Flying is part of everyday life for many professionals. If offspring announces itself, so some matter of course is questioned. But what about flying during pregnancy?
How long are pregnant women allowed to fly?
Even in the context of pregnancy, it may be necessary to move from one place to another by plane. Possible reasons are visits from relatives or friends, important professional appointments or a vacation to distant regions. In principle, flying during pregnancy is not a major problem. However, the pregnant woman should pay attention to some criteria before boarding an airplane. For example, the duration of the flight plays an important role. During each flight, passengers on board are exposed to greater levels of radiation. The radiation exposure is 50 percent more intense than the average exposure that prevails on the ground. However, this is true only in the case where the pregnant woman would travel by airplane day after day. For individual flights, the exposure is only a fraction. Radiation experts therefore do not assume any major risks for the unborn baby. Sometimes the radiation exposure on the ground can even be higher than in the air, but this depends on where the future mother lives. The strength of the radiation dose also depends on the altitude to which the aircraft climbs and how long it is en route. Flights at high altitudes, which take several hours, have a higher radiation exposure than shorter flights at lower distances.
What are the risks of flying during pregnancy?
Flying during pregnancy can pose certain risks. Especially in early pregnancy, there is a risk of malformations caused by ionizing radiation. For example, from the 5th week of pregnancy, the child’s organs begin to form. For this reason, experts recommend flying as little as possible during this period and avoiding long-haul flights completely. When choosing a vacation destination, it is also advisable to choose only destinations that do not require long-distance travel to tropical climes. Destinations within Europe, on the other hand, are considered safer. This also reduces the risk of thrombosis, which can occur after a long-haul flight. This is when a blood clot forms in the legs. To avoid this, it is advisable to walk around a little during the flight. It is also considered important to drink enough fluids. Also important is choosing a comfortable seat that allows as much legroom as possible. Putting on special Class 2 compression stockings can also help counteract a blood clot. Not a cause for concern, according to many doctors, is the reduced oxygen content in the aircraft as altitude increases. If the jet is moving at a normal altitude, the decrease in oxygen content is not so great as to cause a miscarriage. The scanner at the airport also does not pose any risk because it is not an X-ray machine. However, in the last third of pregnancy, it is better to avoid flying, so that there is no unplanned birth on the plane.
Flying with a certificate
If the pregnant woman has reached the 28th week of pregnancy (SSW), she needs a medical certificate to be allowed to board an airplane. From the 34th to 36th week of gestation, most airlines generally do not allow heavily pregnant women on board. If the mother is expecting twins or even multiples, this even applies from the 29th week of pregnancy. However, there are also exceptions for short flights, so there are no uniform criteria. A certificate entitling the mother to travel by air is issued by the gynecologist treating her. Some airlines even have pre-printed forms available on websites that can be presented to the gynecologist. When checking in, the certificate must not exceed two weeks of age. The medical document contains the expected date of birth, the current week of pregnancy and a confirmation of fitness to fly for the pregnant woman. Furthermore, an uncomplicated pregnancy is confirmed. Apart from the certificate, it is also considered advisable to present the maternity passport.
High-risk pregnancy – better to stay on the ground
In principle, flying is not recommended if there is a risk pregnancy.Thus, the pregnant woman should not suffer from placenta praevia, cardiovascular diseases or preterm labor. The same applies to a tendency to miscarriage or premature birth. Likewise, refrain from air travel in case of severe fear of flying or increased risk of thrombosis.
Tips for a carefree travel experience
Those who do not want to give up flying despite their pregnancy should at least follow a few tips. As recommendable is the conclusion of a travel cancellation insurance. If, for example, it comes to the premature onset of labor, which leads to the cancellation of the flight, the otherwise usual cancellation fees do not apply. Air travel for pregnant women makes sense especially between the 4th and 6th month. In this period, the problems of early pregnancy, such as morning sickness, have already subsided and the abdomen is not yet disturbingly large. It is also important to always carry your first-aid kit with you when flying, drink enough, make sure your legs are free, wear comfortable clothing and always fasten your seat belt below your belly.
Pilot or stewardess?
If a pregnant woman works as a stewardess or pilot in the flight service, special rules come into play. For example, in principle, she is classified as unfit to fly due to her pregnancy. However, there are exceptions up to the 26th week of pregnancy if a gynecologist determines that the pregnancy is free of complications. However, the exact criteria vary from airline to airline.
