Air Travel During Pregnancy: Precautions and TipsIn general if you have an uncomplicated pregnancy, traveling by air should not be an issue. However pregnancy fatigue can become a problem due to the reduction in air pressure inside the flight cabin but it is something you will have to cope up with. Few pregnant ladies have concerns over X-ray/screening machines at the airport affecting the baby - scientific studies have proved it beyond any doubt that low radiation X-ray/scanning arrangements in airport terminals do not harm the baby. The most important point to remember - prior to making any air traveling plans you should check with your doctor and get his advise whether it will be safe for you or not! Depending upon your health condition, your doctor may prescribe you one or two medicines to help the uterus muscles to relax and to fight against getting in to any kind of premature labour. Duvadilan Retard is one such medicine which doctors prescribe to high risk patients before traveling. You will be asked to take 3 pills of Duvadilan Retard starting from a couple of days prior to your journey till up to 5 days after the journey is over. Ideal Time To Travel: Usually the Airline operators in India allow a pregnant lady on-board up until the completion of 36th week of pregnancy. Till 28th week, no documents need to be produced before the Airline, but for the period of 28th to 36th week they will ask to produce a certificate from the doctor mentioning that the passenger is fit to fly. Doctors recommend the middle trimester as the best time to travel because during those days - 1. You don't feel as nauseous like the initial days of pregnancy. 2. Chances of you going into labour are very less. 3. By the time your body and the baby has adapted well to the changing conditions in terms of metabolism. 4. Your tummy is not that big yet, which means the accommodation inside the flight will be comfortable. Precautions and Tips:
1. Drink plenty of water before you board your flight to keep dehydration at bay. You may also drink fruit juices and milk. 2. Avoid caffeinated drinks (tea/coffee) immediately before/during/immediately after your journey. 3. Don't take early morning flight - chances of air sickness are more during morning time. 4. Don't keep seated throughout the duration of your journey. Get up from your seat and walk on the plane after every 30 minutes. This will ensure optimal blood circulation and prevent swelling of feet. 5. Preferably book an aisle seat in the middle row over the wing - aisle seat will help you in frequenting the toilet without disturbing your co-passengers too much and the middle row seats over the flight wings will ensure a less bumpy comfortable journey. 6. Have some glucose in your handbag to help prevent nausea caused by low blood sugar at higher altitude. Eat and drink small amounts frequently to keep your blood sugar levels stable. 7. Before boarding and during your flight journey opt for vegetarian low-fat meals as these are less nauseating compared to meals high on calorie and fat. 8. Never wear high heals; wear a comfortable slip-on shoes to prevent your feet from swelling. 9. When you are seated, keep your blood circulation active by stretching and moving your arms and legs; elevate, flex and rotate your feet. |
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