Flying pregnant: What are the risks?
Pregnancy and flying are not mutually exclusive. However, even if there are no complications, flying during pregnancy entails some risks, although these are considered to be largely minor.
High-altitude radiation
Everyone who flies is exposed to increased radiation (cosmic radiation). The longer the flight, the higher the altitude and the closer the route passes the poles, the greater the exposure. On a transatlantic flight, it is roughly equivalent to the exposure of an X-ray of the upper body.
This ionizing radiation can promote malformations, especially in early pregnancy, as organs begin to develop from the 5th week. As a precaution, you should therefore avoid long-distance flights if possible during this sensitive embryonic development period and also reduce short trips. Ask your gynecologist for advice if you fly a lot for work.
Sitting for long periods on long-haul flights increases the risk of thrombosis. During pregnancy, the risk of blood clots in the veins is also increased. Therefore, make sure to drink as much as possible during the flight. It is also advisable to get up and move around a little in between flights. You can also ensure more legroom by booking an appropriately comfortable seat on the plane. Light exercise while sitting also prevents thrombosis. It also makes sense to wear thrombosis stockings on long-haul flights to prevent blood clots.
If you have had a thrombosis in the past, you should discuss this with your doctor. He or she may prescribe an anticoagulant for an urgent flight.
Oxygen levels not an issue
As altitude increases, the oxygen content of the air decreases. At normal flight altitudes, however, this reduction in oxygen is not yet so great – there is no danger to the unborn child.
Pregnancy complications high above the clouds are not a pretty thought. If you fly towards the end of pregnancy, you also run the risk of an unplanned birth. The easiest way to avoid such unfavorable situations is to avoid getting on a plane during the last weeks of pregnancy.
If you still need and want to fly in advanced pregnancy, there are a few things to keep in mind:
So there are no uniform regulations. You need to check with the respective airline about their conditions of carriage. Don’t forget: Even abroad, there are different laws and deadlines for flying during pregnancy, depending on the country.
Flying pregnant with a doctor’s certificate
You can obtain a certificate from your gynecologist. Some airlines offer forms on their websites that you can present to your gynecologist. The certificate must not be older than two weeks when you check in at the airport. In addition, you should also be able to present your maternity passport at check-in.
A certificate for flying during pregnancy must contain:
- current week of pregnancy
- expected date of birth
- confirmation of uncomplicated pregnancy
- confirmation of the pregnant woman’s fitness to fly
Complications during pregnancy: flying not recommended
- Cardiovascular problems
- anemia
- premature labor
- tendency to premature birth or miscarriage
- placenta praevia
Flying during pregnancy: tips
If you want to fly as a pregnant woman, you should definitely think about travel cancellation insurance, even if the pregnancy was without complications until the time of booking. If, for example, premature labor occurs, the booked trip must be canceled, but with a completed cancellation insurance, the insurance company may not charge cancellation fees.
If you want to fly while pregnant, it is best to do so in the second trimester. This is because most women feel well between the fourth and sixth month: morning sickness and fatigue have subsided, the critical phase of organ development is also over, and the belly is not yet a nuisance. The second trimester is therefore best suited for flying during pregnancy.
Pregnant: Flying is your job
Special rules apply to pregnant flight attendants and pilots. Once they announce their pregnancy, pregnant stewardesses and pilots are excused from working in the air. Pregnancy generally makes you unfit to fly. However, pregnant pilots may be granted exemptions up to the 26th week of pregnancy if there are no complications and after medical clarification. Ask your employer about the exact conditions if you would like to fly as a pregnant pilot or stewardess.
