Ahead of the travelling season, let’s explore things to know about flying when pregnant. Maybe you have booked a holiday before you knew that you were pregnant? Now, do you need to cancel? Or is it okay to fly while pregnant?
The good news:
Flying isn’t harmful to you or your baby, […]
NHS.
but it is always a good idea to discuss any concerns with your midwife and/or team of healthcare professionals.
It is worth taking into consideration:
- how far along you are in your pregnancy at the time of travel
- whether you have any health concerns
- where you are travelling to
- is it long-distance?
- are vaccinations recommended for your destination?
- which airline you are flying with
Flying when pregnant infographic and top tips!
- For long-distance flights (longer than 4 hours), drink plenty of water and move about regularly, or do in-seat exercises. This helps to minimise the small risk of blood clots (1-2 women in 1000). You can buy a pair of graduated compression or flight stockings from the pharmacy, which will help reduce leg swelling.
- Some airlines won’t let you fly towards the end of your pregnancy. Remember to check with the airline for their policy on this.
- Make sure you have your maternity notes, travel insurance and health insurance documents with you and know about maternity care/hospitals at your destination.
- You can listen to your hypnobirthing tracks while you are flying to help with comfort, confidence and nausea.
- Ask the cabin crew for a seatbelt extension if needed, and wear your seatbelt under your bump.
- Avoid gassy foods before the journey to increase your comfort during the flight!
- Carry medication in your hand-luggage!
Online Birth Preparation Course only £35!
Please also check out my online course! No videos, just text and images to learn in your own time. Includes hypnobirthing mp3s, scripts, workbook, handouts, infographics and much more! Lots and lots of information at your fingertips! Includes:
- hypnobirthing mp3s
- hypnobirthing scripts
- written information
- infographics and other imagery
- printable handouts
- printable workbook/journal
Download your free packing list:
References and further reading:
- NCT (National Childbirth Trust). 2022. Flying when pregnant: what you need to know. [online] Available at: <https://www.nct.org.uk/pregnancy/travelling-when-pregnant/flying-when-pregnant-what-you-need-know> [Accessed 1 June 2022].
- nhs.uk. 2022. Travelling in pregnancy. [online] Available at: <https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/travelling/> [Accessed 1 June 2022].
- Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists. 2022. Air travel and pregnancy patient information leaflet. [online] Available at: <https://www.rcog.org.uk/for-the-public/browse-all-patient-information-leaflets/air-travel-and-pregnancy-patient-information-leaflet/> [Accessed 1 June 2022].
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