Are you planning one last vacation for two before your little miracle is born? Then you are not alone. Many couples want to go on their well-deserved "babymoon" one more time before the birth.
But are you allowed to fly while pregnant? From when is it possible to get on a plane with a baby bump without any problems and when should you rather avoid it? We have put together all the information you need on the subject of pregnancy and flying.
Flying while pregnant: When and for how long are pregnant women allowed to fly?
Especially if you are pregnant for the first time, you might be wondering whether air travel can harm your unborn child. After all, there are different pressure conditions on a plane and radiation can also raise questions for expectant mothers.
In fact, there are recommendations from doctors as to when pregnant women can fly and when they should better avoid air travel. We have prepared these recommendations for you by trimester.
Flying while pregnant in the first trimester (weeks 1-12)
The first weeks of pregnancy in particular are a sensitive time. The embryo develops rapidly and is in the sensitive organogenesis phase during the first trimester. It is the critical phase in which many embryos are rejected because they are unable to develop due to a malformation.
The result is a miscarriage. For this reason, some gynecologists recommend not getting on a plane in the first trimester, for safety reasons alone. The air on a plane contains less oxygen. Theoretically, this could affect the well-being of the embryo.
However, we can give the all-clear. There is no connection proven by scientific studies between air travel and a miscarriage in the first trimester.
So if, for example, you flew while pregnant and didn't know about your pregnancy at the time, you really don't need to worry. However, if you want to be on the safe side, you might just take a relaxing vacation by train or car in the first trimester.
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Flying while pregnant in the second trimester (weeks 13-27)
The second trimester of pregnancy is usually perceived by many expectant mothers as the phase of pregnancy in which they are particularly active and feel good. Nausea, fatigue, and lack of energy from the first trimester have now disappeared and the critical phase for the fetus is also over. The due date is also still far off and you can enjoy your vacation to the fullest.
The second trimester is therefore an ideal time for many expectant parents to fly, also because everyday things like putting on shoes or walking for long periods are possible without restrictions – despite the growing belly.
Flying while pregnant in the third trimester (weeks 28-40)
From the third trimester onwards, many pregnant women experience more severe symptoms. The baby bump grows and with it the physical strain. Even if your little one is now making itself felt, which is wonderful, everyday things become a bit more difficult. Long walks are no longer possible and high temperatures in particular can be a strain on mother and child.
Air travel is therefore rather arduous in the third trimester and is not recommended by experts. Long-haul flights in particular are a strain for everyone – and even more so for pregnant women.
In addition, an early, unplanned birth can occur in the final weeks of pregnancy. There is now an increased risk that your baby will decide to arrive earlier after all.
For this reason, doctors do not recommend flying from the 29th week of pregnancy. Therefore, try to schedule any air travel during pregnancy for the first two trimesters.
Flying during pregnancy: What are the airline regulations?
In fact, some airlines no longer take heavily pregnant women in order to avoid a possible birth on board. However, the regulations of individual airlines differ. It is therefore advisable to check the website in advance if you are planning to fly during pregnancy.
With some airlines, for example, a medical certificate confirming an uncomplicated course of pregnancy is required from the 28th week of pregnancy so that you can board.
Other airlines do without this, and still others categorically do not take pregnant women on board from the 24th or 26th week of pregnancy or the last trimester of pregnancy.
If in doubt, contact the respective airline and find out which regulations apply. If a flight cannot be avoided in the last trimester of pregnancy, you should ensure the best possible preparation and communication.
What are the risks of flying during pregnancy?
When traveling during pregnancy, there are a few things you need to consider – especially when flying. It is a widespread belief that the reduced oxygen content in the aircraft cabin and radiation exposure pose a risk to the unborn child.
In fact, studies show that the body can adapt very quickly to pressure changes even during pregnancy. And cosmic radiation is also rather unproblematic for your baby.
However, the strain on long-haul flights is significantly higher than on short flights – which is why you should better refrain from frequent long-haul flights during your pregnancy. However, the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) gives the all-clear when it comes to a one-off long flight to a distant country.
It is important to note, however, that pregnant women generally have an increased risk of thrombosis due to their changed hormone balance. Sitting for long periods, whether on a plane or in the office, is therefore not recommended. You can rely on compression stockings on a long flight, which are helpful for your veins and can minimize the risk.
Water retention can also occur quickly when sitting for long periods. For this reason, many doctors advise ensuring sufficient fluid intake during the flight and getting up every hour to walk a few steps. Movement is important to minimize the risk of thrombosis during air travel.
When is the best time for a flight during pregnancy?
Every pregnancy is different, so the question of when is the best time for air travel cannot be answered in general terms. Many women still feel fit enough for air travel in the first weeks of the last trimester.
Others, on the other hand, already have such a large belly that freedom of movement is restricted and the narrow aisles and seats would become more of a burden.
Basically, it can be said that the second trimester is the best and safest time to fly for most expectant mothers. So if you are planning a babymoon in a distant country, we recommend booking it in the period between the 13th and 27th week of pregnancy.
To ensure that your last big flight together as a couple is wonderful, carefree, and relaxed, there are a few tips that you as a pregnant traveler can follow before and during the flight:
- Doctor's appointment: Make an appointment with your gynecologist shortly before the trip. This allows your baby's development to be checked, open questions can be clarified, and you will receive confirmation of your fitness to fly if necessary.
- Travel cancellation insurance: Travel cancellation insurance provides additional security in case you unexpectedly cannot start the trip and protects you from high cancellation costs.
- Maternity log: Always carry your maternity log with you throughout the entire trip and take a copy with you for safety. Airlines can inspect it at check-in or security.
- Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows you to move well and does not cut in.
- Compression stockings: Compression or thrombosis stockings reduce the risk of blood clots during the flight. It is best to try them on once before the trip.
- Belt position: Place the seat belt below your baby bump. This is more comfortable and prevents pressure during turbulence.
- Fluids: Drink water regularly throughout the flight to support circulation and blood flow.
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Movement: Get up about once an hour and walk a few steps. An aisle seat makes it easier to get up and helps reduce the risk of thrombosis.
Conclusion: Flying while pregnant
As you can see, if you follow these few tips and tricks, nothing stands in the way of air travel during your pregnancy. The risk of flying during pregnancy exists, but it is no more worrying than many other activities.
Take care of yourself and your body and do nothing that could endanger your health or that of your baby or that gives you a bad feeling. A vacation at home can also be relaxing, but if you feel up to flying while pregnant, we wish you a good flight!
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