Essentials for Flying during Pregnancy

If you are preparing to fly and are pregnant you should ensure you do so fully prepared. Especially when in a foreign country things can seem very confusing and it’s vital that you will still have everything you need just in case.  That means there are certain things you must do and must bring with you to ensure your journey is as safe as possible and you don’t take any risks with your pregnancy.

1. Talk to your doctor or midwife beforehand. They will assign an overseas doctor or medical professional in the locality of where you are staying so should anything happen while you are away you will have someone to tend to you and look after you properly without having to catch a flight home or being left stranded. They will refer you to an appropriate professional and provide you with contact details which you should keep with you at all time during your holiday.

2. Bring a copy of your prenatal chart with you if you are in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Keep the chart with you at all times and ensure your partner or travel companion knows where it is at all times. This chart will have all your information on it so that if anything should happen and no medical information is to hand they will have the chart to work from.

3. Check with the airlines to make sure that you will still be able to fly at the time of your journey. Some airlines will not permit flight travel after a certain week in your pregnancy so you will need to find out sooner rather than later on when you are at the airport.

4. Make sure you have an ample supply of juice and water available to you on the plane. Airplanes can dehydrate you, which is definitely something you need to avoid whilst pregnant. Drink plenty of fluids on your plane journey and stay away from caffeine. It’s important to note that some airports do not allow clear liquid to pass through the gate, only coloured liquids such as juice. If you want water too you will have to purchase it from the vendors inside the boarding/waiting area which can cost a little more.

5. Bring yourself some flight socks and remember to get up frequently and walk around a bit whilst on the plane. Blood clots and circulatory problems are a higher risk to those who are pregnant so make sure you don’t stay sat still for too long.

6. Get someone to help you carry your bags especially if you are travelling alone. Airport staff are usually on hand to help you but in some airports they have the insensitivity to expect a tip for their efforts so be forewarned.

7. Bring a small pillow to support your back. This can be especially handy if your plane is delayed as you don’t want to sit in the waiting area with a bad back for hours.