IN modern world, where travel is the norm, air transportation is one of the most popular types of transportation. While waiting for your baby, you can fearlessly travel by air, without any problems with your health, throughout the 1st and 2nd trimesters up to 7-8 months of pregnancy. At the same time, the most favorable period for air and other travel is 14-27 weeks of pregnancy. This rule applies to women whose pregnancy is absolutely normal and there are no flight restrictions imposed by a doctor.

Flying in the first weeks of pregnancy

In some cases, doctors recommend avoiding flights in the first trimester of pregnancy, because at this time in the woman’s body occurs hormonal changes. During the flight, the likelihood of feeling unwell and fatigue increases, nausea and headaches often occur. According to many gynecologists, air travel during the first trimester can be one of the factors that can cause spontaneous interruption pregnancy. A multi-hour flight can worsen the condition, and pressure changes during takeoff and landing can negatively affect the fetus, and experts believe that it is better to refrain from them. However, there is no convincing research on the dangers of air travel during this period.

The maximum safe period for pregnant women allowed during a flight.

It was believed that during a normal pregnancy, without complications, traveling by plane is safe until 33-34 weeks (with multiple pregnancy- up to 32 weeks), if this does not contradict the rules of the selected airline.

Recent studies have shown that flying is safe at any stage of uncomplicated pregnancy, provided that general precautions are taken and recommendations are followed: the woman avoids immobility and tight clothing, and drinks enough fluids.

Starting from the third trimester of pregnancy, a number of airlines provide restrictions for expectant mothers. It is better to know about them in advance and adjust your current and future plans in a timely manner.

In order not to put yourself in an extremely risky position, it is better to avoid air travel in the last month of pregnancy. Even if the pregnancy proceeds without problems and the woman feels well, flying in the 9th month is highly not recommended, due to the threat of giving birth ahead of schedule and right on the plane.

This is why many airlines will not allow a woman to board an airliner if there are less than 7-30 days left before the expected date of birth (depending on the specific airline). Therefore, when preparing to fly, take care in advance of a certificate from a medical institution, which will indicate the expected date of future birth. In this regard, do not forget about the date of return from your trip.

What you should pay attention to when planning an air flight - or modern myths and reality when flying for a pregnant woman:

1. Heavy bags.

If you plan to take a lot of things with you, you should take care of a suitcase on wheels with a comfortable handle so that you can roll it without tilting the body. Even better, they can escort you to the plane and meet you at the airport, eliminating the need for heavy lifting. This precaution will not hurt at any stage of pregnancy.

2. Inability to receive urgent qualified medical care during the flight.

This is the main reason why most airlines are reluctant to board pregnant passengers.

Currently no scientific evidence that air travel during pregnancy increases the risk of premature birth. Flight-induced stress may be considered a risk factor because stress is associated with increased release of corticotropin-releasing hormone.

It should be remembered that preterm birth occurs quite often, and patients should be aware of the lack of neonatal resuscitation facilities on board the aircraft. It is because of this that some airlines have developed special rules prohibiting flights for pregnant women with a high risk of premature birth (for example, with multiple pregnancies), as well as with full-term pregnancies.

According to the internal rules of many airlines, a woman after 30 weeks may be asked to present an exchange card and a doctor’s certificate of satisfactory health indicating the stage of pregnancy when checking in for a flight. She may also be asked to sign a guarantee agreement, which stipulates that the airline is not responsible for possible adverse consequences.

The fears are understandable: although flight attendants are trained in obstetrics techniques, they will not be able to provide full resuscitation care to a child or his mother in the event of an emergency. It is clear that it is impossible to set up an operating room on board a passenger airliner to carry out caesarean section or blood transfusion department. So during pregnancy, you need to carefully consider the possibility of flying, especially if you plan to deliver by caesarean section.

There are known cases of successful births during a flight. If labor begins when the flight is about to end, the crew contacts the arrival city dispatcher, and the woman is taken to the maternity hospital immediately from the ramp.

If expectant mother constantly takes any medications, you need to take them with you into the cabin. You can supplement your first aid kit with heartburn medicine, activated carbon in case of intestinal bloating, anti-nausea mints, nasal spray with sea or mineral water.

3. Metal detector check during pre-flight check-in.

Metal detectors used by airport security services are not a source of ionizing radiation (their operation is based on a weak magnetic field), therefore they do not pose any danger to the fetus at any stage of pregnancy. X-ray radiation only applies to baggage checks.

4. Vibration and shaking during flight.

In the first trimester of pregnancy, this can cause nausea and vomiting, especially in expectant mothers prone to motion sickness. For this reason, it is forbidden to fly if there is a threat of premature birth, bleeding or preeclampsia.

Exposure to turbulent air currents is inevitable. That's why you have to choose modern models airliners and do not sit in the tail of the plane, where the shaking is felt more strongly.

5. Changes in atmospheric pressure.

The higher the plane soars into the sky, the lower the atmospheric pressure and partial tension of oxygen in the inhaled air. Pregnant women are already sensitive to a lack of oxygen, and during an air flight this condition must be endured for several hours. This explains the possible deterioration of health: a feeling of lack of air, increasing weakness, headache and dizziness.

