Pregnancy is a happy, yet challenging time. Everything changes, from appetite to waist size, and seemingly normal things, like catching a flight, require serious consideration. Before booking a plane ticket, consider how far along you are in your pregnancy, and speak with your doctor about the safety of flying. Also, call the airline to find out their official policy on pregnant passengers.

Limitations and the Best Time to Fly

Though it's possible to fly later into pregnancy for some women, 36 weeks is the rough cutoff point for travel before deeper consideration is necessary. After this point, women should consult with their doctor before flying, evaluating the health of mother and baby to properly assess the risks of air travel. The best time to fly when pregnant, according to the Mayo Clinic, is between weeks 14 and 28. During this interval, the odds of early labor and miscarriage are at their lowest.

High-Risk Pregnancies

Women experiencing a high-risk pregnancy or carrying multiples should stop flying earlier than those with normal pregnancies. Dr. Edward Lazarus, in an interview with Parents, recommends women with high-risk pregnancies not fly after 24 to 28 weeks, as they have an increased likelihood of complications. Women carrying more than one baby, like twins or triplets, should not fly past 20 weeks. Other health problems, like a history of blood clots, may also ground you earlier.

The Reasons Why

The basic reasons for restricting air travel in late pregnancy are that if something goes wrong, like an early delivery or a c-section is needed, receiving proper care while flying will be very difficult. Also, many doctors recommend women abstain from flying near their due dates to remain close to the physicians who have cared for them throughout their pregnancies and best know their situations and needs.

Tips for a Comfortable Flight

To stay healthy and happy when flying while pregnant, consume plenty of liquids to avoid dehydration, but avoid caffeinated drinks like coffee. Wearing support hose will promote blood circulation, as does walking up and down the plane's aisles and flexing your feet and ankles regularly when seat-bound. If possible, book an aisle seat, which should provide extra room and easier access to the bathroom. When putting on your seat belt, secure it around your pelvis, under your belly.

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