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Whether air travel is safe during pregnancy is a question that worries a lot of would-be moms. Concerns about whether it will have any adverse effect on the pregnancy such as a miscarriage or early delivery or if it can harm the baby in any way is normal. Generally speaking, in case of an uncomplicated pregnancy, travel by air is considered to be absolutely safe.

Risk Factors for Air Travel during Pregnancy

Although air travel during pregnancy can be quite uneventful and not a threat to the continuation of a healthy pregnancy, certain factors need to be kept in mind before you make any travel plans. You should always consult with your doctor before you undertake any travel, even if there is no obvious risk. Some of the risk factors for traveling when pregnant include :

1. Twin pregnancy or other multiples.
2. Severe anemia.
3. Gestational diabetes.
4. Hypertension (high blood pressure).
5. Pre-eclampsia.
6. Heart problems.
7. Clotting disorders.
8. Vaginal bleeding or spotting. Refer to Bleeding in Pregnancy.
9. Placental abnormalities.
10. Preterm birth in previous pregnancies.
11. Risk of preterm birth in this pregnancy.
12. A valuable pregnancy such as after a number of miscarriages.

Best Time for Air Travel during Pregnancy

Most doctors agree that the best time for air travel for a pregnant woman is during the second trimester. This is the time when you are most comfortable with your body, there is least chance of a miscarriage or preterm delivery and the misery of morning sickness is hopefully behind you.

Different airlines have different rules regarding the safety of allowing a pregnant woman on board after a certain month of pregnancy. While some allow air travel till the eighth month and even later, if so recommended by the doctor, others restrict travel from the seventh month onwards. It would be sensible to be aware of the rules before booking your tickets for a particular airline.

Considerations for Air Travel during Pregnancy

A few points, if kept in mind, can make your journey more comfortable.

1. If possible, avoid journeys with a very long travel time.
2. To avoid dehydration, drink plenty of fluids like water and juice during the flight.
3. Move your feet and ankles while seated and try to get up and walk every hour at least, to prevent the very real risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Worries Regarding Air Travel

• High altitude cosmic radiations – this should not be a cause for concern unless you are a very frequent flier like a flight attendant or pilot.
• Decreased air pressure – most commercial flights have pressurized cabins, hence there is no real risk for a pregnant woman.
• Airport screening machines – metal detectors pose no real threat to you or your baby since they only use a low-frequency electromagnetic field. No x-rays are involved here.

Another form of screening (backscatter x-ray system) which is increasingly being used in some airports uses a very low level of x-rays, which are said to be practically harmless. However, if you have any concerns about this, you should ask for a physical “pat-down” search in its place.

If you are going on a long vacation, do not forget to calculate your stage of pregnancy on your return flight.