Flying whilst Pregnant

Pregnant women need to consider the potential problems associated when travelling abroad, as well as the quality of medical care available at the destination and during transit.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the safest time for a pregnant woman to travel is during the second trimester (18-24 weeks) when she usually feels best and is in least danger of experiencing complications.

Discuss with your doctor about the vaccinations you should have and check your travel and health insurance plans carefully to ensure they cover health complications arising from pregnancy.

Once the decision has been made to travel, a number of issues need clarification prior to departure (obstetrical risk factors, general medical risk factors and possible destinations that may be hazardous - i.e., areas endemic for ongoing outbreaks of life-threatening food or insect-borne infections).

It is advisable to travel with a companion.

Check your travel health insurance to ensure that you are covered while abroad and during pregnancy. In the event of early delivery abroad, ensure that coverage is extended to your newborn.

Most policies will not provide coverage beyond the 28th week of pregnancy.

In addition, attention to comfort becomes more important.

An aisle seat at the bulkhead will provide the most space and comfort, but a seat over the wing in the mid-plane region will give the smoothest ride.

Try to walk every half hour during a smooth flight and flex and extend the ankles frequently to prevent swelling. Fluids should be taken liberally because of the dehydrating effect of the low humidity in aircraft cabins.

The following is a checklist of factors you should consider when travelling:

* Make sure your health insurance is valid while abroad and during pregnancy.
* Obtain a supplemental travel insurance policy and a prepaid medical evacuation insurance policy.
* Check to see if your policy covers a newborn should delivery take place while abroad.
* Check medical facilities at your destination. If you are in the last trimester, medical facilities should be able to manage complications of pregnancy, toxemia, and cesarean sections.
* To ensure required prenatal doctor visits are not missed, find out beforehand whether prenatal care will be required abroad and, if so, who will provide it.
* Determine ahead of time whether blood is screened for HIV and hepatitis B at your destination. Pregnant travellers and their companions should know their blood types.
* Check facilities at your destination for availability of safe food and beverages, including bottled water and pasteurized milk.

The information is designed for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice or care. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child's condition.