Experts studying the effect of relative hypoxia on the body of healthy pregnant women in real conditions during the flight did not reveal any serious differences in the blood gas composition or compensatory reactions. When monitoring the fetal condition during the flight, no signs of fetal respiratory distress were also found, i.e. tachy- and bradycardia and pathological types of heart rate variability during cardiotocography. It is believed that a slight decrease in PaO2 in the mother’s blood during air travel, as a rule, does not lead to the development of severe fetal hypoxia, because The oxygen affinity of fetal hemoglobin is much greater than that of adult hemoglobin. Thus, relative hypoxia is easily tolerated by both mother and fetus.

Opinion about increased risk of occurrence congenital anomalies fetal development due to hypoxia during air travel at altitude<2500 метров в настоящее время считается необоснованным.

But in some pathological conditions, for example, severe anemia (Hb<80 г/л), снижение PaO2 в крови может достигать критических значений. Поэтому авиаперелеты противопоказаны беременным с анемией тяжелой степени, но могут допускаться при возможности дополнительной оксигенации.

6. Solar radiation.

At the flight altitude of modern passenger airliners, the intensity of cosmic radiation is several hundred times higher than at sea level.

Of course, we are talking about so-called “small” doses of radiation that do not have any effect on the health of ordinary passengers. However, it is worth emphasizing that the biological effects of “low” ionizing radiation on the human body, especially during the period of intrauterine development, have not yet been sufficiently studied. In this regard, doctors recommend refraining from frequent and long trips by plane only in the first trimester of pregnancy. For example, flight attendants are offered temporary ground work.

It is currently believed that infrequent long-term air travel (i.e. as a passenger), regardless of gestational age, does not have an adverse effect on the intrauterine development of the unborn child, since the equivalent dose received is several times less than the maximum permissible level adopted for the population (t .e.< 1 миллизиверта).

For example, during a transatlantic flight the equivalent dose is 50 microsieverts, which is 2.5 times less than with chest x-ray with shielding of the pelvic area.

7. Prolonged immobility anddeep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

The reasons for the increased risk of venous thrombosis during pregnancy are venous congestion in the lower extremities. There is no evidence to quantify the risk of thrombosis associated with air travel, but its increase during pregnancy is obvious. Therefore, preventive recommendations for passengers with an increased risk of thrombotic complications during long flights are quite acceptable for pregnant women.

A long flight is considered to be one that lasts more than 3 hours. All patients (pregnancy of any stage and 6 weeks of the postpartum period) during the flight must be prevented from venous stagnation in the lower extremities, including isometric tension of the lower leg muscles and moving around the aircraft cabin for 5-10 minutes per hour, whenever possible. If there is a tendency to hypercoagulable blood (that is, if there is a tendency to form blood clots), as prescribed by a doctor, on the day of the flight and the next day, an injection of low molecular weight heparin is given, which reduces blood clotting.

It is necessary to sit in a chair not strictly straight, but slightly leaning back on the seat - this way the vessels of the legs are less compressed and the back is relaxed.

It is advisable for all pregnant women to use compression socks during a long flight.

8. Dehydration.

During the flight, dry air is supplied to the aircraft cabin. In addition, people drink less fluids than usual, and prefer diuretic drinks such as tea, coffee, and sugar-rich fizzy drinks. Therefore, it is important to drink clean and mineral water without fear of frequent trips to the toilet. Moreover, this is an extra reason to move.

9. Increased swelling of the nose.

It’s not the pregnancy hormones that are to blame, but the dry air in the airplane cabin. Doctors recommend regularly spraying your nasal passages with mineral water from your personal first aid kit.

10. Excessive anxiety and fatigue due to jet lag

Sometimes a woman’s well-being can worsen due to nervousness: tension can cause increased uterine tone and headaches. It is better to carefully consider the choice of flight: the schedule of regular flights is more predictable than charter flights; they are less likely to be canceled or rescheduled. When checking in for a flight, you can ask for a seat in the first row or next to the emergency exits, where there is more space. There is more turbulence at the end of the cabin, and this too should not be overlooked. It is better to avoid large crowds of people; it is recommended to board the plane closer to the end of the announced landing. If you suffer from nausea before the flight, it is better not to read on the way, but to sleep. Eat in small portions, but often. For heartburn, high blood pressure and stomach problems, you can order individual meals in advance. It is necessary to have dark chocolate with you in your purse to prevent attacks of nausea that occur due to carbohydrate hunger.

Don't worry unnecessarily: the baby feels everything. Keep all your medical records and a notepad with contact numbers of close relatives or friends nearby. Wear your seat belt as directed by the flight attendant, but make sure the belt is positioned under your tummy.

When is it contraindicated for pregnant women to fly?

Common sense should force you to refuse to fly on an airplane if a pregnant woman:

  • threat of miscarriage or premature birth;
  • partial placental abruption;
  • iron deficiency anemia 3 degrees or sickle cell;
  • the day before there was blood-stained discharge from the genital tract;
  • complete or partial placenta previa with occasional spotting;
  • gestosis;
  • acute otitis or sinusitis, diseases of the lungs and heart, accompanied by a feeling of lack of air.

All other contraindications are relative. This means that in special cases the doctor may approve the flight, but the risk of complications for the mother and her child is very high. Such contraindications include exacerbation of any chronic or acute illness of the pregnant woman, severe nausea and vomiting, conception as a result of the use of obstetric technologies, multiple pregnancy (after 24 weeks), abnormal position of the fetus in the second half of the third trimester, uterine scar, invasive procedures, anemia 2 degrees.

