Flying High And Expecting: Guide To Air Travel During Pregnancy
Embracing parenthood does not have to mean putting your travelling plans on hold. Travelling during pregnancy can be a great way to enjoy some quality time with your partner before your baby arrives or even fly solo for that invaluable me time.
However, you need to take some precautions and plan ahead to make sure your trip is safe and comfortable. Here are some tips to help you.
Timing Your Trip
Depending on your health and your doctor's advice, you can travel in any trimester of your pregnancy; however, the second trimester is usually the best time for your "babymoon," as you are less likely to have nausea, fatigue, or complications. You have about 14 weeks to travel moderately. You should avoid international travel after 28 weeks, as you want to stay as close to your medical practitioner as possible.
If you are expecting twins or more, you may have further restrictions. Do remember to check the airline policy before booking your flight.
What To Pack Before Boarding
Airplanes are not very comfortable, especially for pregnant women. Pack some essentials to make your flight more enjoyable.
Healthy snacks: Bring your own healthy snacks, such as fruits, vegetables, eggs, or nuts. Airline snacks may not be nutritious or filling enough for you.
Hydration: Bring a large water bottle that you can refill at the airport. You need to stay hydrated during your flight, as flying can dry you out.
Eye masks and earplugs: You can use a wedge or a lumbar pillow to support your back or belly. You can also bring an eye mask and earplugs to help you sleep.
Travel pillows: Pregnancy can cause tension in your neck and shoulders as your ligaments loosen and your posture changes. A travel neck pillow can help you relax and prevent pain. You can also bring your pregnancy pillow if you have a flat seat on the plane.
Pregnancy support bands: If you have to walk a lot at the airport, you may feel pressure on your lower back. A bump support band can help you ease the strain and support your belly.
Choose An Aisle Seat
The best way to stay comfortable when flying pregnant When you book your flight, you may want to choose an aisle seat. This way, you can get up and move around more easily, as you may need to use the bathroom more often or stretch your legs.
Walking around can also help you prevent swelling and improve your blood circulation. You should also add ticket insurance to your booking in case you have to change your plans due to a pregnancy-related issue. Some credit cards may offer this benefit, so check with your bank.
Consult Your Doctor
It's always a good idea to inform your obstetrician about your travel plans and get their advice on choosing the right destination. For example, some places with very high altitudes or extreme heat can pose some risks and worsen your morning sickness and nausea. If you're travelling to a place with a very different climate or geography, drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration as your body adapts.
Do ask your doctor to recommend hospitals or specialists at your destination in case you need any medical assistance while you're away.
What may have been a minor inconvenience before (e.g., a stomach bug) can now cause more serious problems for you and your little one. Ask your doctor if she suggests bringing an over-the-counter antidiarrheal medicine, like Imodium, just in case. Check your airline's policy. The closer you are to your due date, the more likely it is that you will need a doctor's note to board; if so, get one now.
When Nausea Strikes
Feeling nauseous mid-flight? Ask a flight attendant for a cup of hot water and drop in a mint tea bag. Pick up ginger candy and sparkling mineral water at the airport. Essential oils work in a pinch, too; sniffing lavender, chamomile, peppermint, or ginger directly from the bottle can help ease nausea.
Finally, if you're checking luggage, keep all your essentials—like prenatal vitamins—in your carry-on, clearly labelled. You never know when your luggage might get lost, and you don't want to be without your staples.
Protect Yourself From Germs
In these post-Covid times, we are more careful about public transport. Planes, with all that circulating air, require some planning. Pregnancy can make you more vulnerable to germs, so you'll want to arm yourself with hand sanitiser, a mask, and plenty of wet wipes. Don’t be shy to ask to be seated away from people who appear to have flu-like symptoms. Wipes are a good quick fix for cleaning armrests and pull-down trays.
What To Wear While Travelling Pregnant
Ditch the flowing maxis for some no-nonsense slacks. Slacks are your allies. You'll require an abundance of these. Choose comfortable, basic items as your base (cotton slacks and a tank top), and pack a scarf, a cardigan, a sweater, or anything else you think you might need to help control your body temperature. Put on comfortable, well-worn sneakers to make sure you're balanced. Compression stockings are also beneficial during travel as they improve circulation and stop blood clots from developing. Or try a cooling headache relief wrap for quick headache relief.
Take Stretching Breaks
Make sure you're taking opportunities to walk and stretch as often as possible; at the very least, get up and move around every two waking hours. In between stretching, keep your feet frequently elevated. In conjunction with compression stockings, any helps kind of movement or shifting of positions helps to keep your blood flowing. As you go through security, note that the TSA scanners are considered safe to use but that you're also welcome to request a pat-down instead.
If, at any point, you feel unable to stand or walk, request a wheelchair. Once you're boarded, buckle up. The ideal seat-belt positioning is just under your abdomen (i.e., across the thighs and below the belly). Request a belt extender if necessary. When you land, an agent can help you get your luggage off the conveyor belt.
