Our Guide to Flying While Pregnant

Key Takeaways:

•  Flying is generally safe during pregnancy, but it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider before booking travel
• Most airlines allow pregnant travelers to fly until about 36 weeks, with medical clearance typically required after that
• Compression socks can help prevent blood clots and reduce swelling on long flights
• Stay hydrated, move frequently, and choose an aisle seat for easier restroom access 

You've got places to go and people to see! Whether you're planning a babymoon, prepping for a work trip, or visiting friends before your due date, you might be wondering if air travel is safe during pregnancy. The good news is that for most healthy pregnancies, flying is perfectly safe! You just need to know what to expect and how to stay comfortable.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about flying while pregnant, from the best time to travel to practical tips for preventing swelling and staying comfortable in the air.

Yes, flying during pregnancy is generally considered safe for those that aren’t managing any pregnancy complications. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) states that occasional air travel is safe during a healthy pregnancy and poses no harm to you or your baby. 

That said, every pregnancy is different. If you have pregnancy complications like high blood pressure, preeclampsia, or a history of preterm labor, your healthcare provider may advise against air travel. Always check with your provider before booking a trip, especially if you're planning international travel or a long flight.

Absolutely! However, the challenge with first-trimester travel isn't so much about safety as it is about how you feel. Morning sickness, fatigue, and a heightened sense of smell can make flying pretty miserable during those first 12 weeks. If you're dealing with severe nausea, the thought of being stuck on a plane might not sound appealing. Motion sickness can also worsen pregnancy-related nausea, and the low humidity in airplane cabins can leave you feeling more drained than usual.

If you do need to fly in your first trimester, pack some ginger tea or candies, a water bottle or carbonated drink, and light snacks like crackers to help settle your stomach. It may also help to book flights during times when you typically feel your best.

The second trimester (weeks 14-27) is widely considered the safest and most comfortable time for air travel during pregnancy. By this point, morning sickness has usually subsided, your energy is back, and you're not yet dealing with the physical discomfort of late pregnancy. You're in that sweet spot where you feel pretty good and still have the mobility to navigate airports without too much difficulty.

Most airlines allow pregnant travelers to fly until 36 weeks for domestic flights or 28 weeks for international travel. It's always worth checking with your airline before you book. After 36 weeks, the risk of going into labor increases, and most airlines would prefer you deliver on solid ground rather than at 30,000 feet!

This is one of the most common worries pregnant travelers have, and fortunately, the answer is no, flying does not increase your risk of miscarriage. There's no scientific evidence linking air travel to pregnancy loss in women with healthy pregnancies. That said, if you've had previous miscarriages or have been advised to limit activity, discuss your travel plans with your healthcare provider first. But for most pregnant women, the plane itself isn't a risk factor for miscarriage.

It depends on how far along you are and your airline's specific policies. Many airlines require medical clearance or a doctor's note after 28-36 weeks of pregnancy. 

Even if your airline doesn't explicitly require documentation, it's still a good idea to carry a medical certificate from your healthcare provider, especially for travel during your third trimester or when traveling internationally. Keep it in an easily accessible spot in your carry-on. You might not be asked to show it for every flight, but having it ready prevents any boarding complications.

Your doctor's note should include:

• Your expected due date

• Confirmation that you have a healthy pregnancy without complications

• Statement that you're cleared for air travel

• Your provider's contact information

Do I Need to Tell My Airline I'm Pregnant?

You're not legally required to inform the airline that you're pregnant, but it's a good idea, especially as you get further along. As mentioned, some airlines have specific policies about pregnant passengers and may ask about your due date during check-in, particularly in your third trimester.

Plus, being upfront about your pregnancy can actually work in your favor! Gate agents may be able to offer you priority boarding or help you secure an aisle seat if available. Flight attendants who know you're pregnant can also check in on you during the flight and make sure you're comfortable.

While flying is generally safe, sitting for long periods on a plane can be harmful for pregnant women. Understanding these potential risks helps you take simple steps to prevent them.

Deep Vein Thrombosis 

Long flights can increase the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) for everyone, but pregnancy already increases your risk of blood clots by about five times. DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in one or more of your deep veins, usually in the legs. These clots can cause swelling and pain and, in rare cases, can travel to your lungs and cause serious complications.