Airline travel rules for pregnant women

Naturally, air carriers are trying by any means possible to avoid problems associated with health problems in pregnant women during the flight and premature birth, because They do not have the opportunity to provide the necessary assistance on board the aircraft.

Each airline has its own rules for transporting pregnant passengers; you can find them in more detail in the table. If you are purchasing a packaged tour, it is the travel agency's responsibility to provide information about the requirements of the airline you are flying with. But if you are planning a vacation on your own, it is better to find out this question in advance. On the websites of all airlines, in the sections on the rules for transporting passengers, there is information regarding pregnant women. Take the time to read it carefully before purchasing air tickets, and if necessary, call the air carrier’s office.

Most airline policies depends on the stage of pregnancy.

  • Up to 27-28 weeks, flights during this period are permitted, but airline employees have the right to request a certificate from a doctor indicating the expected due date; this is due to the fact that it is visually difficult to determine the stage of pregnancy, and if you have a large belly and there is no certificate, this is grounds for not allowing you to board the plane.
  • In the period from 28 to 36 weeks, a certificate will definitely be needed, and it should clearly indicate that “there are no obstacles to flights.” You may also need to sign a document stating that you understand the risk and take responsibility - this is how air carriers hedge their bets.
  • Some flights involving long hours of travel may not allow you to board even if you are 28 weeks pregnant.
  • After 36 weeks, almost all airlines refuse to carry pregnant passengers.

The certificate must be as recent as possible, issued no more than 7 days before the expected departure date. Also take into account the return flight date and make sure that it falls within the time allowed by the airline. If you are expecting twins or triplets, flight restrictions are more stringent. Often, in addition to a note from your doctor, you must obtain a note from the airline doctor.

Table: features of the conditions for accepting pregnant passengers on board aircraft of various airlines

Airline

At what stage of pregnancy is flying prohibited?

Do I need a certificate of permission to fly from an obstetrician?

Do I need a receipt to release liability from the airline?

Aeroflot

After 36 weeks (twins - after 34 weeks)

Yes - indicating the duration of pregnancy and the expected date of birth - no earlier than a week before the flight.

Allowed

Yes - there must be a record of the absence of contraindications to the flight on the date of the flight

Transaero

After 36 weeks

Yes, with the obligatory provision of an exchange card

Yu Tair (Utair)

Allowed

Yes, no earlier than a week before the flight

Yes, for a company representative and a copy for a woman

Air Canada

Northwest Airlines

After 36 weeks

Air New Zealand

After 36 weeks

Air France

Swissair

United Airlines

Allowed

Only after 36 weeks

British Airways

British European

After 36 weeks

Yes, no later than a week before the flight

Easyjet

After 36 weeks

Allowed

Allowed

After 34 weeks must be accompanied by a doctor

American Airlines

Allowed

After 36 weeks (for domestic flights - after 39 weeks) - a doctor’s certificate (not more than 2 days old). 10 days before birth - permission from the airline's medical service

Czech Airlines

Allowed

Up to 34 weeks - not required. After 34 weeks, the doctor must fill out the MEDIF form (one week before the flight)

Lufthansa

Allowed

Up to 36 weeks - not required. After 36 weeks - a certificate from the airline’s medical center

Finnair

After 36 weeks.

For short flights in Scandinavian countries - after 38 weeks

Yes, after 28 weeks of pregnancy (send a certificate to the airline one day before the flight)

Air New Zealand

Flights are prohibited during multiple pregnancies and after 36 weeks.

In general, the likelihood of life-threatening conditions occurring for the mother and fetus during air travel is low. But, since there is no possibility of providing specialized medical care on board the aircraft, even an emergency situation that is manageable from the point of view of modern medicine can have a dramatic outcome. Therefore, when counseling a pregnant woman before a flight, it is necessary to take into account the possibility of certain complications from the standpoint of individual risk.

Happy flight and happy vacation!

Tomsk - 2014


Thank you

The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Consultation with a specialist is required!

Nowadays, air travel has become a completely ordinary event that does not evoke strong emotions in a person of any age, unless he is terribly afraid of flying. However, even such a trivial event as air travel raises concerns and many questions if the person planning to travel on an aircraft is a pregnant woman.

Due to the increased vigilance of a pregnant woman regarding her own condition, on which the normal development of the fetus depends, she wonders about the safety of almost any ordinary activity, including air travel. Let's consider the possible effects of air travel on the condition of a pregnant woman and answer the question: “is it possible to fly when pregnancy by plane?"

Flying during pregnancy

Air travel during pregnancy, at any stage of gestation right up to childbirth, is in the vast majority of cases safe and does not cause any significant harm to either the woman or the fetus. The only contraindications to air travel during pregnancy are threats of miscarriage or premature birth, placental abruption, gestosis, bleeding, grade III anemia, preeclampsia and exacerbation of existing chronic diseases. In the absence of these contraindications, a pregnant woman can fly freely on an airplane at any stage. Therefore, if the pregnancy proceeds normally and the woman feels well, then she can easily fly on modern airplanes without any harm to herself and the unborn child.

