Pregnancy And Air Travel: Navigating Long-Haul Flights Safely

There are several precautions to consider when flying during pregnancy, especially on long-haul flights. Generally, the safest time to fly during pregnancy is during the second trimester, provided there are no complications. Pregnant individuals are advised to consult their doctors before travelling, especially if they have a high-risk pregnancy. Long-haul flights increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is further elevated in pregnancy. To reduce the risk of DVT, it is recommended to wear compression stockings, stay hydrated, minimise caffeine and alcohol intake, and perform frequent leg exercises. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the healthcare facilities available at the destination and the travel restrictions imposed by airlines and insurance policies.

Flying is considered safe during the second trimester

According to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), flying is not harmful during a low-risk pregnancy. However, there may be some side effects such as swelling of the legs, nose and ear problems, and motion sickness. It is important to note that long-haul flights of four hours or more can increase the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and that pregnancy further increases this risk. To minimise this risk, it is recommended to wear loose clothing and comfortable shoes, get an aisle seat, take regular walks around the plane, and do in-seat exercises every 30 minutes. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water and cutting down on alcohol and caffeine can also help.

In addition, it is important to consult with your doctor or midwife before flying, especially if you have a high-risk pregnancy or any complications. Most airlines have their own rules regarding when pregnant women can fly, with many not allowing women to fly after 37 weeks. Therefore, it is crucial to check with your airline before booking your flight.

Overall, while flying during the second trimester is generally considered safe, it is always best to seek individual advice from a healthcare professional to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.

Pregnant women are at a higher risk of developing blood clots

Long-haul flights can increase the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) for anyone, but pregnant women are at an even higher risk. DVT is a blood clot that forms in the leg or pelvis, and when it travels to the lungs, it can be life-threatening. The risk of DVT increases with the length of the flight, and pregnancy further elevates this risk due to physiological changes and slower blood flow. Here are some measures pregnant women can take to reduce the risk of developing blood clots during long-haul flights:

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing and graduated elastic compression stockings. Compression stockings improve blood circulation and reduce the risk of thrombosis.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Dehydration can increase the risk of blood clots.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they can contribute to dehydration.
• Book an aisle seat to facilitate movement during the flight.
• Walk around the aircraft cabin regularly and perform calf and leg exercises to promote blood flow.
• Discuss travel plans with a healthcare provider, especially if there are additional risk factors for DVT, such as previous DVT history, obesity, or recent surgery.
• Follow any specific recommendations from your doctor, such as wearing compression stockings of a particular size or taking injectable blood thinners.

Pregnant women should consult their doctor before flying

Long-haul flights are mostly safe for pregnant women, but it is important to consult a doctor before flying. While air travel is unlikely to be harmful during a low-risk pregnancy, there are some precautions to be aware of, and certain circumstances in which it is better to avoid flying.

Firstly, it is important to note that the safest time to fly during pregnancy is generally before 37 weeks, or before 32 weeks if carrying twins. This is because, after 37 weeks, a woman may go into labour at any time, and most obstetric emergencies happen in the first and third trimesters. Many airlines will not allow women to fly after 36 weeks, or will require a doctor's note, so it is essential to check with the airline before booking.

Secondly, pregnant women are at an increased risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot in the leg or pelvis, when flying, especially on long-haul flights of over four hours. To reduce the risk of DVT, pregnant women should wear loose clothing and comfortable shoes, book an aisle seat to facilitate regular walks around the plane, perform in-seat exercises every 30 minutes, stay hydrated, and minimise alcohol and caffeine intake. Graduated elastic compression stockings can also help, but these should be prescribed by a doctor or midwife to ensure the correct size and type.

Thirdly, there are certain circumstances in which pregnant women should not fly. These include having an increased risk of going into labour before the due date, severe anaemia, sickle cell disease, recent significant vaginal bleeding, or a serious heart or lung condition. It is important to discuss any health issues or pregnancy complications with a doctor or midwife before flying, and to be aware of the medical facilities available at the destination.

In summary, while long-haul flights are generally safe during pregnancy, it is important for pregnant women to consult their doctor before flying to ensure they are taking the necessary precautions and are aware of any potential risks.

Airlines have their own rules on when pregnant women can fly

While occasional air travel during pregnancy is generally considered safe, it is important to note that different airlines have their own rules and restrictions regarding flying during pregnancy. It is crucial to check with the specific airline you plan to fly with to understand their policies and requirements. Here are some key points to consider:

Pregnancy Trimester and Week Restrictions

Most airlines typically allow pregnant individuals to fly until around 36 weeks of pregnancy. However, it is not uncommon for some airlines to set this limit earlier, such as 35 or 32 weeks. For example, EasyJet restricts travel for pregnant women beyond the 35th week for single pregnancies and the 32nd week for twins. Similarly, British Airways does not permit travel after the 36th week for single pregnancies and the 32nd week for twins. These restrictions are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of both the mother and the baby.

Medical Certificates and Doctor's Notes

Some airlines may require pregnant travellers to provide a medical certificate or a letter from their doctor confirming their due date, fitness to fly, and any relevant health information. For instance, Emirates requests a medical certificate or letter signed by a doctor after the 29th week of pregnancy, indicating the nature of the pregnancy and the traveller's health status. This requirement is in place to ensure that pregnant travellers are cleared for air travel and to provide any necessary medical information to the airline.

Travel Insurance Considerations

When travelling during pregnancy, it is essential to review your travel insurance policy. Some airlines may have specific requirements or recommendations regarding travel insurance coverage for pregnant travellers. Additionally, understanding your insurance coverage for any potential medical needs or emergencies during your trip is crucial. It is also worth noting that travel insurance policies may vary depending on the stage of your pregnancy, so reviewing the fine print is important.

International Travel Considerations

When considering international travel during pregnancy, it is important to be aware of any additional restrictions or requirements. Some airlines may have different policies for domestic and international travel. For example, while you may be allowed to fly domestically until 36 weeks, international travel may be restricted to earlier weeks. Additionally, the availability of quality healthcare and medical facilities at your destination should be considered.

Airline-Specific Policies

Different airlines may have unique policies and recommendations for pregnant travellers. For instance, Air France recommends consulting a doctor or midwife before flying but does not require a medical certificate. In contrast, Lufthansa recommends providing a doctor's certificate from the 28th week of pregnancy onwards. Therefore, it is crucial to review the specific policies of the airline you plan to fly with.

Pregnant women should take precautions to avoid deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Pregnant women are at an increased risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein of the body, usually in the leg. This is because the body's natural anticoagulation process is altered during pregnancy, increasing the likelihood of blood clots. While DVT is not common during pregnancy, occurring in only 1-2 in 1000 women, pregnant people are at least 5 times more likely to develop DVT than those who are not pregnant.

To reduce the risk of developing DVT during long-haul travel, pregnant women are advised to take the following precautions:

• Stay active and move around as much as possible. Avoid sitting still for long periods, and perform simple leg exercises such as flexing the ankles and raising/lowering the heels and toes.
• Wear prescribed compression stockings to improve blood circulation in the legs.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase the risk of blood clots.
• If travelling by plane, walk up and down the aisle occasionally and perform in-seat exercises every 30 minutes.

It is important to note that long-haul travel of four hours or more can increase the risk of developing DVT, and this risk may be higher during pregnancy. Pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider before undertaking long-distance travel to assess their individual risk and determine if additional precautions are necessary.

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