During pregnancy, your blood clots more easily. This is actually your body's way of preparing to minimize blood loss during delivery. But add in long periods of sitting under the increased weight of your growing baby, and circulation becomes more challenging.

Flights lasting four hours or longer increase the risk of DVT, so taking preventive measures is important.

Watch for these DVT symptoms and contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience:

• Leg pain or tenderness

• Leg swelling, warmth, and discoloration

• Shortness of breath

• Chest pain

• Rapid pulse

Varicose Veins and Edema

Long periods of sitting during air travel can also increase your risk of varicose veins. These are enlarged, swollen, purple, or blue veins that commonly appear in the legs during pregnancy. They can cause aching, swelling, and discomfort beyond just being a cosmetic concern.

Edema, or swelling from fluid collection in your legs and feet, affects as many as 70% of expectant mothers. Sitting for extended periods during travel can worsen this swelling as it becomes harder to pump blood back up from your legs. This can cause excess fluid to collect in the surrounding tissues.

The best way to prevent circulation issues and stay comfortable during your flight is to keep your blood flowing. Here are practical steps you can take:

Use Compression Socks

Compression socks are medically designed to provide gradual pressure to your legs to improve circulation and reduce swelling. They have the most compression around the ankles and become looser toward the knee. Pregnant women who wear compression socks while flying often experience improved circulation with reduced fluid retention.

Whether you want to buy compression socks on your own or they're recommended by your healthcare provider, they might be available through your health insurance! At Aeroflow Breastpumps, we can help you navigate coverage for compression wear and other pregnancy and breastfeeding-related medical supplies.

Additional Comfort Tips for the Plane

Move regularly: Get up and walk around or stretch for a few minutes at least once every hour. Even small movements help keep blood flowing!

Choose an aisle seat: This makes getting up to move around or use the restroom much easier, and you'll need those bathroom breaks!

Flex your muscles while sitting: Point and flex your feet, rotate your ankles, and do seated leg lifts to keep circulation going.

Stay hydrated: Airplane cabin air has very low humidity, which can lead to dehydration. Drink plenty of water throughout the flight. Pregnant women should drink at least 10–12 glasses of water per day and avoid excessive caffeine, which can contribute to dehydration.

Wear comfortable clothes: Skip tight waistbands or restrictive clothing. Loose, breathable layers work best for flights.

Use your seat belt correctly: Buckle the seat belt low under your belly, across your hips, not over your bump.

Manage stress: Travel can be stressful, but try to stay calm. Deep breathing exercises can help if you're feeling anxious about flying.

While most pregnant people can fly safely, there are some situations where air travel isn't recommended. Avoid flying if you have:

• Pregnancy complications like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes that isn't well controlled

• Risk factors for preterm labor or premature rupture of membranes

• Vaginal bleeding

• Placenta problems

• Severe anemia

• Multiple pregnancy with higher risk factors

Also, consider avoiding travel if:

• You're past 36 weeks pregnant (most airlines won't allow it anyway)

• Your healthcare provider has put you on bed rest or restricted activity

• You're traveling to areas where prenatal care and medical help might be limited

Always check with your healthcare provider before finalizing travel plans, and make sure you have access to medical care at your destination.

Planning for a Smooth Flight

A little preparation goes a long way in making your flight more comfortable:

• Check airline policies before booking, especially for third-trimester travel

• Purchase travel insurance that covers pregnancy-related issues

• Pack your prenatal vitamins and any medications you're taking in your carry-on

• Bring water and snacks that won't upset your stomach

• Research medical facilities at your destination

• Carry a copy of your prenatal records when traveling internationally

• Know your health insurance coverage for medical care abroad

In addition to sharing resources to help make your travel experiences better when pregnant or postpartum, our team at Aeroflow Breastpumps specializes in helping you get breast pumps and breastfeeding supplies through insurance. We also help pregnant women access other covered items like compression socks and garments!

Whether you're traveling for one last adventure before baby arrives or heading home to family for support, flying while pregnant can be safe and manageable with the right preparation. Listen to your body, follow your provider's advice, and don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it. Safe travels, mama!