Planning A Babymoon? How To Stay Safe & Comfortable While Flying
Summer is here and the craving to go somewhere (anywhere!) is in full throttle. Travel restrictions have begun to ease around the world and before your baby arrives, you might be looking to spend some quality time with your partner (or yourself) before settling into the newborn routine.
If you decide to take a babymoon (you can check out some recommended destinations in the US here), you’ll need to consider how you’ll be traveling. Depending on where you want to go, flying might be the most convenient and quickest option. We reached out to our community last week and asked about your thoughts on flying during pregnancy and we found out you have a lot of questions! Such as…
Can I fly anytime while I’m pregnant?
Should I wear compression socks?
Will high altitudes affect my pregnancy?
We’ll be answering all of these questions and more, and we also have some travel tips for you to make this holiday a safe, and comfortable, experience so you can enjoy every second of your babymoon. So first, let’s start with the top questions about flying during pregnancy from our community.
Is it safe to fly during pregnancy?
If you’re having a healthy, low-risk pregnancy, it’s considered safe for you to fly fairly far into your pregnancy. You’ll need to check with your specific airline about their rules and restrictions before booking, but most airlines allow pregnant people to fly domestically up to 36 weeks gestation. After this, your chances of going into labor are higher and you’ll want to keep your feet on the ground until after baby arrives. International flights do usually have an earlier travel cut-off, so again, something to triple-check before booking!
Your doctor may recommend you limit flying earlier if you have certain conditions such as gestational diabetes, which can increase your risk of complications or could be worsened by flying.
I’m having twins or multiples, can I fly?
Your doctor may recommend limiting travel earlier on in pregnancy if you’re having more than one baby, as you’ll be more likely to experience certain complications, but that doesn’t mean travel is restricted completely. Your doctor may recommend avoiding travel after 20 weeks, so aim to talk about travel plans early on in your pregnancy to give you ample time to prepare! If you’ve already passed that halfway mark, consider closer-to-home options that you can get to by driving.
When is the safest time to fly during pregnancy?
If you’re concerned about pregnancy emergencies, they’re generally most likely to happen in the first and third trimesters, so flying during the second trimester might be the safest, and most comfortable, option for you.
Most people prefer to fly during their second trimester because it’s generally when morning sickness starts to subside and you have more and more energy throughout the day. More than half of our community agreed and said they traveled in the second trimester or are planning on it!
Can the high altitude or pressure from flying affect my baby?
When we asked our audience what questions or concerns they had about flying, this one came up more than once. It’s completely normal to wonder if plane travel could have any effect on your baby.
Air pressure is regulated on commercial planes but it is a bit lower than what we feel at sea level — similar to if you live in a place with higher elevation! There might be slightly less oxygen available on a plane than what you’re used to, and in response, your body can trigger a temporary increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate to ensure you and baby get the oxygen you need.
You may already feel a little out of breath, as breathlessness is a common pregnancy symptom, so do keep that in mind. In general, this shouldn’t be a cause for concern and you should begin to breathe easier once off the plane.
Higher altitudes can increase your exposure to radiation but, luckily, the exposure while flying is very small and isn’t harmful to the common pregnant traveler. Frequent flyers who are pregnant, like pilots or people who travel for work, may need to reduce the amount of time spent in a plane to stay under the recommended exposure limit (especially if the flights are international or long-haul). It’s important to talk to your doctor about what’s safe for you and your pregnancy.
What symptoms or conditions should I be mindful of while traveling?
You are more likely to develop blood clots while pregnant, and at-times, cramped seated conditions associated with plane travel can increase this risk. Take periodic standing or stretching breaks to keep blood flowing and prevent cramps.
Many people notice their feet and ankles swell more during air travel, and you don’t need us to tell you that swelling is a pregnancy symptom already. You may want to ask your doctor if compression socks and tights are a good fit for you, as wearing these while flying can support blood flow and minimize swelling. Plus, it’s an essential item our community mentioned they don’t travel without!
Another way to help prevent blood clots and swelling is by drinking enough fluids while you’re in the air. It’s so important to stay hydrated at all times in pregnancy but while flying, the humidity levels are much lower than on the ground, which can dehydrate you more quickly. Bring along a few slices of lemon or orange to squeeze in your water for a boost of vitamin C and electrolytes!
What are the best flight-friendly foods for pregnancy?
Foods that offer complex carbs, protein, and have low added sugars will help give your body the nourishment it needs so you feel your best during, and after your flight! High-sodium and high-fat foods won’t help you much in the long run, and might even make swelling worse or cause some digestive discomfort. So best to opt for less processed and more natural foods while you’re traveling.
Bananas make a perfect in-flight snack as they’re loaded with potassium, magnesium, and calcium which help decrease and prevent muscle cramps. Package your own fruits and veggies like berries and bell peppers to give your immune system a healthy boost of vitamin C to keep sickness at bay, and dip them in some hummus or nut butter for some added protein!
Before you take flight…
Now that we have your safety questions answered, there are a few steps to take before booking a flight while pregnant and some comfort tips as well.
Check with your doctor, and then your airline. Talk to your doctor first about if and when flying during pregnancy is safest for you, and gather any paperwork the airline needs to verify your due date if necessary.
Bring your flying essentials! We asked our audience what’s the one item you can’t fly without, and here’s what they said: comfy headphones, a good book, and delicious snacks were the winners! Other top choices included items that keep you feeling fresh and clean, like sanitizer and wipes, extra masks, and chapstick. It’s all about what makes you feel the comfiest during travel.
Plan ahead. You never know what might come your way next, and being prepared can help you relax and thoroughly enjoy your getaway before baby arrives. Pack a medication kit with anything you might need for bothersome pregnancy symptoms, a first-aid kit, and other essentials you would want in case your trip is unexpectedly extended.
Choose your seat wisely. For bathroom reasons, an aisle seat might be the best option if you have a choice. You’ll need to stay hydrated while in the air and all that water will help you avoid cramps or headaches, but might mean a few extra trips to the loo. An aisle seat will also make it easier for you to stand or stretch often, which is important for blood flow and comfort overall.
Did you take a babymoon or are you planning on one? Or are you just looking to sneak in some travel now that COVID restrictions are lifting? We’d love to hear what your experience was like or any questions about flying while pregnant. Leave them in the comments below! Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @baby2bodyofficial and feel free to message us anytime on there as well.
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