Close you eyes, relax and picture crystal clear blue water, white sandy beaches & the sound of palm trees gently swaying in the breeze........
aaaaaahhhhh has the cold wet weather got you
dreaming of a Baby-moon?
or
maybe there is a destination wedding coming up or simply a quick work trip
In any case it is always important to consider the following
when considering air travel during pregnancy.
Before you decide on air travel:
Discuss any potential risks particular to your pregnancy with your doctor.
Be aware that air travel in the last six weeks of pregnancy could trigger premature labour.
Check with the airline – some airlines won't allow a woman over 35 weeks to fly at all, or they require a doctor’s note.
Check the fine print of your travel insurance – some policies may not cover pregnancy.
Arrange with the airline for a seat near an exit for extra leg room.
Consider booking an aisle seat – going to the toilet will be a little easier.
Before you leave, discuss with your doctor whether you need to travel with a medical kit for your carry-on luggage so you can access it during the flight.
Items your medical kit could contain:
Treatments for common pregnancy complaints such as heartburn, thrush, constipation and hemorrhoids.
travel stockings
multivitamins formulated for pregnant women
water
Airline Policies:
Many Airlines have restrictions & requirements for pregnant women based on the following:
- Gestation of weeks into pregnancy
- Single or multiple pregnancy
-Length of the flight
-Any pre-existing pregnancy complications
Most Airline's will also require pregnant passengers to have a certificate/letter confirming there gestation, Expected due date and that they are fit & safe to fly. This can be obtained from your obstetrician or midwife.
Most airlines will require this letter for pregnancy travel past 28 weeks gestation. It is really important however to check will the policies for the Airline you are travelling with are all airline rules are different.
Travel Insurance policies...Double check the fine print!
In this instance it is really important to double check the fine print on your travel insurance policy.
It is really important to have adequate cover in place before travelling. Many polices consider Pregnancy as a "pre-existing medical condition" and will there for NOT provide cover for pregnancy related complications with some providers will have restriction based up until a certain gestation.
Policies that don't cover unexpected complications in pregnancy probably won't cover childbirth or any medical care for the unborn baby.
Medical care standards in other countries:
All countries medical standards are different. If a pregnancy complications occurs there may be limited support in the local hospital & can sometimes mean greater risk of infection in developing countries.
It is also important to remember that pregnant women are at greater risk of contracting food & water born illeness and bacterial infections such as listeria or salmonella.
The best way to keep yourself safe is to practice caution:
- Only drink sealed bottled water
- Avoid ice in drinks
- Avoid salads and uncooked fruit and vegetables.
- Brush teeth & rinse with bottled water.
Up , up and away....during the flight:
Wear your seatbelt under your bump and across your lap.
Stretch and move your legs regularly while seated.
Consider wearing support stockings for the duration of the flight. A pregnant woman's circulation is already under strain – the lower cabin pressure inside a plane can theoretically increase the risk of blood clots.
Drink plenty of water to reduce the risk of dehydration.
Keeping up your fluid intake will also reduce the risk of DVT.
If the flight is smooth, walk up and down the aisles every half hour.
If the flight has turbulence, stay in your seat, but flex and extend your ankles frequently
Things to remember
If you are pregnant, the safest time for you to travel is during the second trimester, provided you aren’t experiencing any complications.
If you are pregnant and considering travel, you must consult with your doctor, especially if your pregnancy is high risk.
Avoid travelling to developing nations during pregnancy.
Be wary of taking medications of any kind, including those commonly used to treat traveller’s diarrhoea.
Most Importantly remember to Relax & Reboot.
Happy and safe travels.....