In general, the degree of safety of air travel for each specific pregnant woman depends on her state of health. That is, in essence, the safety of flying during pregnancy is the same as for the same but not pregnant woman.

The currently known potential dangers and possible negative impacts of air travel on the human body relate not so much to the growth and development of the fetus in the womb, but to any adult or child traveling on an aircraft. This means that all the risks and dangers of air travel for pregnant women are exactly the same as for non-pregnant women, men and children. Thus, the main risks of air travel are considered to be “economy class traveler syndrome”, an increased risk of thromboembolism, drying out of the mucous membranes of the ENT organs, infection with airborne infections due to the accumulation of a large number of people in the aircraft cabin, etc.

However, all existing relative risks of air travel can be reduced to almost zero by following simple rules of conduct throughout the flight, which we will consider separately.

Thus, we can conclude that a healthy woman whose pregnancy is proceeding normally (without complications) can safely fly on an airplane, following simple rules aimed at minimizing risks, when necessary, since air travel is safe for her and her unborn child. If a woman has any pregnancy complications, they should first be eliminated, after which, once a lasting improvement has been achieved, she can fly by air, also following simple rules that minimize the risks and negative effects of flying on an airplane.

Contraindications for flying during pregnancy

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that pregnant women avoid air travel if they have the following conditions or diseases:
  • Singleton pregnancy over 36 weeks;
  • Multiple pregnancy over 32 weeks;
  • The first seven days after birth;
  • Complicated course of pregnancy (for example, threat of miscarriage, gestosis, severe toxicosis, etc.).
These WHO recommendations are rather vague, since they reflect only the basic and very general points in which a pregnant woman is not recommended to fly on an airplane. Moreover, they are advisory in nature and are not contraindications. It is also clear from the WHO recommendations that a pregnant woman can fly on an airplane when she needs it, since air travel is safe for her and the fetus.

More clear contraindications to air travel during pregnancy are given by obstetrician-gynecologists from developed countries in Europe and the USA. Thus, the following conditions in a woman are absolute contraindications to air travel during pregnancy:

  • Placenta previa (complete);
  • Preeclampsia;
  • Anemia of III severity (hemoglobin level below 70 g/l).
This means that unless these absolute contraindications exist, pregnant women should not fly on an airplane under any circumstances.

In addition to absolute ones, there are relative contraindications to air travel for pregnant women. If there are such relative contraindications, a woman can fly on an airplane with caution, but doctors strongly recommend that in such cases she refuse to travel by air. So, relative contraindications to air travel during pregnancy include the following conditions and diseases:

  • Threat of premature birth;
  • Threat of miscarriage;
  • Suspicion of placental abruption;
  • Anemia of II severity (hemoglobin level below 90 g/l, but above 70 g/l);
  • Low location of the placenta (taken into account only from the 20th week of pregnancy);
  • Abnormal structure of the placenta;
  • Bloody vaginal discharge at any stage of pregnancy, occurring 1–2 days before the planned flight;
  • Incorrect position of the fetus in the third trimester of pregnancy (from 28 to 40 weeks inclusive);
  • Multiple pregnancy more than 24 weeks of gestation;
  • Carrying out invasive procedures (for example, amniocentesis, choricentesis, etc.) within 7 - 10 days before the planned air flight;
  • Preeclampsia;
  • Severe toxicosis;
  • Excessive vomiting;
  • Thrombophlebitis suffered in the past;
  • Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus;
  • Uncontrolled hypertension;
  • Isthmic-cervical insufficiency;
  • Exacerbation of chronic diseases (for example, herpes, cytomegalovirus infections, etc.);
  • Acute infectious diseases (including colds, flu, etc.);
  • Pregnancy resulting from IVF;
  • Scar on the uterus.


These relative contraindications can become absolute, but only in each specific case if a woman has a really high risk of pregnancy loss due to any of the specified conditions or diseases. However, in general, if there are relative contraindications, air travel can be done, but this should be done only in case of urgent need.

Possible negative effects of air travel during pregnancy

Let's consider the possible negative effects of air travel on the body of a pregnant woman, which are widely publicized and ingrained in people's minds, and evaluate the degree of this influence on the basis of available scientific data and observations of flight attendants, on the basis of which we will draw a conclusion - whether this or that popular opinion is a myth or truth. So, there is currently an opinion that air travel is dangerous for pregnant women due to the following factors:
  • High risk of premature birth due to pressure changes;
  • Risk of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism (PE);
  • Effect of cosmic radiation;
  • Hypoxia;
  • Harm from going through a metal detector at registration;
  • Vibration and shaking in flight;
  • Dehydration;
  • Swelling of the nose and the appearance of rhinitis, sore throat and other signs of a cold;
  • Risk of contracting respiratory infections;
  • Risk of sudden obstetric complications.

Risk of premature birth due to pressure changes during takeoff, landing and exposure to turbulence

Many people have it ingrained in their minds that air travel at any stage of pregnancy increases the risk of premature birth. Moreover, this fact is explained by the fact that pressure drops that occur during takeoff, landing and turbulence negatively affect the uterus, causing labor.

However, many years of practical observations of flights of pregnant women at different stages of pregnancy have shown that the frequency of premature births in the air is the same as on the ground. And pressure changes in no way affect the contractile activity of the uterus. In other words, air travel does not increase the risk of premature birth, so it is not something to be afraid of. And even if a woman already has a risk of miscarriage or premature birth, air travel will not increase it. Thus, this opinion is a myth.

