Precautions pregnant women should take before air travel

Traveling poses various challenges during pregnancy, and can turn trips into potentially miserable experiences. In the case of air travel, pregnant women need to take special care and precautions. The questions that often arise are: when is it safe to travel during pregnancy, when should air travel be avoided and what precautions are essential? Gynaecologist Dr. Shalini Verma recently shared various points that pregnant women should pay attention to while preparing for a flight. The doctor emphasizes that the second trimester is the most suitable time for pregnant women to fly due to relatively fewer complications that occur during this period.

In the early stages of the pregnancy, a significant number of women experience nausea and fatigue, making it advisable to avoid any type of travel. Whether a pregnant woman is travelling or not, there is always a risk of miscarriage happening in the first trimester, with air travel potentially increasing this possibility. For single-child pregnancies, it is recommended to avoid air travel after 36 weeks, and for twins, the doctor advises against travel after 32 weeks. Different airlines have varying rules on these matters, highlighting the importance of seeking a doctor’s advice before flying.

Pregnant women travelling by air after 28 weeks should also carry a medical certificate from their doctor. Below are some of the things that pregnant women should keep in mind while travelling:
Carry your medical records while travelling by air.
Wear loose clothes and carry a maternity pillow with you. 
Do not forget to drink plenty of water.

Stand up and stretch yourself frequently while travelling. This will help increase the blood flow. 
Do not use the seatbelt if it is too tight. In such a case, the air hostesses should be informed about it. 
Carry as little luggage as possible, especially if you are travelling alone.
If you need help in any situation, do not hesitate to ask your fellow passengers.