
Air Travel During Pregnancy: Things to Consider
Pregnancy is a special period for every woman and every planning that will be done during this period is of great importance. Especially Air travel Travels like these may raise questions in the minds of pregnant women. In this article, we will focus on the safety of air travel during pregnancy, its possible risks and the points to be considered.
Cabin Pressure and Pregnancy
When traveling on airplanes, changes in cabin pressure and low humidity can cause certain physiological reactions in pregnant women. These reactions may include symptoms such as increased heart rate and rapid breathing. However, these conditions are generally not harmful and should be considered as the body's attempt to adapt to the environmental conditions.
Clotting Risk and Precautions
Prolonged inactivity can increase the risk of blood clots in the leg veins of pregnant women. Because pregnant women are more prone to blood clots, it is important to take certain precautions before traveling. These precautions include:
- Dress carefully: Tight clothing should be avoided.
- Anticoagulant socks: These types of socks should be worn during the flight.
- Moving frequently: During the journey, it is necessary to stand up and walk frequently if possible.
- Moving the feet: Moving your feet while sitting increases blood flow.
- Drinking plenty of fluids: Sufficient amount of water should be drunk to maintain the body's moisture balance.
Sitting Position and Safety
When sitting on a plane, it is vital to wear a seat belt securely. However, the seat belt should not be placed directly above the belly but should be placed low over the hip bones. This is a precaution against sudden air turbulence. Air turbulence can occur unexpectedly and can cause trauma due to concussion.
What to Do in Case of Nausea?
Nausea is a common condition during pregnancy. If you feel nauseous during your trip, you can take anti-nausea medication with your doctor's advice before your trip. These types of precautions can make your trip more comfortable.
Exposure to Cosmic Radiation
During air travel, exposure to cosmic radiation is also an important issue. However, for the average passenger, the radiation level received during the flight is usually negligible. Even on long-haul intercontinental flights, it does not exceed 15% of the limit that could be harmful. However, for frequent flyers and aircrew, the risk is greater.
Flight Permits and Pregnancy Weeks
Most airlines allow pregnant women to fly up to the 36th week. However, some airlines may extend this limit earlier or require a doctor's approval. It is very important to clarify these issues with the airline you will be traveling with before traveling.
High Risk Pregnancies and Travel
Air travel during pregnancy is generally safe for pregnant women who are not at high risk. However, before any type of travel, from doctor's examination It is necessary to go through and find out if there are any risks. If the trip triggers problems such as cervical thinning, preeclampsia or shortness of breath, such travel should be avoided.
Emergencies and Travel Planning
When making travel plans, it is important to remember that pregnancy emergencies are most likely to occur in the first and last trimesters. Therefore, it is important for pregnant women to conduct a thorough evaluation and stay in contact with their doctor before traveling.
In conclusion, there are many things to consider when flying during pregnancy. The precautions and information mentioned above will help pregnant women have a safe and comfortable journey.