The risk of preterm birth can be determined using transvaginal ultrasound measuring the length of the cervix. If the cervix is ​​longer than 14 cm, then the risk of premature birth is almost zero and you can safely take an air flight. If the cervix is ​​shorter than 14 cm, then there is a risk of premature birth, the degree of which must be assessed by the doctor and a decision made whether this woman can fly on an airplane.

Many women are not convinced by the results of many years of practical observations, because they believe that if flights did not increase the risk of premature birth and did not negatively affect pregnancy, then airlines would not restrict their access to flights, requiring a certificate from a gynecologist, which indicates that this woman can fly on an airplane. However, airline policies have nothing to do with the impact of flying on pregnancy, so this conclusion is completely incorrect.

It should be understood that this policy of airlines is not due to the negative impact of flights on pregnancy, but to the desire to minimize the likelihood of stress for the crew of the airliner, which they will receive if a passenger begins to give birth in the aircraft cabin. After all, neither pilots nor flight attendants are gynecologists, and they do not particularly want to find themselves in a situation where they need to provide assistance to a woman in labor. Although flight attendants are trained in childbirth skills, they are not doctors or midwives, and therefore for them a woman giving birth is an emergency. And no one wants to be in a stressful emergency situation, so airlines simply insure themselves, preferring not to deal with such incidents. It is very simple to do this - to limit admission to air travel for pregnant women, which is what we see from the airlines.

Deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism (PE)

The risk of deep vein thrombosis during long flights lasting more than 4 hours increases by 3 to 4 times in all people, not just pregnant women. However, since pregnancy itself is already a condition in which the risk of thromboembolism and pulmonary embolism is increased, air travel exacerbates this risk, increasing it by 3 to 5 times compared to non-pregnant healthy women. In addition, taking hormonal drugs additionally slightly increases the risk of thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. The risk of thrombosis and pulmonary embolism also increases as time spent in flight increases. That is, the longer the flight lasts, the higher the risk of thrombotic complications. Therefore, this opinion is true.

It must be remembered that the risk of thrombosis and pulmonary embolism during air travel is associated with low oxygen concentration and excessive dryness of the air in the aircraft cabin, consumption of alcohol, coffee and carbonated water, as well as prolonged exposure to a stationary position. All these factors cause blood stagnation in the vessels of the legs and dehydration, which leads to the formation of blood clots.

However, these increased risks of thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in pregnant women can be minimized by proper in-flight behavior (walking every 45 to 50 minutes, moving your legs frequently while sitting, wearing compression garments, etc.). If a pregnant woman follows these flight rules, the risk of thrombosis will be significantly reduced. Currently, the British Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has developed the following Recommendations for pregnant women, the implementation of which will reduce the risk of thrombosis:

  • Stress your calf muscles for 5 – 10 minutes every hour;
  • Every 45 - 50 minutes, walk around the aircraft cabin for 10 - 15 minutes;
  • Drink 500 ml of liquid per hour (juice, still water);
  • Do not drink coffee, tea, alcohol;
  • Wear compression socks with a preventive degree of compression during the flight.
In addition, if a pregnant woman has additional risk factors for thrombosis, such as weighing more than 100 kg, multiple pregnancy, thrombophilia, varicose veins, then medication preparation must be carried out before the flight. This preparation is aimed at reducing the risk of thrombosis and pulmonary embolism during air travel, and consists of administering low molecular weight heparin preparations (for example, Fraxiparin, Dalteparin, Enoxyparin, etc.). The drugs are administered once, on the eve of the upcoming flight, at a dosage of 5000 units.

If for some reason low molecular weight heparin preparations cannot be administered, then they can be replaced by taking Aspirin 75 mg once a day the day before and on the day of the flight. However, Aspirin for the prevention of venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism is less effective than low molecular weight heparins.

Effect of cosmic radiation

At an altitude of more than 2500 meters, there is indeed radioactive radiation due to solar activity. The fact is that the atmosphere of our planet delays these radioactive solar flares, preventing them from reaching the earth. Therefore, a person, while on earth, is not exposed to solar radiation. But if it rises into the air to a height of more than 2500 meters, then solar radiation will fully affect it, since the protective effect of the atmosphere in this case is no longer present. Thus, while in modern airliners, the flight of which takes place at an altitude of more than 2500 meters (usually at 10,000 meters), a person is actually exposed to solar radiation.

However, you should not panic, since this effect of solar radiation is completely safe for all people of any gender and age, including pregnant women. The safety of solar radiation to which a pregnant woman is exposed during air travel is due to the fact that the radiation dose received is very low. Thus, the dose of solar radiation received during a transatlantic flight is 2.5 times lower than during a chest x-ray. Therefore, during infrequent air travel, a pregnant woman is exposed to small doses of radiation that are not dangerous either to her or to the fetus.

Hypoxia

At high altitudes, the air is thin and the oxygen concentration is relatively low. Accordingly, the oxygen concentration in the aircraft cabin is lower than in the air on the surface of the earth. This situation leads to the fact that the amount of oxygen in the blood of any person, including a pregnant woman, also decreases slightly. However, hypoxia does not occur, since a decrease in oxygen pressure in the blood causes a series of compensatory reactions that provide tissues and organs with O 2 in the quantities they need.

