Whether you are a seasoned traveler or have never been on a plane, flying while pregnant may bring some uncertainty and apprehensions. This is understandable, but the good news is that for the vast majority of women, flying can be both safe and enjoyable, even throughout pregnancy! The following tips for flying while pregnant can set your mind at ease and help you to have the most enjoyable and comfortable flight experience possible.
12 Pregnancy Travel Tips
1. Talk to Your Doctor
If you only implement one of these tips for flying while pregnant, this is the most important! You should always consult with your doctor or midwife before taking a trip while pregnant. They will be able to provide you with any needed advice specific to your health history and should be up to date on any relevant travel advisories or policies. You will also want to make sure you have their contact information handy in case you need to call in at any point during your trip.
Here’s a list of questions you should be asking your doctor
2. Wear Compression socks
Circulation issues in pregnancy can be quite common, especially when you find yourself sitting for long periods of time (like on an airplane!). In addition to regular walking breaks, compression socks can help you to keep blood flowing and stay comfortable on your flight.
3. Pick the right seat
An aisle seat is definitely the best option if you are flying while pregnant. Between taking little walks to maintain blood flow and the likelihood of extra bathroom trips, this will make it much easier to get in and out of your seat. Many airlines also offer seats with extra leg room near the front of the plane or in the emergency exit row. This can be a great option to give you more space to stretch and get comfortable, especially with your growing belly! If this isn’t your first baby and you happen to be flying with a toddler on your lap, this will be extra important.
4. Avoid Security Scanner (If Possible)
While airport security scanning technology is considered safe during pregnancy, some women still feel a bit nervous about walking through the scanners while pregnant. If you don’t feel comfortable going through the scanners, you can simply request an alternate security check when it’s your turn in line.
5. Pack Smart
You probably won’t want to be dragging a 50lb duffel bag to the luggage check desk, so use a wheeled bag if possible. This is even more essential if you are traveling on your own!
6. Seat Belt Placement
Just like in the car, be sure to fasten your seatbelt under your belly to keep you and your little one safe and secure.
7. Stay Hydrated
Airplane air can be notoriously dry, so it is more important than ever to stay hydrated. If your airline doesn’t offer free beverages, a good way to plan ahead is to bring an empty water bottle through security and fill it up at a water fountain before you board. Many airports even have water bottle filling stations! It may be tempting to cut back on water so you don’t have to take too many bathroom trips, but staying hydrated should be a top priority, especially in pregnancy.
8. Research Your Destination
Check ahead to make sure there aren’t any pregnancy-specific travel advisories in place for your destination (e.g., high Zika transmission). You may also want to research the nearest hospital. While an emergency is probably unlikely, it is good to be prepared and can help you to have increased peace of mind!
9. Keep moving
When you are flying (or on a road trip!) it is essential to make sure you walk around regularly to keep your blood flowing. In pregnancy, you are at a higher risk of developing a blood clot, and one of the best ways to prevent this is by continuing to move. It is best to walk around at least every hour, and in between it can be helpful to stretch your legs out, do ankle rolls, etc.
10. Pack Snacks
Eating every few hours is important throughout pregnancy. If you don’t want to purchase items on your flight, make sure you pack plenty of snacks! Keep in mind that even if your flight is only an hour or two, you will still have the travel time to and from the airport, as well as the time spent checking in and waiting for your flight to board and take off.
Check out Real Food for Pregnancy for some healthy snacks!
11. Dress Comfortably
Now is not the time to make a fashion statement! You will have a much more enjoyable flight if you are focused on dressing comfortably. To help you plan out your travel outfit, think about what clothes you are most comfortable in while sitting in the car. You should also consider wearing a jacket or sweater that is easy to remove if you find the temperature too warm. If you are planning to wear sandals, bring a pair of socks in case you are too cold!
Do you want to know when you should start wearing maternity clothes?
12. Have Fun!!
Pregnant people travel all the time! While it may be a bit less comfortable and require a bit more planning, you can still have a wonderful trip, and it is important to enjoy yourself as much as possible. After all, stress isn’t good for you or your baby!
First Trimester Tips
Here are my First Trimester Must Haves >>> Click Here
Many people may fly during their first trimester without even realizing they are pregnant! If your energy levels are okay and you aren’t dealing with strong morning sickness, this can actually be a wonderful time to travel as other discomforts usually haven’t started. However, if you are dealing with morning sickness, there are a few ways to keep this from ruining your travel plans. The following are all helpful tips for flying while in your first trimester of pregnancy.
1. Acupressure
If you haven’t already, this could be the perfect time to try a nausea band! These simple wristbands can help with both morning sickness and travel/airplane sickness, making them the perfect item for your flight. They use pressure points on your wrists to help offset any nausea you may be experiencing.
2. Aromatherapy
Peppermint is one of the most common scents to help fight morning sickness. Apply some diluted peppermint oil to your wrists before your flight to give you a quick and easy way to calm your morning sickness.
3. Keep your routine
Are there snacks and drinks that tend to help you with your nausea or keep from making it worse? If so, be sure to check the menu options for your airline and flight in advance to ensure there will be something you can stomach or pack plenty of your own snacks! If tea is helpful, you could even pack tea bags and simply request a cup of hot water once you are in the air.
Second Trimester Tips
For most people, the second trimester will be the best time for air travel. Hopefully you left nausea and extreme exhaustion in the first trimester and the discomforts of a growing belly aren’t yet at their peak. However, every pregnancy is different, and you may find that the tips for flying while pregnant in the first or third trimesters are still very applicable!
Third Trimester
Flying at the end of pregnancy is probably the most challenging, but these tips can help to ensure that you will have the best trip possible!
1. Support your body
Supporting your body to stay comfortable is, of course, important in every trimester. However, during your third trimester is when you will likely be experiencing the most discomfort, even in normal daily tasks. Because flying usually goes hand in hand with lots of walking to get to your proper terminal, gate, etc., it can be very helpful to wear a belly band and comfortable walking shoes.
Check out my review on the Ingrid and Isabelle Bellaband >>> Here
2. Proper posture
Along with staying comfortable, it is increasingly important to make sure you are using proper posture in your third trimester. This will help to make sure baby is positioned properly and can also help to prevent aches and pains. If your flight is a long one, it may be a good idea to invest in a lumbar pillow to help you maintain good posture and maximize your comfort. If space is an issue, look into an inflatable pillow.
3. Check the rules
Make sure to check the policies for the airline(s) you are flying as many will require a doctor’s note stating you are cleared to travel once you reach 36 weeks, and sometimes even at the start of the third trimester (28 weeks).
4. Make a labor plan
While you will probably have some idea of your ideal birth plan by your third trimester, it is just as important to come up with an alternate plan in case you go into preterm labor while you are at your travel destination. Be sure to consult with your doctor as you are forming your plan.
In Conclusion…
From babymoons to family visits to work trips, flying during pregnancy is a common occurrence! Plane travel during pregnancy may be a little less convenient and a little more uncomfortable, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t be a wonderful experience to enjoy before your little one arrives! These tips for flying while pregnant can help you to plan the safest and most pleasant flight possible.
Other Posts You Might Enjoy…..
- When to Start Wearing Maternity Clothes>>> Click Here
- Benefits of Coconut Water While Pregnant>>> Click Here
- Real Food For Pregnancy – READ THIS BOOK>>> Click Here