Is That Safe? Flying & Airport Security During Pregnancy

We’re back with another installment of our Is That Safe series and we’re going to answer all your burning questions about flying, going through airport security, and traveling when you’re pregnant. So, let’s get straight to it…

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. Your doctor may also 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.

Here are a few things to keep in my when you’re flying during pregnancy: 

• Blood clots: 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.

• Swelling: We know this is a pregnancy symptom for most already, and many people notice their feet and ankles swell more during air travel. 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. 

• Hydration, hydration, hydration: 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! 

Is the high altitude or pressure from flying safe during pregnancy?

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.

Is it safe to go through airport security scanners during pregnancy? 

Yes, airport security and scanners are safe for women who are pregnant and they do not use X-rays to produce an image. Instead, The kind the scanners use millimeter-wave imaging and you’re actually exposed to less radiation than you get from your phone! 

Do you have any questions about traveling during pregnancy? Let us know in the comments and we’ll get back to you!

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