Thus, during the study of the effect of low oxygen concentration in the air during air travel on the body of pregnant women, it was revealed that there were no signs of hypoxia in the fetus (according to CTG data). That is, a slight decrease in the concentration of oxygen in the air and blood of a woman during a flight does not lead to hypoxia of the fetus, and, therefore, does not have a negative effect on its condition. Therefore, the common belief that the fetus experiences oxygen starvation during air travel is a myth.

The only situation in which the fetus may be in a state of hypoxia during air travel is the presence of grade III anemia in a pregnant woman. In this case, compensatory mechanisms are not enough to eliminate hypoxia due to the lack of the required amount of hemoglobin.

Metal detector frame at registration

The metal detector frame through which airplane passengers pass during flight check-in and baggage checks is not a source of radiation or any other type of ionizing radiation. These frames operate on the basis of a weak magnetic field, which is completely safe for anyone, including a pregnant woman. Thus, radiation exposure in the frame of a metal detector is a myth.

Vibration and shaking during flight

Unfortunately, during a flight it can shake due to entering turbulence zones, and this, in turn, can provoke nausea, vomiting, dizziness, motion sickness, or simply poor health for a pregnant woman. In principle, such unpleasant phenomena are not dangerous for the woman and the fetus, but they cause very noticeable discomfort.

Dehydration

There is dry air in the aircraft cabin, which contributes to the loss of moisture by the human body. In addition, drinking diuretic drinks, such as tea, coffee, alcohol, carbonated sweet water, etc., contributes to fluid loss, and, consequently, dehydration on an airplane. Therefore, theoretically, during air travel, drinking large quantities of these drinks can cause dehydration. However, dehydration on an airplane is easy to prevent, since it is enough to drink 500 ml per hour of pure still water or juice, and avoid drinking diuretic drinks.

Swelling of the nose and the appearance of rhinitis, sore throat and other signs of a cold

The mucous membranes of the nasopharynx, nose and throat on an airplane can become very swollen and dry out due to the fact that the air in the cabin is very dry for all people, including pregnant women. Such drying of the mucous membranes can provoke the appearance of a runny nose, nasal congestion and sore throat. To prevent overdrying of the mucous membranes on the plane, it is enough to simply moisten them regularly with solutions based on sea salt (Humer, Aqua-Maris, etc.), use vasoconstrictor drops (Otilin, For Nose, Vibrocil, Galazolin, etc.) and refresh your face clean water. Nasal swelling can be relieved with the help of antihistamines, such as Erius, Telfast, Cetrin, Fenistil, Suprastin, etc.


Risk of contracting respiratory infections

In the cabin of an airplane, the risk of contracting any airborne infections is really high due to two factors. Firstly, there are many people in a small room, each of whom exhales their own bacteria and viruses into the air. And secondly, microorganisms exhaled by passengers on the current and several previous flights also accumulate in the filters of aircraft air conditioners, since they are changed once every few flights. As a result, there are a huge number of microorganisms in the aircraft cabin, both exhaled by passengers and released into the air from air conditioning filters. This situation certainly creates an increased risk of contracting various respiratory infections. Pregnant women whose immunity is weakened should use a mask covering their mouth and nose to prevent infection during flight.

Sudden obstetric complications

The likelihood of developing any obstetric complications during a flight is the same as on the ground. However, the aircraft cabin lacks qualified medical personnel and equipment necessary to assist the woman and child. Therefore, complications that develop during a flight can be fatal not because of being in the sky itself, but because of the lack of doctors, equipment and medicines. Therefore, if there is a high risk of any complications, then it is better for a pregnant woman not to fly. In principle, all conditions that are relative contraindications for air travel during pregnancy can be classified as a high risk of obstetric complications.

Rules of conduct for pregnant women during air travel

To minimize all possible risks and ensure the safest possible air travel, pregnant women must follow the following rules during the entire period of their stay in the aircraft cabin:
  • For the flight, dress in comfortable clothes that do not restrict movement and do not compress fabrics;
  • During the flight, you should wear compression socks or stockings with a preventive degree of pressure;
  • During the flight, you should wear a gauze or synthetic mask covering your nose and mouth;
  • Be one of the last to board the plane;
  • Wear shoes that can be taken off without bending down and put on as well;
  • Avoid sitting cross-legged as this impedes blood circulation and increases swelling;
  • Every 45 - 50 minutes get up and walk down the aisle for 10 - 15 minutes;
  • For 5 - 10 minutes every hour, strain the muscles of the lower legs and make simple movements of the ankle in a sitting position (for example, pulling the sock towards you and away from you, etc.);
  • If the shoes begin to put pressure on the foot or feel on it, then it is necessary to remove it;
  • Fasten the belt under the stomach;
  • Drink 500 ml of non-carbonated pure water or juice every hour;
  • Choose seats in the nose of the plane, because, firstly, the air flows from the cockpit to the tail and it will be easier to breathe, and secondly, there is less shaking in this part;
  • If possible, it is recommended to buy business class tickets, since it has more comfortable and wider seats, as well as relatively large aisles that allow you to stretch your legs and take the most comfortable position;
  • Choose a seat near the aisle so that you can stand up and walk along the aisle;
  • Take several small pillows to the salon to place under your neck, lower back, etc. in order to ensure maximum comfort;
  • To refresh your face, take with you and use thermal or mineral still water as needed;
  • To rinse the nose and mouth in order to eliminate dry mucous membranes, take with you and use salt solutions (Aqua-Maris, Humer, Dolphin, etc.);
  • To reduce the effect of stuffy ears and motion sickness, you need to take sour candies and dark chocolate and consume them as needed;
  • To eliminate the symptoms of motion sickness, take with you and use, if necessary, homeopathic medicines that are safe for pregnant women, such as Vertigohel or Avia-more;
  • Do not drink coffee, tea, alcohol and sweet carbonated drinks;
  • Place the exchange card and a note indicating the blood type and telephone number of your loved one in a visible place.

