Is it okay to travel during pregnancy.?

Question

Is there any complication if a pregnant person travels via airplane for 6 to 8 hours trip. Is it okay any time during pregnancy or is it risky during certain periods of pregnancy?

Answer 1

Here is what I got from British Airways (I'm also planning to travel myself and checked the airline's website).

For uncomplicated single pregnancies, we restrict travel beyond the end of the 36th week, and for twins, triplets etc., beyond the end of the 32nd week.
After your pregnancy has entered its' 28th week, we ask that you carry with you a letter from your doctor or midwife, stating the pregnancy is uncomplicated and confirming the expected date of delivery. In this letter, your doctor should state that you are in good health, that they are happy for you to fly, and that (in their opinion) there is no reason why you cannot fly.

Note: I also suggest you ask your airline to see about their policies. And, of course, tell your doctor.

Answer 2

I think it depends on the person and the pregnancy. Pregnancies that have had a lot of problems with anything it probably wouldn't be good to travel at any point in the pregnancy. If the pregnancy has been normal and not had anything wrong happen I think the rule of thumb is stop traveling at the beginning to middle of the third trimester. Air travel has been actually known to induce labor in the middle of the third trimester which is definately something to worry about seeing as an aircraft isn't really equiped nor does it have any doctors to deliver a child. I think it would be totally fine in a normal pregnancy in the first or second trimesters though.

Answer 3

There are a few times when flying isn't the best idea, but it has nothing to do with being in the air. In the first trimester, when the risk of miscarriage is greatest, you want to make sure that wherever you go has a good hospital in the event you do miscarry so you won't bleed to death. Not every hospital can perform a D&C if you are bleeding heavily so it's important to make sure your destination has a hospital that can handle this sort of thing.
The other time where flying may not be advisable is in the last trimester, simply because you don't want to go into labor on a plane. Some airlines prohibit travel in the last month or two of pregnancy. Before traveling anywhere, I would make sure from your OB that you are not dilated at all.
Also, it's very important to drink a lot of water on the plane and to walk around to prevent blood clots.

Answer 4

During the first two trimesters it is safer, but after that no. But even in the first 6 months, I would be a little anxious about it -- for you and the baby.

If this you (i.e., you are the one traveling) consider this -- what if you went into premature labor and will flying over the ocean (which would have to be the case if you're flying for 8 hours).

I would not risk it if it were my baby. My wife did fly coast-to-coast at maybe 6 months pregnant, but I would do everything reasonable to avoid it. If you don't have to do it, I wouldn't.

Answer 5

The later in pregnancy you are, the higher the risk of going into labor during transit. Also, longer flights are more hazardous to the mother (blood clots in the legs from sitting for extended periods of time).

Most airlines used to forbid expectant mother from traveling after the 6th month, and most OB/GYN's will tell you not to stray too far from home after your 8th month, so talk to your doc. It will all depend on your individual case/general health and how complicated your pregnancy is. If you're high-risk do NOT travel for your health and that of your baby.

Answer 6

You are more likely to get blood clots and pooling of blood in your legs if you fly while pregnant.

Call the doctor and ask.

I flew up until I was 8 months pregnant, but only for 3 hour flights. My Dr. said not to fly after 8 months.

Hope this helps!

Answer 7

Not in the last 2 weeks of pregnancy!

Answer 8

You are not suppose to travel the last 2 months of pregnancy without a doctors permission.

Answer 9

I think you should ask your doctor for sure, but ours said no traveling more than an hour away from home during the third trimester.

Answer 10

As far as I know it is okay but you want to get up and walk around often.

But always check with your doctor first.

I traveled when I was only 8 weeks with my son and my OB told me to get an aisle seat, walk around once or twice an hour and let your flight attendant know so they know why you are walking.