In general, traveling by airplane during pregnancy is safe. However, pregnant women must follow some separate rules that must be adhered to to reduce the risk that can harm the pregnancy.
Is it safe for pregnant women to take an airplane?
Scientists from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists state that traveling by airplane is harmless in a normal pregnancy, but can have side effects.
The scientist added that it is not true that pregnant women traveling by plane can cause miscarriage, premature birth or leakage of amniotic fluid.
The Safest Gestational Age for Traveling by Air
The gestational age of 14 to 28 weeks is a relatively safe gestational age for traveling by airplane, because this gestational age has passed periods of nausea, is physically strong and the risk of miscarriage and premature birth is also relatively low.
However, pregnant women who enter 28 weeks of pregnancy, must have to follow flight safety procedures, because most airlines require a statement that as a pregnant woman must be aware of the risks when traveling by airplane and must have medical clearance.
On the other hand, the most unsafe gestational age for traveling by airplane is when you are more than 37 weeks pregnant, at which point pregnant women should be prohibited from traveling by airplane.
In addition, for women pregnant with twins, traveling by airplane is prohibited from 32 weeks of gestation.
In conclusion, although it is declared safe for pregnant women to travel by plane, that does not mean there are no consequences at all. There are some side effects due to changes in atmospheric pressure and a decrease in humidity in the aircraft cabin.
Therefore, when traveling by airplane, pregnant women are likely to experience side effects, such as:
1. Swelling of the lower limbs due to immobilization.
2. Problems with the ears and nose due to changes in atmospheric pressure.
3. Nausea and vomiting.
4. Flying more than four hours, has a greater risk of blood vessel clots, especially in the lower limbs.
Safe Tips for Pregnant Women to Travel by Airplane
1. It is highly recommended for pregnant women to wear loose clothing and comfortable shoes.
2. Do stretching exercises every 30 minutes.
3. Walk around in the airplane cabin every 30 minutes.
3. Must abstain from alcohol or coffee.
Finally, although it is safe to travel by plane, pregnant women should not force themselves to travel by plane. If you have to, the most important thing is to consider the gestational age before deciding to travel by plane, to be sure, consult your doctor.