The most favorable periods of pregnancy for air travel

The most favorable and safest period for air travel is the second trimester of pregnancy, that is, from 14 to 27 weeks of gestation inclusive. During this period, toxicosis has already ended, the stomach is still relatively small, and the threat of premature birth is minimal. Therefore, women are recommended to plan air travel during the second trimester of pregnancy.

In addition to favorable periods, there are also unfavorable periods for air travel, during which the flight is most dangerous for a pregnant woman. Such unfavorable periods for air travel, and indeed for any other active activities, include the following:

  • From 3 to 7 weeks of pregnancy;
  • From 9 to 12 weeks of pregnancy;
  • From 18 to 22 weeks of pregnancy;
  • Each period of the next menstruation, which would have occurred if there had been no pregnancy.
During these dangerous and unfavorable periods, it is recommended to refrain from air travel.

Flying at different stages of pregnancy

Flying in the early stages (1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks of pregnancy)

Flying during the 1st and 2nd weeks of pregnancy is safe. And in the 3rd and 4th weeks of gestation, it is better to refrain from flying, since during this period the formation of the internal organs of the fetus begins, and any cold suffered during this period can cause malformations and subsequent miscarriage.

Flying during the 1st trimester (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 weeks of pregnancy)

It is better to refrain from flying during the 5th, 6th, 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th weeks of pregnancy, since it is during these periods that the laying and formation of all the main organs and systems of the fetus occurs. If, under the influence of a cold or stress, the organs are not properly formed, the pregnancy will not take place and a miscarriage will occur. Thus, the safest weeks for air travel in the first trimester are 7 and 8 weeks.

Flying during the 2nd trimester (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 weeks of pregnancy)

This period is the safest for air travel. However, it is best to avoid flying at 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22 weeks, as this is when the risk of late miscarriage is highest.

Flying during the 3rd trimester (28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 weeks of pregnancy)

In the third trimester, you can fly at any stage if there are no complications and you feel good. However, it must be remembered that many airlines, starting from 28 weeks of pregnancy, require a certificate from a gynecologist indicating that the flight is permitted. Such a certificate must be obtained no more than 7 days before the flight.

Rules of various airlines for transporting pregnant women

Currently there are generally accepted following Rules for the carriage of pregnant women, which most airlines adhere to:
  • Up to 28 weeks of pregnancy women are allowed on board without any certificates or special documents;
  • From 29 to 36 weeks of pregnancy To board a plane, women must provide a certificate from a gynecologist stating that the flight is permitted;
  • From 36 weeks air travel is prohibited.
A certificate from a gynecologist, required for a flight from 29 to 36 weeks of pregnancy, is valid for a maximum of 7 days, so it must be obtained immediately before the planned trip. In addition, at any stage of pregnancy, upon registration, a woman may be required to provide a certificate or other document (for example, an exchange card) indicating the gestational age.

These rules are general and most frequently encountered, but not universal. Many airlines use other rules for transporting pregnant women, which can be either more strict or, on the contrary, loyal. For example, some airlines accept women on board even after 36 weeks of pregnancy with a certificate from a gynecologist stating that the flight is permitted. Therefore, when buying plane tickets, you need to find out the rules of the airline that operates the flight.

Most major airlines have the following policies regarding pregnant women:

  • KLM – up to 36 weeks free, after which the passenger will not be allowed on board under any circumstances;
  • BRITISH AIRWAYS - up to 28 weeks free, and from 28 until the birth only with a certificate from a gynecologist, which indicates that there are no contraindications for flying and with a completed application that the woman is aware of all the risks and does not blame the airline;
  • LUFTHANSA – up to 34 weeks free, from 35 weeks until delivery only with a certificate from a gynecologist who works in a special center of the airline;
  • Aeroflot and S7 – a doctor’s certificate at any stage of pregnancy;
  • UTair, Air Berlin, Air Astana - up to 36 weeks with a certificate from a gynecologist, and from 36 weeks - flight is prohibited;
  • Air France – free at any stage of pregnancy until birth;
  • Alitalia – free up to 36 weeks, and after that with a doctor’s certificate.

