Travel of any kind poses special challenges for pregnant women, and air travel is no exception. If you are a healthy woman with an uncomplicated pregnancy, there is no reason to stop flying. You will need to consider your health, comfort and safety before flying. You and your doctor can develop a plan that allows you to travel throughout most of your pregnancy.
Best Time to Fly
Weeks 14 through 28, in the middle of your pregnancy, is the best time to travel when you are pregnant. During this time, morning sickness has usually decreased or disappeared, your weight gain has not peaked and your risks for premature labor and miscarriage are lower than in other weeks of pregnancy.
Blood Clots
Pregnant women are at greater risk of developing blood clots than the general population. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, or ACOG, any form of travel, including air travel, doubles the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, which occurs when a blood clot forms in the legs. DVT is life threatening if the clot reaches the lungs. You can lower your risk of DVT by walking and stretching at regular intervals and flexing and extending your ankles often while seated.
Radiation
Pregnant women sometimes worry that airline travel exposes them to radiation that could put their fetus at risk for childhood cancers. ACOG considers this risk, under normal circumstances, to be insignificant. The only exception is pregnant women who fly frequently. If you travel by air often or work as a flight attendant, pilot or air marshal, you may need to discuss changing your work or travel schedule with your doctor to limit radiation exposure.
Air Pressure
Lowered air pressure during your flight may reduce the amount of oxygen in your blood by a small amount, but your body will adjust without any significant risks to your fetus. According to Dr. Wendy Wilcox of Babycenter.com, the Federal Aviation Administration, or FAA, requires all commercial airlines to maintain a cabin pressure that is equivalent to 5,000 to 8,000 feet, which is the altitude of Denver, Colorado.
You should avoid traveling in small, unpressurized planes during pregnancy. If you have certain conditions that are exacerbated by low air pressure such as sickle-cell anemia, placental insufficiency or a history of blood clots, you should not fly. If you have one of these conditions and must fly, ask your doctor for a prescription for supplemental oxygen to use during your flight.
Airline Policies
All commercial airlines will allow you to fly without any restrictions during your first two trimesters. Some airlines impose third trimester restrictions on pregnant customers. You should report your pregnancy and trimester to airline personnel because ticket agents will not raise the issue unless asked. Airlines recommend that you discuss your travel plans with your physician before making travel plans. Some airlines require written permission from your physician to fly.
