Can You Take a Flight While Pregnant? Here’s What You Should Know

Pregnancy is an exciting journey that also requires lots of care and attention, especially during travel. Flying during pregnancy is generally safe, depending on which trimester you’re flying. Also, there are many other factors that should be considered to ensure the comfort and well-being of both mother and baby. If you are wondering can you take flight while pregnant then read on to know more things in detail.

Traveling in Pregnancy

Always take proper precautions and healthcare advice before taking your flight while you are pregnant. Flying isn’t harmful to you or your baby but may cause discomfort and complications in some cases. Moreover, there are several flight restrictions when pregnant women travel longer journeys, specifically more than four hours. Every airline has different rules and regulations, so always consider checking all those before getting on the plane. 

When Can You Fly While Pregnant?

Depending on the trimester of pregnancy, there are numerous possibilities. If you are pregnant and want to travel, know when is the best time to travel during pregnancy below:

First Trimester (0-3 Months)

The initial weeks of pregnancy are a mix of certain emotions, like excitement and anxiousness. The risk of miscarriage mostly occurs in the first three months of pregnancy, and the ratio is approximately one in eight women. That’s the reason you need to be careful while traveling by plane during the initial months. Although flying does not increase that risk, avoid traveling longer as it increases the risk of dehydration, which is very crucial to avoid in pregnancy. If you still think can a pregnant women travel in flight then consider having personal sessions with your healthcare advisor. 

Second Trimester (3-6 Months)

If you are wondering, can a pregnant woman travel in flight during the second trimester, then the answer is ‘yes’. It’s the safest month to travel by flight, as the risk of miscarriage is diminished and other complications are low. The risk of premature labor is also low during these months, but if you are dealing with any other pregnancy complications, then ensure you discuss them with your doctor before you travel. If you’re booking flights from the USA to India during pregnancy, then prefer nonstop or direct flights to make the journey hassle-free. 

Third Trimester (6-9 months)

When the last trimester of your pregnancy starts, the physical burden of carrying the baby increases, which means the chances are high that labor can occur. Due to this particular reason, many airlines didn’t allow pregnant women to travel during the last trimester. Although if it’s important to travel, then you need to show a doctor’s certificate stating there are no complications while mentioning the delivery dates. Moreover, if you carry twins or went through previous premature labour, then try to completely avoid traveling on flights during the last months. Consult with your doctor if you think can you take flight while pregnant to ensure a safe and hassle-free journey. 

Things You Need to Do Before You Travel While Pregnancy:-

Consult Your Healthcare Professional

Make sure to consult your doctor before booking flights from USA to India or other destinations and starting your travel. This helps you to prepare well for your trip. Every pregnancy journey is unique and different, which makes it essential to get approval from the healthcare advisor. The high-risk pregnancy cases are generally recommended to avoid long flight journeys by the healthcare advisor. 

Go Through Airline Policies

Different airlines have separate rules and regulations for pregnant women. It is very crucial for you to go through these policies before you plan to fly. Although few airlines require a medical certificate if you are traveling while pregnant. 

Star Hydrated and Wear Comfortable Clothes

It is very important to stay hydrated during flight journeys, as air travel is very dehydrating. That is why you need to drink plenty of water. Also, always prefer wearing clothes that are breathable and promote blood circulation while you travel on flights. 

Keep Moving & Opt for Nonstop Flights 

It’s important to keep moving during travel because immobility is not good, even if you’re pregnant or not. It is something that everyone should adapt to, while in flight, try to move around to increase the blood flow. Also prefer direct flights only to reduce stress and fatigue when you’re pregnant.

These are some of the things you need to keep in mind while you travel on flights when you’re pregnant. If the question comes again, can you take flight while pregnant, then you may have got the answer. If you are planning a trip to India or USA then check the Indian Eagle itinerary for a memorable and affordable vacation experience.