When you become pregnant, many things happen to your body, whether it’s your physiology, diet, exercise, or even your sleeping position, which you used to be able to sleep well, may not be as comfortable as before. Traveling is the same. Pregnant women may start to wonder whether flying is harmful to the baby in the womb. We have therefore compiled a set of tips to make air travel as safe and comfortable as possible. 

Pregnancy when avoiding travel abroad

• It is a pregnancy in which the mother has an underlying disease that cannot be controlled, such as: Severe anemia, heart disease 
• Twin pregnancy, slow fetal growth 
• Have a history or current abnormal placenta, such as a low placenta previa. 
• Vaginal bleeding or risk of miscarriage 
• Have a history of miscarriage, ectopic miscarriage, premature birth, or premature rupture of membranes. 
• Have a history High blood pressure Preeclampsia, blood clot 
• Loose cervix, frequent uterine contractions, requiring uterine relaxation medication 

Doctors do not recommend pregnant women travel to countries or areas with altitudes higher than 12,000 feet above the earth’s surface, areas with severe epidemics, or areas where live vaccines are required before travel. 

While on the plane, your blood pressure and heart rate may increase slightly, แทงบอล UFABET ราคาดีที่สุด ไม่มีขั้นต่ำ which is not dangerous. In addition, when you arrive at the airport, you will be scanned by a body scanner according to airport security rules. This is a safe test that is not harmful to pregnant women. If you are worried, you can ask the officer to scan your body with your hands or a metal detector instead.  

Those who do not fly frequently do not need to worry about radiation exposure, but those who do, such as business travelers, pilots, and flight attendants, may be exposed to radiation levels that exceed safe levels. Therefore, it is best to seek advice from a doctor when pregnant.  

Recommendations for each trimester of pregnancy

First, pregnant women should have their physical and pregnancy health assessed to ensure they are ready to travel and consult with their doctor before traveling. 

First trimester of pregnancy 

In this first trimester, you can travel by plane. You can walk through metal detectors without any harm to the fetus. However, if there is a threat of miscarriage, you should cancel your trip. 

During this trimester, pregnant women often experience nausea, vomiting or morning sickness, so it is best to seek advice from your doctor before traveling. Your doctor may prescribe anti-vomiting or anti-dizziness medication to take with you. 

Second trimester of pregnancy 

This is the 14-28 week pregnancy period. Traveling in this trimester is best because morning sickness symptoms are usually alleviated or nausea is no longer present. The pregnancy is not too large and walking is still convenient. Traveling in this trimester by plane should be careful about dehydration. Consult a doctor about medical stockings to prevent blood clots in the legs to see if they are necessary. You should also look up the names and contact numbers of hospitals in your destination and prepare them in case of emergency.  

However, those who are pregnant with twins should avoid traveling during this period due to the risk of complications. 

Third trimester of pregnancy or last trimester of pregnancy

In this trimester, healthy women who are not at risk of premature birth, preeclampsia, or low placenta can still travel by plane before the 36th week of pregnancy. However, they should choose a tourist destination that is not too far away and is convenient to travel to. Consult a doctor every time to get a medical certificate before traveling. In this trimester, be careful about blood clots in the legs. It is recommended to wear protective stockings and move your legs and ankles while sitting and walking frequently. Do not hold your urine because urinary tract infections can cause premature birth. 

Travel planning during pregnancy

Before flying, pregnant women should consult their obstetrician, especially those at high risk of complications during pregnancy. Women who are 36 weeks pregnant are not allowed to fly. They should also purchase travel insurance and check whether the insurance covers emergency travel changes due to conditions such as bleeding, abdominal pain, or reduced fetal movement. Women who are preeclampsia, have had their membranes ruptured before labor began, or are at risk of premature birth should not travel. 

Before traveling

You should see a doctor to get a travel authorization from a doctor and ask the doctor about the following: 

• Pre-travel vaccinations, such as flu vaccine, COVID vaccine, etc.  
• Medical stockings or compression stockings to increase blood flow while on the plane. 
• Medicines to relieve nausea or motion sickness 
• Preventing flatulence and diarrhea When the plane adjusts its flight level, the gas in the intestines may expand, causing stomach pain. Therefore, it is best to avoid consuming gassy foods before boarding the plane. Traveling abroad may expose you to bacteria that cause diarrhea, so it is best to carry anti-diarrhea medication with you. 
• Ask for recommendations on doctors and hospitals in your destination province or country, as doctors may know other doctors or have access to a network of doctors in your destination. 

You should also inform the airline that you are pregnant so that the staff can help facilitate as necessary, making your trip more comfortable. 

While on board

• Avoid eating beans, cabbage, broccoli, and carbonated drinks, as they can cause bloating and gas. 
• Wear comfortable clothing and wear compression stockings or compression stockings to improve blood flow. 
• Always fasten your seatbelt under your belly because the plane can hit an air pocket when you least expect it. 
• Drink plenty of water. Since the humidity in airplanes is low, it is easy for the body to become dehydrated. Dehydration causes the blood to thicken, reducing blood flow to the uterus, increasing the risk of blood clots. Drinking plain water is best.  
• Get up and walk around every 30-45 minutes to improve circulation. While sitting, bend and stretch your ankles and elevate your feet to improve circulation and reduce swelling and varicose veins. 
• Choose an aisle seat so you can get up and walk around easily, a bulkhead seat at the front of each section for more legroom, or a seat on the wing where there is less vibration. 
• Pack healthy snacks like mixed nuts, dried fruits, whole-wheat crackers, fruit, or nut butter in your carry-on bag. 
• Carry hand sanitizers, alcohol sprays, and antibacterial wipes with you to clean the food tray, remote, and armrest. Wash your hands with soap as often as possible, avoid touching your face, and wear a mask.