Sometimes a long-planned vacation intersects with the same planned and desired pregnancy. If there are no health problems, then the new state should not prevent you from fully enjoying your vacation. Pregnancy is not a reason to give up all the joys of life. However, some caution at this time is still necessary.
Is it possible to fly a plane in early pregnancy? This is perhaps the most common question that arises for a woman who learns that she will soon become a mother. Unfortunately, getting a definite answer in this situation will not work. There are women who spent almost their entire pregnancy traveling and this did not affect them in any way - healthy babies were born in due time.
But, unfortunately, there are those for whom the only flight turned out to be fatal. Pregnancy has been lost. When planning their vacations, most expectant mothers attend antenatal clinics to get a competent answer to the question of whether it is possible to fly in the early stages of pregnancy. The advice of doctors in such a situation comes down to a complete rejection of all travel.
If you are passionately dreaming of a child and at the same time do not want to give up rest, then the best way would be to listen to the opinion of experts on this issue and, having weighed all the pros and cons, make a decision.
Is it possible to fly in the early stages of pregnancy (3 weeks)?
At such a short time, not every woman knows about her pregnancy. Three weeks is just a few days of delayed menstruation, which, however, can occur for any reason and is not always associated with pregnancy.
Fatigue, heat, stressful situation - all this can cause a hormonal malfunction in the body, and with it a menstrual cycle disorder. A woman worried about whether it is possible to fly in the early stages of pregnancy (2-3 weeks) should know that losing a baby at such a short time is a fairly common occurrence. Many will never know that they have a miscarriage. Menstruation just comes a few days later than usual.
The opinion of doctors
Most doctors claim that early pregnancy loss is caused by fetal abnormalities and is in no way associated with external factors. It is believed that a miscarriage that occurred during these periods, rather for the good. Forced pregnancy can lead to the birth of an inferior child. Thus, nature gets rid of the obviously non-viable creature. So the answer to the question whether it is possible to fly in the early stages of pregnancy (2 weeks) is definitely positive. The likelihood of a miscarriage at such a short time does not increase flights.
Problems of pregnant women during flights
The woman’s experiences about whether it is possible to fly in the early stages of pregnancy are more likely connected with her emotional and physical condition. When thinking about the upcoming flight, many women begin to feel a sense of fear. In addition, dry air, atmospheric pressure drops, as well as the forced need to stay for many hours in one position cause a lot of trouble.
Aerophobia in a pregnant woman
Despite the fact that doctors do not prohibit flights, however, most women who want to have a baby are not sure whether it is possible to fly in the early stages of pregnancy. Reading magazines, visiting thematic forums and questioning friends who have experienced a similar situation do not add clarity. By asking different people the same question (is it possible to fly in the early stages of pregnancy), you always get completely different reviews.
If a woman was afraid of airplanes before, then the need to fly somewhere, being in an interesting position, can turn into a real nightmare for her. Sometimes it's better to completely abandon the trip than to bring yourself to panic attacks. In the end, you can have a good rest near the house.
If you still need to fly, then perhaps the best way would be to reconsider the route and travel by another form of transport, which does not cause panic in the pregnant woman.
Air pressure drops
Pressure drops in the cabin can be a serious threat. Under their influence , placental abruption can occur , which is deadly for both the mother and the baby. Especially should be afraid of detachment that occurred in the later stages of pregnancy. If measures are not taken immediately, then the fetus will most likely die in the womb, and doctors will have to fight for the woman’s life.
If a pregnant woman suffers from hemorrhoids or varicose veins, then it is better not to ask about whether it is possible to fly in the early stages of pregnancy. A flight on a plane can trigger an exacerbation of these diseases. Needless to say, rest with sore feet or with exacerbation of hemorrhoids will not be the most pleasant.
Forced immobility during the flight
Being in the same position for a long time can have quite unpleasant consequences for a pregnant woman. Moreover, the longer the period, the worse the condition will be. In the best case, the back and lower back will begin to hurt, at worst - blood clots may form. In order to get rid of pain in a stiff back, you just need to change the position and preferably lie down. But on an airplane, this is impossible.
Flight preparation
It is highly undesirable for a pregnant woman to be in flight for more than four hours. If the period is not long yet, but the expectant mother suffers from severe toxicosis, then the answer to the question of whether it is possible to fly in the early stages of pregnancy will be clearly negative. Spending a few hours with a bag in hand is not a pleasant prospect. Not to mention the fact that those around such a neighborhood will be, to put it mildly, not happy.
If the gestational age has reached 28-36 weeks, then most airlines will require a doctor’s certificate confirming that the woman can transfer the flight without risk to herself and her baby. They do not want to take responsibility for the unpleasant situations in which the expectant mother may find herself.
It is better to buy a ticket for seats located in the front row in the economy class. In this case, there will be no other seats in the front and there will be where to stretch the stiff legs. Seats should be selected at the aisle so that you can quickly get to the toilet if necessary.
If you are not limited in funds, then the best option is to buy tickets in a business class row, since there are the widest and most comfortable seats and long distances between rows. It is advisable not to fly in places located at the very tail of the aircraft. The air in the cabin circulates from nose to tail, and at the very end a mass of pathogenic bacteria will accumulate.
Before buying a ticket, you should clarify whether the airline you have chosen has any restrictions on pregnant women. Even if after visiting the consultation in order to find out whether it is possible to fly the plane in the early stages of pregnancy, the doctor’s response was positive, it’s still better to ask again in order to avoid unpleasant surprises.
For example, Aeroflot Airlines allows flights at any stage of pregnancy. True, from the 36th week you should have a medical certificate with you. Airlines "Russia" and "Transaero" prohibit flights after 36 weeks. UTair Airlines does not allow pregnant women to board their aircraft, starting from the 30th week.
How to make the flight as comfortable as possible?
Clothing for the trip should be made of natural materials and have the simplest cut. If there are problems with the veins, then during the flight it is worth putting on special compression tights. Shoes should be loose, without laces and fasteners. Ideal shoes for the pregnant woman should be removed and put on without the help of hands. During the entire flight you should get up and stretch your legs as often as possible. It is advisable to take a small pillow with you to the salon, it will be convenient to put it under your back.
A pregnant woman needs to take a first-aid kit and an exchange card with her on a plane. The flight is undoubtedly a stressful situation. However, subject to all safety measures, it is quite acceptable.