Air Travel During Pregnancy
Description
This article is from the Health Articles series.
Air Travel During Pregnancy
Commercial air travel poses no special risks to a healthy pregnant woman or her fetus. The lowered cabin pressures (kept at the equivalent of 5,000-8,000 feet or 1,524-2,438 meters) affect fetal oxygenation minimally because of the fetal hemoglobin dissociation curve.
Severe anemia (Hgb 0.5 g/dL), sickle-cell disease or trait, and a history of thrombophlebitis or placental problems are relative contraindications to flying; however, supplemental oxygen may be ordered in advance.
Each airline has policies regarding pregnancy and flying; it is always safest to check with the airline when booking reservations, as some will require medical forms to be completed. Domestic travel is usually permitted until 36 weeks gestation, and international travel may be curtailed after the 32nd week. Pregnant women should always carry documentation stating their expected date of delivery.
An aisle seat at the bulkhead will provide the most space and comfort, but a seat over the wing in the midplane region will give the smoothest ride. A pregnant woman should walk every half hour during a smooth flight and flex and extend the ankles frequently to prevent phlebitis. The seat belt should always be fastened at the pelvic level. Fluids should be taken liberally because of the dehydrating effect of the low humidity in aircraft cabins.
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