Until when can you fly in an airplane? What restrictions do air carriers impose on pregnant women? How to make a flight safe during pregnancy?
In summer, you really want to leave the stuffy city and rush to the warm sea for a week. Desirable, on a clean, well-groomed beach and olinclusive comfortable in all respects. Just two hours by plane - and here it is, a dream vacation. However, what if you are in position? Many women refuse to fly during pregnancy. In the first trimester - due to toxicosis, in the second and third - because of the risk of thrombosis and fear of harming the child. However, in reality, there are practically no restrictions on flights during pregnancy. Everything is determined only by the well-being of the expectant mother and the requirements of the airlines.
How long can you fly in an airplane?
You can fly up to 36 weeks pregnant / istockphoto.com
During pregnancy, a woman worries not only for herself, but also for the unborn child. Therefore, he often becomes suspicious and prefers to "overlook" in many situations. So, on the Internet you can find information that flights increase the risk of thrombosis. This is one of the reasons why ladies in a position refuse to fly and take vacations in other countries. In fact, medicine has proven that the risk of thrombosis increases with long flights (longer than 4 hours), and there is still no evidence that this can somehow affect the course of pregnancy. Therefore, for safety reasons, you can, of course, not fly to Thailand or the Maldives, but Turkey, Egypt and European resorts are welcome.
Also, for a woman in a position, there are no recommendations and restrictions on the timing of pregnancy. It all depends on the health and well-being of the expectant mother. If the pregnancy is difficult, you are tormented by nausea, toxicosis and general weakness - then, of course, it is better to refrain from flying. But not because of the dangers on the plane, but simply because a vacation in this state is unlikely to benefit a pregnant woman.
The most favorable for the flight are:
- in the first trimester, any timeframe, starting from week 7
- in the second trimester - 14-18 and 22-27 weeks; in the interval from 18 to 22 weeks, some doctors recommend refraining from travel, because it is at this time that there is a risk of a difficult pregnancy late miscarriage
However, if your health is normal, the pregnancy proceeds without deviations, and you have the go-ahead for the flight from the doctor, the plane is not contraindicated for you until 36 weeks. You can also fly later, but this is contrary to common sense - there is a well-founded risk have a baby on a plane or at the resort. By the way, it is because of this risk that many airlines impose a flight restriction for women in the third trimester of pregnancy. Starting from week 28, most air carriers will require a doctor's certificate when checking in for a flight. which will say that your pregnancy is proceeding normally, and the PDD will also be indicated (preliminary date childbirth).
Airlines restrictions for pregnant women
Each airline has its own rules for flying pregnant / istockphoto.com
UIA, airBaltic: flights are prohibited from 36 weeks of pregnancy; from 28 to 35 weeks a certificate from a doctor is needed
Lufthansa: flights are prohibited 4 weeks before the PDA; in case of multiple pregnancies - from 28 weeks
Alitalia: there is no ban on flights; in case of multiple pregnancies or after 36 weeks, a medical form (MEDIF) is required, completed by the doctor, with his signature and seal
Air France: there is no ban on flights
Turkish Airlines: flights are prohibited from the 28th week of pregnancy; a doctor's note is required before this
Etihad Airways: flights are prohibited from 37 weeks (in case of multiple pregnancies from 32 weeks); from 29, a certificate from a doctor is needed
Air Moldova: flights are prohibited from 36 weeks; from 28 to 32 weeks a doctor's certificate is needed; From 32 to 35 weeks, in addition to the certificate, you need a MEDIF form.
How to make it easier to fly during pregnancy
Drink more on the plane and try to move regularly / istockphoto.com
In order not to experience discomfort on the plane, it is better for a pregnant woman to book a seat in business class. The seats are wider there, and the distance between them is greater, and allows you to comfortably sit and stretch your legs forward. If you have already purchased Economy Class, then try to take (or agree with passengers to change seats) a seat in the front row or near the aisle.
During the flight, try to move as much as possible: every half hour (if possible) take a walk through the cabin. Drink plenty of fluids (about half a liter per hour) and moisturize your skin with thermal or even regular sprays. water - the air in the plane is very dry, because of this, already in the second hour of the flight, you can feel discomfort. To avoid edema, put on immediately or take on board compression stockings. During landing, adjust the seat belts so that they do not press on your stomach.
You will also be interested to read:
12 Things That Are Strictly Prohibited During Pregnancy: Did You Know This?
Pregnant and Active: 5 Ways to Diversify Your Interesting Position
