When I was pregnant with my children, I knew that I would have to fly for a trip to visit family members at some point in my pregnancy. During my pregnancies, I faced many restrictions related to my condition. As a result, I adopted a habit of doing research as soon as I wanted to do something to ensure safety. However, I wasn’t sure if there were some restrictions and are pregnant women allowed to fly. Also, if it is permitted, how pregnant can you be to fly? Researches showed me that most airlines allow flying until they hit around 36 weeks of pregnancy.
However, there are some rules various airlines have. For example, if a woman plans to fly internationally, she may not be allowed to fly after 28 weeks. It will all depend on the airline and their rules so make sure you check with each one. There are also other considerations that will determine if pregnant women are allowed to fly and how pregnant can you be to do so?
Flying With A Pregnancy Complication
If a woman has any pregnancy complications, she should consult with a doctor before flying, no matter the stage of her pregnancy. She will need to clear it with her doctor to ensure that she and the baby are safe. In addition, the woman’s airline may require a certificate if she has medical conditions or is in the last month of pregnancy.
Are Pregnant Women Allowed To Fly And How Pregnant Can You Be?
Each airline will have a policy on how pregnant you can be to fly. So if you are pregnant, you will need to call and ask if pregnant women can fly at whatever trimester they are in. You might also be able to find this information on their website.
For instance, Delta Airlines seem to do not have any restrictions on flying during the third trimester. Also, they do not require that a pregnant woman have a medical certificate from their doctor. On the other hand, American Airlines does require a doctor’s certificate if a pregnant woman is within four weeks of the delivery date. This certificate must state that the doctor has examined her and has given her clearance to fly. However, these restrictions can vary depending on whether it is a domestic or international flight. If you wish to have more details, it is best to refer to their website.
When reading this article, this information might not be accurate, so please double-check before booking any flight with Delta, American Airlines, or others.
Are Pregnant Women With Twins Allowed To Fly?
If a woman is having twins, there may be different requirements from the airline. For example, British Airlines will not allow women carrying more than one baby to fly past the 32nd week for safety reasons.
Doctor’s Exam
Even if the airline does not require it, you should still go to your doctor to be examined and be cleared for flight. It might not hurt to go ahead and get a medical certificate. It is unclear whether or not it is legal for gate staff to ask about how far a woman is along; pregnant women can be denied from boarding if they deem them unfit. If you have a medical certificate that states how far along you are and shows that you are cleared for flying will help you to ensure that you can board the flight.
Are Pregnant Women Allowed To Fly Internationally?
I did not have to take an international flight while being pregnant. However, pregnant women that do fly internationally may face some additional restrictions. For instance, if you are flying four weeks ahead of your due date, American Airlines will ask you to contact the airline’s special coordinator. In addition, they will make you see a doctor within 48 hours of the flight to ensure that you are fit enough to fly. So if you are willing to fly internationally, it is best to avoid flying during the third trimester
The Risk Of Blood Clots and Flying
The risks of flying should be discussed when learning are pregnant women allowed to fly. For example, pregnant women are already at an increased risk for deep vein thrombosis, and a flight might help to expand this risk.Β NHSΒ suggests getting up every 30 minutes and walking around. They also say that it can be beneficial to wear compression stockings to help prevent swelling in the legs and feet. However, consult your doctor to make sure that this is safe and accurate for your health situation.
Safety Screenings While Being Pregnant
When a pregnant woman goes to the airport, she must go through security and metal detectors. Airport x-rays are deemed safe, including for pregnant women. However, if a pregnant woman feels unsafe going through metal detectors, she can request a pat-down. A female officer will do this procedure.
8 Tips For Safe And Pleasant Flight During Pregnancy
When I learned how pregnant you can be to fly on airlines, I started thinking about ways to stay safe and happy during the trip. I learned few tips:
1. Get an aisle seat
Choosing an aisle seat is imperative for a pregnant woman. They will need to stretch their legs and go to the bathroom frequently.
2. Exercise
A pregnant woman should periodically move her extremities.
3. Wear loose clothing
A pregnant woman should wear loose clothing that is very comfortable. This is especially true if the woman is going on a long flight.
4. Pack healthy foods and water
A pregnant woman will need plenty of healthy foods and water for the trip.
5. Avoid gas-producing foods
A pregnant woman should avoid gas-producing foods to help avoid gas pains and heartburn.
6. Consult a doctor
A pregnant woman must get an exam before the flight, no matter how far along she is.
7. Avoid traveling in some countries
For instance, pregnant women should not travel to any country that has the Zika virus. This virus can cause severe birth defects and death for an unborn child. You should verify the government recommendations for the country where you are willing to fly.
8. Research
Before going on a flight, a pregnant woman will want to research a hospital where she can go in case of an emergency. She should also have a copy of her prenatal records if she has an issue while on her trip.
How Pregnant Can You Be To Fly: To Sum It Up
Ideally, women who want to fly should do so in the second trimester. Regarding theΒ American College of ObstetriciansΒ andΒ Gynecologists, the most common obstetric emergencies occur in the first and third trimesters. Also, flying in the first trimester will be a nightmare as morning sickness will be a big issue. However, during the second trimester, I had my usual energy back and did not have any morning sickness, so this is the time that I choose to take my flight. It was a successful flight with no issues.
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