With summer vacations approaching, holiday air travel is common. Pregnant women often question the safety of air travel.
Concerns regarding air travel in pregnancy included:
- Increased risk of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis). The long period of inactivity during overseas flight combined with the risk of dehydration due to dry air in the aircraft cabin, increases the risk of blood clots in susceptible individuals. Pregnancy in general is associated with sluggish blood flow due to leg swelling, and an increase in clotting factors in the blood. Because of these factors, the risk of deep vein thrombosis during air travel in pregnancy is increased.
- Increased demands on the heart and lungs: Aircraft cabin pressure during flight is reduced leading to a decrease in oxygen pressure in the blood. The heart and lungs have to work harder to compensate. The demand on the circulatory system during pregnancy is increased due to the increase in blood volume. In addition, the expanding abdomen restricts lung motion and decreases lung function. Therefore, pregnant women may notice a transient increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing.
- Trauma due to turbulence: Injury associated with turbulence is an uncommon occurrence in modern air travel. However, when it occurs it affects pregnant women, especially at the later stages of pregnancy more than the average passenger due to the protuberant abdomen, change in maternal posture and balance.
- High-risk conditions in which air travel is not recommended.
- Those with a history of premature labor.
- Suspected ectopic pregnancy.
- A history of miscarriage
- Placental abruption (separation).
- Sickle cell disease.
- Toxemia or any unstable pregnancy induced hypertension
- Premature rupture of membranes
- Unstable diabetes
Women with any of these conditions should consult their obstetrician before traveling by air.
What precautions should I take?
In general pregnant women up to 36 weeks of gestation may undertake air travel but be aware of the above. Certain precaution can be taken to reduce risk of complications during travel.
To avoid risk of blood clots.
- Wear support hose
- Wear low heel shoes
- Ambulate frequently and do the foot exercises when sitting
- Hydrate well
To avoid trauma
- Wear seat belts during turbulence.
Women with medical problems, especially involving the cardiac or respiratory system, may notice increased difficulties with breathing and may need supplemental oxygen.
Women with certain high-risk conditions, especially those that occur in the first and third trimesters, should consult their obstetrician about the safety of traveling long distances by air.
Avoid carbonated beverages and food that cause gas since gas expands at high altitude and may cause discomfort.
