Is it safe to fly during pregnancy?

Is it safe to fly during pregnancy? 

Generally, commercial air travel before week 36 of pregnancy is considered safe for women who have healthy pregnancies. Still, if you're pregnant, check with your health care provider before you fly.

Your health care provider might caution against air travel if you're experiencing pregnancy complications that might be worsened by air travel or require emergency care. The duration of the flight also should be considered. Similarly, your health care provider and many airlines might restrict travel after 36 weeks of pregnancy.

If your health care provider approves air travel and your plans are flexible, the best time to fly might be during your second trimester. This is when the risks of common pregnancy emergencies are the lowest.

When you fly:

• Check the airline's policy about air travel during pregnancy. Guidelines for pregnant women might vary by carrier and destination.
• Buckle up. During the trip, fasten the lap belt under your abdomen.
• Promote circulation. Take occasional walks up and down the aisle. If you must remain seated, flex and extend your ankles often. Also, avoid wearing restrictive clothing. Use of compression stockings might help prevent blood clots.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Low humidity in the cabin can lead to dehydration.
• Avoid gassy foods and drinks pre-flight. Entrapped gases expand at altitude, which can cause discomfort. Examples include broccoli and carbonated drinks.
• Make a contingency plan. Consider how, if necessary, you'll obtain obstetric care during your trip.

Radiation exposure associated with air travel at high altitudes isn't thought to be problematic for most who fly during pregnancy. However, pilots, flight attendants and other frequent fliers might be exposed to a level of cosmic radiation that raises questions during pregnancy. If you must fly frequently during your pregnancy, discuss it with your health care provider. He or she might recommend limiting your total flight time during pregnancy.

answer by  Yvonne Butler Tobah, M.D. on www.mayoclinic.org

This sample of air travel pregnancyy by pregnant care.com

  The American Congress of Obstreticans and Gynecology explain on abstract paper with title "Air Travel During Pregnancy". In the absence of obstetric or medical complications, pregnant women can observe the same precautions for air travel as the general population and can fly safely. Pregnant women should be instructed to continuously use their seat belts while seated, as should all air travelers. Pregnant air travelers may take precautions to ease in-flight discomfort and, although no hard evidence exists, preventive measures can be used to minimize risks of venous thrombosis. For most air travelers, the risks to the fetus from exposure to cosmic radiation are negligible. For pregnant aircrew members and other frequent flyers, this exposure may be higher. Information is available from the FAA to estimate this exposure.