Air travel while carrying a baby can be both thrilling and anxiety-inducing, especially if it’s your first pregnancy or first flight. Whether it is for leisure, work, or meeting family and friends, flying during pregnancy needs special care to guarantee safety and ease for both the mom-to-be as well as the unborn child.
In this guide, we’ll share important advice and factors that an expecting mother should keep in mind when planning to fly, from talking with healthcare providers and getting good deals on tickets all the way to making sure her journey is as comfortable as possible.
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Discuss Air Travel With Your Doctor
Always check with your healthcare provider before booking any flights. Every pregnancy is unique and needs individual advice from the doctor based on medical history, how far along in pregnancy you are and any risks associated with flying.
Normally, when a woman is in her second trimester (from week 13 to week 26), she can get the approval for air travel. This is because morning sickness has generally stopped and there isn’t high risk of having preterm labor. Even so, if you have health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes or have previously had a premature delivery then it might be necessary to take more precautions during flight or delay your trip altogether.
In addition, make certain that you have all the needed vaccinations for the final destination and a list of medications that are safe to use for handling normal travel concerns such as sickness or headaches. It is also important to get a letter from your doctor that shows when your delivery date will be and confirms it is safe for you to travel. Some airlines ask for this document, particularly if you’re in the late phases of pregnancy.
Saving on Ticket Prices to Spend on Your Future Bundle of Joy
Budgeting for a baby is not easy, and saving on travel costs can always help. Luckily, there are some ways to save money when you fly so that more of your funds go towards the future bundle of joy.
To find the cheapest options, use tools that compare fares online such as Google Flights. These will show you prices from many airlines and travel dates. Look online for a complete Google Flights guide that will help you make the most of this tool. Additionally, airlines usually provide tickets at lower rates for those bought much earlier than the date of travel. If your travel schedule allows flexibility, you can find cheaper fares by selecting less popular days for travel like mid-week flights.
You can set fare alerts on travel websites as well. When prices go down for your chosen routes, these will notify you and you can then book at the lowest cost possible. Also, check if using points or miles from an airline loyalty program or credit card could help decrease the expense of your flights. Some credit cards might provide travel insurance as well, which could be beneficial during pregnancy.
Choosing the Right Seat and Airline
Around 70% of pregnancies involve lower back pain, abdominal pain, and pelvic girdle pain. The point is, pregnancy can be pretty uncomfortable on land, nevertheless up in the skies. It is of utmost importance to make yourself as comfortable as possible. The seat and airline you select can greatly affect your travel experience.
An aisle seat is a good choice because it lets you access the restroom more easily and gives you the freedom to stretch your legs which is important. Seats located in bulkheads or exit rows can also be picked for extra leg space. Looking up airline rules about pregnant passengers is also crucial because some airlines set limits on travel after a specific stage of the pregnancy and policies can differ considerably.
Seeking airlines with amenities like additional legroom, cozy seats, and on-board amusement may help in making your trip more pleasant. These amenities can help in reducing the discomfort of flying during pregnancy, making it a nicer journey for you.
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Staying Comfortable During the Flight
Putting on loose and breathable clothes, as well as wearing comfortable shoes can make a big difference in feeling good. Wearing compression socks can help stop swelling and lower the danger of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Drink enough water before and during the flight, as it is often observed that dehydration can happen more easily when we are in the air. It is recommended not to have caffeine or drinks with lots of sugar in them because these can lead to dehydration too.
Walking in the aisle every hour, even for a short while, can promote blood circulation and lower the chances of DVT. If you are not able to walk around, doing light exercises such as moving your ankles in circles or pushing your feet up and down while seated could still be helpful. To prevent feeling uncomfortable and bloated during a long flight, it is good to eat light meals before getting on board and bring healthy snacks with you. To add more ease to your journey, you may choose not to eat foods that contain lots of salt or can cause gas. Taking a neck pillow along with an eye mask and blanket can help you sleep better on the airplane so that when it lands at its final destination, you feel less tired and more relaxed.
Bottom Line
Air travel while pregnant can be secure and pleasant if you plan ahead correctly and take the necessary steps. You must consult with your healthcare provider, pick the correct seat and airline company, and remain as comfortable as possible throughout the flight journey. Do not forget to heed your body’s signals, stay updated with information related to pregnancy, and always give priority to maintaining good health during travel.
Disclosure: collaborative post
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