Hello! According to recommendations, the safest period for traveling is the 1st trimester (18-24 weeks), when a woman feels better and the likelihood of spontaneous abortion or premature birth is lowest. In the third trimester, pregnant women are not recommended to move further than 500 km from home, so that in case of possible problems (hypertension, phlebitis or premature birth) medical care is available locally. Before deciding to travel, a woman should always consult her doctor. When deciding on a trip, a number of controversial issues should be resolved: 1. Before starting any trip, the presence of intrauterine pregnancy must be confirmed by a doctor and ectopic pregnancy must be excluded. 2. Health insurance must be valid abroad and in case of pregnancy. Additionally, insurance should include travel insurance and prepaid medical care, although most insurance may not cover pregnancy-related expenses. 3. The availability of adequate medical coverage at the destination must be confirmed. For women in the last trimester of pregnancy, it is mandatory to have qualified medical personnel and appropriate equipment to manage pregnancy complications, late toxicosis of pregnancy and caesarean sections. 4. It is advisable to determine in advance the situations in which prenatal care (help for the unborn child before birth) may be needed and who will provide it. A pregnant woman going on a trip should regularly visit the doctor at the required time, and not miss scheduled visits. 5. You should first find out whether blood is tested for HIV and. A pregnant woman, when planning a trip, should know her blood group and Rh factor, and persons with a negative Rh factor should receive anti-D for preventive purposes at the 28th week of pregnancy. If the newborn has Rh-positive blood, the woman should be reintroduced with anti-D immunoglobulin after childbirth. There are certain contraindications to international travel during pregnancy. Obstetric risk factors include: - history. - Isthmic-cervical insufficiency. -Ectopic pregnancy in history. -History of premature birth or premature rupture of membranes. -Anomalies of the placenta during current pregnancy or in history. -Threatened abortion or vaginal bleeding during this pregnancy -Multiple pregnancy. -Anomalies of fetal development. - Toxicosis of pregnancy, hypertension or diabetes associated with or not associated with pregnancy. Primigravidas over 35 or 15 years of age. General medical risk factors: - History of thromboembolism. - Pulmonary hypertension. - with other chronic lung diseases. - Pathology of the valvular apparatus of the heart (III or IU degree of heart failure according to NYHA). - Cardiomyopathy. - Hypertension. - Diabetes. - . - Various types of anemia or hemoglobinopathy. - Chronic dysfunction of body systems requiring frequent medical intervention. Traveling to potentially dangerous places: - High mountainous areas. - Regions endemic for life-threatening intestinal or vector-borne diseases (from the Latin transmissio - transfer to others; infectious human diseases, the pathogens of which are transmitted by blood-sucking arthropods - insects and ticks). Such diseases include, for example, typhus, malaria, tularemia, etc. - Areas where malaria caused by P. falciparum, resistant to chloroquine, is common. - An area where stay requires mandatory vaccination with live viruses. If we talk about general recommendations regarding travel, then the expectant mother traveling should have at least one accompanying person. The most common problems that pregnant women experience while traveling are fatigue, heartburn, indigestion, constipation, vaginal discomfort, leg muscle cramps, increased frequency of urination and hemorrhoids. During the trip, a woman, if possible, should exclude from her diet foods and drinks that contribute to increased gas formation, especially before the flight (gases formed at altitude can expand and stretch the walls of the gastrointestinal tract). During the flight, it is advisable to periodically move the legs (contract the leg muscles in isometric and isotonic modes) to reduce venous stagnation; Be sure to wear a seat belt as air turbulence is unpredictable and can cause serious injury. Patients require medical observation if the following signs and symptoms appear: vaginal bleeding (especially cramping), cramps, premature rupture of membranes, pain or severe swelling of the lower extremities, headache or other visible problems. There are certain recommendations for pregnant women who will be traveling by air. Commercial flights do not pose any risk to a healthy woman and fetus. According to ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists), a healthy woman with a singleton pregnancy can fly safely on airplanes up to 36 weeks of pregnancy. A decrease in atmospheric pressure in the aircraft cabin has a minimal effect on the oxygenation (oxygen supply) of the fetus due to the increased affinity of fetal hemoglobin for oxygen. If necessary, for appropriate medical indications, additional oxygen inhalation should be provided to the pregnant woman during the flight. Various types of anemia and previous thrombophlebitis may be relative contraindications to the flight. Pregnant women with placental abnormalities or risk of premature birth should avoid air travel. Each airline has its own rules (requirements) regarding flying during pregnancy. It is believed that it is safest to take control of the situation when booking tickets, as this requires filling out the appropriate medical forms. Flights within the country for pregnant women are usually allowed up to 36 weeks of gestation, and international flights - up to 32-35 weeks, depending on the specific airline. In this case, women must have with them documents with the expected date of birth. Today, the airport security system (during security control) has minimal radiation exposure on pregnant women, which is not associated with an increase in undesirable consequences for the fetus. Given that some research has suggested a possible link between radiation exposure from security systems during pregnancy and an increased risk of childhood leukemia and cancer, screening may require manual or sensor screening rather than conventional radiation screening. The greatest amount of free space and comfort on the plane is provided by seats near the aisle behind the partition. At the same time, a quieter flight is possible in seats located in the middle of the aircraft. A pregnant woman is recommended to walk every half hour during the flight, often bending and straightening her knees, to prevent the development of phlebitis. The seat belt should always be fastened at the pelvic level. Dehydration caused by air conditioning during the flight can lead to a decrease in placental blood flow and hemoconcentration (blood thickening), increasing the risk of thrombosis. Therefore, a woman should drink plenty of fluids during the flight. If the crew member or pilot is a woman preparing to become a mother, she can continue to work in the air until the 20th week of gestation. All the best to you!