Air travel restrictions for pregnant women
Dr Spock’s Pregnancy Guide suggests that the best time for travel[Off topic], including air travel, during pregnancy may be the second trimester.
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[edit] General medical restrictions
Most airlines allow you to fly during pregnancy up to a certain number of weeks or months. As the date gets closer to the due date, you may be required to show a medical certificate or release by your physician. Also, several airlines require you to be approved by the airline's medical office. The best thing to do is to simply contact your airline to ask and get information.
[edit] Pregnant passenger flight restrictions by airline
| Airline | Customer service | No-fly period for pregnant women? | Medical certificate required to travel? | Waived ticket fees? |
| Delta Air Lines | 1-404-773-0305 | No | No | No |
| United Airlines | 1-800-864-8331 | No | Yes (9th month) | ? |
| Southwest Airlines | 1-800-435-9792 | No | ? | ? |
| American Airlines | 800-433-7300 | Yes (domestic: no-fly within 7 days before/after due date; international: 30 days) | Yes (within 4 weeks of due date) | ? |
| Lufthansa | +49 69 696 55079 | No (with clearance) | Yes (req'd after 36th week of pregnancy) | ? |
| China Southern Airlines | 886-2-2715-1212 | Yes | Yes(req'd after 32nd week of pregnancy) | ? |
| Ryanair | +44 871 2460003 | Yes (after 36 weeks) | Yes (after 28 weeks) | ? |
| Air France-KLM5 | 1-800-237-2747 | No | No | ? |
| China Eastern Airlines | +44 121 281 3380 | Yes (after 36 weeks) | Yes | ? |
| US Airways | 1-800-428-4322 | Yes | Yes | ? |
[edit] Air travel restrictions in the first and third trimesters
In the early weeks of pregnancy, many women suffer from morning sickness or exhaustion or both. So, if they choose a longer air travel schedule, they may tend to feel more sick or tired. The first trimester is also a period when the embryo is developing into a fetus, and many mothers-to-be suffer from vaginal bleeding. In the first trimester, the risk of a miscarriage is also the highest. So, doctors may restrict air travel while recommending mothers-to-be to avoid any exertion. In case of any complications like placental insufficiencies or disorders related to clotting, restricting air travel during the first few weeks of pregnancy is common.[Elaborate]
During the third trimester, the baby bump starts to show. The body also becomes heavier and moms-to-be need more comfort and space while travelling by air. Many women develop sore feet, or may feel fatigued. Restricting air travel for short distances may not be necessary if the due date is not approaching. However, for long-distances, especially visiting foreign shores, it may be a good idea to postpone air travel. Many airlines restrict women more than 7-months pregnant from air travel.[Which airlines?] However, doctors say restricting air travel till 34 to 36 weeks is not required in cases of low-risk pregnancies if the mother-to-be feels fit.
[edit] Air travel restriction in the second trimester
[edit] Tips while travelling by air
Get more leg room
Aircraft seats in the economy class may not be particularly comfortable for pregnant women. Try and chose an airline which has more leg space. Your legs may become swollen and stiff, and that results in blood clots. During air travel your movement is restricted, so try and walk in the aircraft at least once every one to two hours. You can also do simple leg exercises.
Notify the airline that you are pregnant, so they may try and provide you with a bulkhead seat. More importantly, check the website of the airline you are travelling on for any air travel restrictions for pregnant women.
You should keep seat belts fastened during air travel to protect you both in case of any accident.
Stay hydrated
Drink lots of water and fluids to keep hydrated. This will make you to take frequent bio breaks which in turn will force you to move regularly.
Bring medical records
Always carry your medical records during air travel. If you have been allowed by your doctor to travel in your third trimester, carry the medical certificate stating it.
[edit] What to avoid during air travel
Do not go through X-rays
If you find X-ray scanners, inform the respective attendants that you are pregnant because these scanners are harmful for the fetus.
[edit] References
- http://www.babycenter.com/travel-during-pregnancy
- http://www.cheapflights.com/travel-tips/air-travel-and-pregnancy/
- http://www.pregnancytoday.com/articles/healthy-safe-pregnancy/air-travel-while-pregnant-1902/3/
- http://www.pregnancy-info.net/wellbeing_flying.html
- http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/air-travel-during-pregnancy/AN00398
- http://www.pregnancy-baby-care.com/articles/250/during-pregnancy/traveling-during-pregnancy.html
- Dr Spock's Pregnancy Guide by Marjorie Greenfield
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