Following recent news that mums-to-be are desperate for more information about the safety of flying whilst pregnant, read on to discover some handy tips for flying with a baby on board.
Expectant mums were questioned by Netmums and the London Ultrasound Centre and it was revealed that many of them were uncertain about whether it was safe to board a plane during their pregnancy.
Currently, airlines have different policies over how late into a pregnancy it is still safe to fly. Some carriers allow women who are up to 37 weeks pregnant to fly, whilst some allow women who are up to 34 weeks.
Make sure that you check with your airline what their policy is when you book tickets. According to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, women who are more than 37 weeks into their term should not fly at all, whilst women pregnant with twins should not fly if they are more than 34 weeks.
The founder of Netmums, Siobhan Freegard, said, “Mums want clear information about when it’s safe to fly. While every pregnancy is different, standard airline guidelines would relieve some of the stress and time spent planning a holiday, making that all-important relaxing holiday that little bit easier to come by.”
Women who have experienced complications during their pregnancy or who are considered high risk due to medical factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes or placental abnormalities are advised not to fly if at all possible.
Those that need to fly are advised to consult their doctor before doing so. For ladies in their first trimester (weeks one to 12) of a normal pregnancy, flying is considered to be perfectly safe, although it may make morning sickness worse.
Women in their second trimester (weeks 13 – 27) are considered safe to fly, whilst women in their third trimester (weeks 27 to the end of pregnancy) are advised not to fly – or carry out any long-distance travel at all if possible – after 36 weeks.
Pregnant women should ensure they drink plenty of water to stay hydrated during the flight, and take healthy snacks to ensure they are getting enough to eat.
Those suffering from morning sickness may well find they need to eat more often than the airline meals are served, so carry-on snacks such as cereal bars are essential. Wearing loose, comfortable clothing and moving around as often s possible is also recommended, as is booking an aisle seat or requesting an extra-legroom seat to allow for a little extra room.
Ensure you discuss your travel plans with your doctor prior to departure. They will be able to discuss with you any risks of travelling to a particular destination whilst pregnant. Keeping printed copies of your medical notes and health insurance information in your hand luggage is also a good idea.
A note written by your doctor saying that you are safe to travel could also be of use when it comes to checking in at the airport. Many airlines will want to see a letter confirming this, and a due date, after you are around 27 weeks pregnant.
When it comes to finding travel insurance for travelling whilst pregnant, you may find it harder than booking normal travel insurance as, in the insurer’s eyes, a pregnant lady is a higher risk than another passenger.
Ensure you shop around to nab the best deal and make sure that you read the small print to make sure there are no exclusions contained within the policy that may mean you are not covered.
If you have an annual travel insurance policy, you must inform your insurer that you are pregnant as this may alter the policy coverage. You must also make sure that, by the time you return home from holiday, you are not over the point at which the insurer will not cover you.
(Image: Philippe Put)
