Many pregnant women travel while expecting, but there are a few important things to know before you buckle up on the runway. From when it’s safest to travel to how to stay comfortable at 30,000 feet, here’s what experts say about flying during pregnancy, and the red flags that mean you may want to stay on the ground.
See our expert OB/GYN physicians at Women’s Health Services in Arlington or Grand Prairie, Texas, to learn if flying during pregnancy is right for you.
As a general rule, it’s safe to fly before 36 weeks of pregnancy (before 32 weeks if you’re carrying twins) if your pregnancy is healthy and you don’t have any complications.
Many pregnant women enjoy traveling during weeks 14-28. During this time, your morning sickness is likely gone, your energy might have returned, and you may have a fairly easy time moving around. However, see our Women’s Health Services team first to ensure the safety of you and your baby.
Airlines may not allow women to fly after 36 weeks of pregnancy, as their risk of going into labor increases during this time. And, depending on the airline, pregnant women may not be allowed to fly on international flights.
Your obstetrician might recommend you not fly at all if you have pregnancy complications that could worsen because of air travel or increase your risk of needing emergency care.
For example, you may be safer staying on land if you have a history of vaginal bleeding, miscarriage, early labor, severe anemia, poorly controlled diabetes, high blood pressure, heart or lung issues, or other chronic conditions.
It’s also important to keep in mind that longer flights can increase your risk of getting a blood clot.
The amount of radiation you’re exposed to when flying is minimal and not enough to be a problem for you and your baby. However, frequent flying may expose you to higher radiation levels.
The first step of planning a trip while pregnant is to check in with our Women’s Health Services team to ensure it’s safe for you to travel. Let your provider know the expected duration of your flight and your travel destination.
Other helpful travel tips during pregnancy include:
It’s important to ensure you’re headed to an area where you can receive quality OB/GYN care in case of a medical emergency.
Everyone is different, and whether or not it’s safe to fly while pregnant varies from person to person. That’s why it’s vital to check in with our Women’s Health Services experts to learn which type of travel, if any, is best suited to you and your family.
If you’re pregnant and have travel plans, schedule an appointment at Women’s Health Services by calling our office nearest you or requesting one online today.
