Flying Fears During Pregnancy

Are Airport Scanners Safe During Pregnancy?

Getting exposed to radiation during a flight may be of concern to some pregnant women. But the good news is that the amount of radiation that air passengers get exposed to during a single flight is way too small to cause any health concern. But, if you are pregnant and fly frequently due to business or other reasons, your doctor may ask you to cut down on your flying during the pregnancy period.

Some pregnant women would also have concerns about whether one trip down the security line would cause any harm to them or their unborn baby. They may be concerned about the scanning machines at airport security points. In order to reveal any hidden items in the body, these machines use X-rays to get the body image.

However, the Transportation Security Administration claims that the amount of radiation that is produced by these machines is very negligible. Now with a lot of concerns from privacy experts, these machines were replaced by “millimeter wave units” which use radio waves in place of X-rays and are considered to be much safer than the X-ray machines.

12 Ways To Cope With Flying Fears During Pregnancy?

You’re expecting a baby and seem a little extra worried than usual about your safety as well as the baby’s safety. It’s completely normal and comes naturally. It’s all a part of nature’s game plan! Our bodies prepare themselves for nurturing life within and outside the body as well.
A mother’s concern for her child’s safety begins the very moment she gets pregnant.

It’s because the brain sends signals to her body to make her extra cautious about the welfare of her offspring. This makes her more protective, worried, cautious, and often paranoid about anything that concerns the child. This is exactly why many women start feeling negative about flying because they feel something bad would happen to the baby! That’s acceptable, but it doesn’t mean you become a bed bug right?

There are ways to tackle this issue:

1. Talk to Your Doctor

Always discuss with your doctor if you are healthy and fit for air travel. In most normal pregnancies, it is Ok to fly until 36 weeks (some doctors advise no travel after 24 weeks too). Not after that. However, special care needs to be taken during the flight to ensure comfort for the baby and mother. Your fitness to travel will depend on your pregnancy type and how well your body is doing during pregnancy

2. Weigh the Need to Fly

You don’t necessarily have to fly during pregnancy. Check if you can avoid it in case you are feeling worried. In case it is absolutely necessary, only then go

3. Check For Flying Policy

Always confirm with the airlines regarding their policies for pregnant women. Different airlines have different policies surrounding the issue of pregnant women’s air travel. Some airlines have no restrictions when it comes to a pregnant woman flying.

There are many which require a medical certificate if you are planning to fly within a month of your due date. Most international airlines have restrictions on pregnant women flying after the 8th month of pregnancy

4. Make Necessary Arrangements

Carry enough quick snacks to keep yourself energetic. Try and stay hydrated and relax as much as possible. This is because the cabin air conditioning and pressure changes can leave you dehydrated, which is an absolute no-no during pregnancy

5. Fasten The Belt Below Your Abdomen

This is to avoid discomfort as any sudden jerks or pressure against the abdomen can be stressful for the baby.

6. Avoid In-Flight Drinks

These could make you sick or puckish. Blame the hormones! So stick to your basic home drinks. Carry them along if you can. Drink plenty of water on board to keep yourself hydrated

7. Make a Contingency Plan

Plan ahead how you wish to get medical help in case of emergency. One of the most important tasks is to plan ahead and be prepared for emergencies as pregnancy is a highly surprising journey. You never know what happens the next moment

8. Sit Back and Relax Those Legs

You would have to take a seat where you can stretch your legs at regular intervals in order to avoid swelling and tiredness.

9. Take Regular Walks

Make sure you take regular walks during the flight in the safe zones when seat belts are not required

10. Travel With Your Pack

Always make sure there is someone for your help. Although the on-flight staff is very helpful who can be better than family or friends right?

11. Wear Comfortable Clothes

This will make sure that you aren’t at ease with your body and those frequent trips to the washroom leaving you all tensed. It’s best to wear loose clothes with fewer fasteners. Carry extra clothes just in case you feel cold

12. Pack Wisely

After deciding on the destination and booking your plane tickets, the next thing that you need to take into consideration is packing your luggage. Don’t pack a heavy carry-on bag. Take the advice of your doctor, who will tell you how much weight you can safely lift during pregnancy

There’s so much you can do for ensuring safe travel during pregnancy. But the most important of them all is to yourself, that you can do it! Since there are only months before the bundle of joy arrives, pregnancy is also considered the best time to travel and go for a trip because once the baby arrives, there are chances you would not want to get out of that bed honey!

That’s why many people go for what’s known as a Babymoon – a honeymoon during pregnancy. As long as your body allows, there is nothing that should pull you away from traveling. So go and talk to your healthcare expert today and seek medical guidance!

FAQ’s

How Many Weeks Pregnant Should You Stop Flying?

Women who are 32 weeks pregnant but otherwise healthy may fly. You may travel up to the 35th week of pregnancy with a medical certificate after week 32 if you are expecting a normal birth.

Can Turbulence Cause Miscarriage?

There is no proof that air travel brings on premature labor, miscarriages, or the breaking of a woman’s waters. Nonetheless, pregnant women should always use their seatbelts, since unexpected turbulence might force them to fall and inflict damage to their bellies, which can be harmful to their unborn babies.

Are Blood Clots Common When Flying?

Long-haul flights pose a threat to DVT and PE, especially those lasting four hours or longer (PE). Direct venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are two potentially lethal blood clot disorders.