Saturday, August 26, 2006
Flying While Pregnant
Lai, 35 from Hertfordshire asks...
I'm 7 months pregnant and i'm going to travel to Italy and it would take 3 hours journey by plane. I'd like to know if the cabin pressure would affect my baby. Please give me some information about this if it's true. Thanks.
Stacy Says...
If you have been having a healthy, normal pregnancy, there is probably no problems with flying. Poorly controlled diabetics, placental abnormalities, hypertensive women should not be flying. If you do decide to fly, please keep these factors in mind:
I'm 7 months pregnant and i'm going to travel to Italy and it would take 3 hours journey by plane. I'd like to know if the cabin pressure would affect my baby. Please give me some information about this if it's true. Thanks.
Stacy Says...
If you have been having a healthy, normal pregnancy, there is probably no problems with flying. Poorly controlled diabetics, placental abnormalities, hypertensive women should not be flying. If you do decide to fly, please keep these factors in mind:
- Flying creates an increased risk for blood clots (due to inactivity) and pregnancy often causes circulation problems. To prevent this, get up often and stretch, walk the aisles, wiggle your feet, circle your ankles, etc. Wear loose clothing and maybe even invest in some compression stockings (like the kind nurses wear) to keep the blood flowing in your legs. Avoid crossing your legs and drink plenty of water.
- Check with your doctor before leaving. Even obtain a note saying it's okay to fly. Many airlines have restriction regarding pregnant flyers. If you're a week from your due date or a month--double check with the airlines, too.
- Don't be afraid to ask for an aisle seat, or the seat towards the front with more leg room. Chances are, either the airlines or possibly another traveler will take pity on the preggo lady and offer their seat. Hey, you gotta milk it while you can!
- SPEAK UP if anything feels wrong. If you feel like you're having contractions, notify the crew! Wouldn't be the first time a medical problem happened on an airplane.
