is she safe to fly?

Question

my sister in law has just found out shes pregnant!! is she safe to fly at 2 1/2 months pregnant?

Answer 1

She is safe to travel by plane up until the end portion of her last trimester as long as she and her pregnancy are healthy and the pregnancy is progressing normally.

I traveled internationally this summer while pregnant (still have the return trip to do). I left when I was 13 weeks and will return when I am around 30 weeks. I have also traveled internationally with my first two pregnancies (my children are now 7&5).

She should get a check-up from her doctor to make sure she is in fit enough health to fly. Most airlines will not require a note from her doctor this early on in her pregnancy, but it is always best to verify that before hand.


FAA Airline regulations state :

Obstetrical patients are free to fly, but pose a significant risk in later stages of precipitating delivery during flight. Pregnancy past 32 weeks should be carefully considered for restriction from flight and must be accompanied with an authorization note from a doctor. Those past 36 weeks should be prohibited from flying unless personally accompanied by their doctor. (Taken from my husbands flight security and survival manual & FAA site) http://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/designees_delegations/designee_types/ame/media/Section%20II.7.1%20Transportation%20of%20Patients%20by%20Airline.doc

All airlines make up their own rules and regulations regarding pregnant women. Some do not restrict travel at all, no matter what stage of pregnancy a women is in, and others start to restrict at 7 months, although the majority restrict around 36 weeks.

Please note that while airline regulations do not prohibit flying while pregnant, and even if she brings a doctors note, the final decision is entirely up to the Captain (who will be informed by the gate crew of her status).

While traveling I advise her to keep her medical records, and the name and number of her doctor. She should also get the name and number of a doctor where you will be staying/visiting in case an emergency comes up.

To keep herself safe and comfortable on the trip, have her follow these simple things:

*drink plenty of water
*avoid caffeine
*don't eat food that causes gas for at least one day before you travel (pressure builds up as you ascend through the altitudes and could cause pain)
*walk around as much as she can (up and down the aisles)
*stretch while sitting
*wear loose fitting clothing
*wear slip on shoes (her feet may swell)
*wear maternity support pantyhose or socks
*try to get an aisle seat or a front row seat for more leg room
*eat light foods
*eat small meals or snacks at frequent intervals rather than big heavy meals
*do not eat salt
*ask for a seat belt extender (depending on how big she is) and wear it just under your abdomen, or wear a normal seat belt just under your abdomen
*relax

This is in response to someone who said their American friends baby was born in Canada and now doesn't have US citizenship because of it:

I am American; my husband is not. We do not live in America, yet both of our children have American citizenship. As long as at least one parent is a US citizen, US law will give that child citizenship with no problems.


If I can be of any more help or assistance, please feel free to contact me.