline if the doctor accompanies the woman during the trip.
What to do if labor starts on the plane
If uterine contractions start inside the plane, the woman should try to remain calm and at the same time inform the crew about what is happening, because if the trip is very long and it is still very far from her destination, it may be necessary to land. at the nearest airport or call an ambulance to wait for you as soon as you land at your destination.
Labor can take around 12 to 14 hours in the first pregnancy and this time tends to decrease in subsequent pregnancies, which is why it is not recommended to travel by plane, especially on long trips, after 35 weeks of pregnancy. However, the woman’s body is prepared for conception and the birth can happen naturally inside the plane, with the help of people nearby and the crew, making it a remarkable experience.
How to relax during the flight
To ensure calm and tranquility during the flight, it is recommended to avoid traveling very close to the expected due date and preferably choose a seat in the corridor, close to the plane’s bathroom as it is normal for the pregnant woman to have to get up to go to the bathroom several times. during the trip.
Other tips that may be useful, ensuring peace and quiet during your trip are:
- Always keep your belt tightbelow the belly and wear light and comfortable clothing;
- Get up to walk around the plane every hourto improve blood circulation, reducing the risk of thrombosis;
- Avoid very tight clothesto avoid changes in blood circulation;
- Drink water avoiding coffee, soft drinks or teas, and prefer easily digestible foods;
- Adopt breathing techniquesmaintaining concentration on the abdominal movement, as it helps to keep the mind focused and calm, helping to relax.
Always having books and magazines on hand with subjects you like can also help make your trip less stressful. If you are afraid of traveling by plane, it may be useful to buy a book that talks about this subject, as they all have good tips for overcoming fear and anxiety during a flight.
Furthermore, it is important not to forget that after long trips some symptoms of Jet Lag may appear, such as tiredness and difficulty sleeping, which are normal and end up passing in a few days.
