FLYING DURING PREGNANCY: TIPS AND ADVICE

Are you pregnant but still want to continue to travel? We’ll let me tell that pregnancy it’s not a limitation is most cases and you should continue to travel if you wish so within your new limitations during this new phase of your life.

Don’t get scared by old tales passed through generations, instead do your research and most important always listen to your doctor or midwife.

I must say that personally my favorite time to travel by plane was during my second trimester because I felt super healthy and strong opposite to the first semester where I kept being sick or the third trimester where I felt super heavy and slow.

As time goes by its normal to feel a little bit more uncomfortable but I think it’s manageable for the duration of your trip. In this article I will give you tips to help you with air travel during pregnancy.

Health considerations and Airline regulations

Before you take any trip make sure you tell your doctor or midwife about it and discuss your plans such as activities and locations you are flying into.

Also explain about the flight duration as it might not be safe for your gestation time. Please be safe and trust your doctor / midwife.

Some airlines may ask your for a doctor’s certificate about your pregnancy (states your due date and if you are medically fit to fly). It never happened to me but be aware that this could happen and you should indeed carry this even for health purposes.

For most airlines if you are healthy and without any issues over the course of your pregnancy, you can fly until you are 36 weeks pregnant. If you are carrying twins it’s usually earlier at about 32 weeks.

For any trip if you have booked please do check each airline specifics about this because some have different timelines.

Things to organize before your flight

Prepare a few things in advance of your flight to have everything run smoothly once you get to the airport. To help you with that I’m giving you a few tips that were absolutely crucial for all the flights I took while pregnant.

Double check airline travel rules • Make sure you check any travel restrictions from your airline, as I mentioned before most airlines will let you travel up to 36 weeks but it’s not the same for all.

Update your travel insurance • If you don’t have travel insurance now is the time to get one!  Make sure you know what it covers in terms of airport safety, in-flight policies and the country you are flying into.

Think about a change of planes • When booking a flight think about how far along into your pregnancy you will be at that point. Usually I prefer direct flights but midway my pregnancy I really appreciated the change of flights as it was a good opportunity to stretch my body.

Seat selection is everything • I personally recommend you to book the aisle seat. Why? Because you will likely be going to the toilet frequently and also is highly recommended that you keep stretching your legs as much as possible.

Wear compression socks • This might not make much sense if you are still early in your pregnancy but trust me from your second trimester and if your flight is more than 3 hours you will thank me for this tip! Compression socks reduce the risk of blood clots and without them your feet will swollen a lot making it impossible to put your shoes back on and even walk just like I discovered from 30 weeks pregnant.

Pack your usual snacks • You will need to be prepared to have a few snacks with you and my personal recommendation is to pack the food that you usual can tolerate, especially for the first trimester  when you might me a bit more nauseated.

I remember trying this new food for the first time in Sweden at the airport just before my flight and basically spending the entire time being sick until I got home, so yeah maybe that wasn’t such a good idea!!

Pack comfortable clothes and shoes • I don’t ever remember a time were this was such an important part of my trips. If you are exploring a city all day walking around you really have to put comfort above all because your body is reacting differently now that you are pregnant.

What to do at the airport

In my personal experience when you’re at the airport and especially if you are alone everyone will try to help you. Take advantage of that so you can save up your energy to keep yourself active during the flight.

Arrive early to the airport • To avoid any unnecessary stress leave slightly earlier than the usual so you have enough time to check-in (if you can check-in online to spare some time), use the bathroom and have some food before boarding without having to rush in through the airport.

Have a light meal at the airport • I always recommend you to have a light meal at the airport instead of the meal they give you during the flight that is usually high in salt. Choose preferably small portions with fresh fruit and vegetables, this will give you energy for the boarding process and prevent heartburn.

Go to the bathroom as many times possible • Make sure you are as comfortable as possible because sometimes the use of the bathroom is not possible during boarding. Also it’s never too much to walk around as much as possible before flying.

Ask for priority boarding • In some countries you will have priority boarding so do take advantage of that to avoid standing for too long.

Breathing exercises and meditation • While you wait at the airport it’s a good idea to have some distraction that can be simply just be a little bit of mediation for a few minutes.

Use comfortable shoes and clothes • You will want to wear supportive and flat shoes like trainers for example and loose stretchy clothes.

Choose appropriate hand luggage • You don’t want to be carrying heavy weights across the airport so make sure the luggage you are taking on board either has wheels or is packed really light.

Things to do during your flight

Drink plenty of water • I cannot say this enough but drink plenty of water, dehydration worsens swelling and can reduce blood flow to your uterus.

Use hand sanitizer and wipes • Clean around your seating area with wipes, it only takes a few seconds.

Walk around as much as possible • Move around at every opportunity, it will likely be from all the times you’ll have to use the toilet but regardless it’s good to keep stretching your legs to prevent blood clots.

Be comfortable • Make sure you tell the air attendants you are pregnant at the start of the flight and ask for any pillows or blankets you might need.

Use your compression socks • They are not the easiest things to wear but if you didn’t have them on yet to put them on for the duration of your flight.

Be careful with the seat belt • Wear the seat belt below the belly, it’s the safest way and more comfortable to avoid any pressure on your belly during turbulence.

 

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Flying during pregnancy doesn’t have to be complicated as long as you make it as comfortable as possible and you don’t have any restrictions for flying. Always check with your medical providers about it and enjoy your time away!

📌 PIN ME!

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