Traveling while pregnant
Traveling by plane presents fewer risks to a pregnant woman than traveling by car. For long distances, there’s nothing better than air travel. If your pregnancy doesn't present any other counter-arguments to a long journey, travel with a large belly nevertheless necessitates some precautions, given the valuable nature of the cargo.
Timing and Destination
Try to depart between the 16th and 28th week: after 4 months, the risk of miscarriage is slight, between 7 and 8 months, certain airlines ask for a medical certificate, after 8 months, no giving birth on board!
- Avoid staying in places more than 2000 meters above sea level: the lack of oxygen can damage the fetus.
- Check up on the sanitary conditions in the destination country.
- Avoid countries where malaria is endemic: all anti-malaria medication is absolutely inadvisable.
- Double-check your travel insurance: make sure pregnancy is included in your coverage.
Before departure
- Check-in online, possible only 24 hours in advance, as available seats become limited.
- Order your meal in advance if you have diet restrictions, if a choice is possible (vegetarian, fish).
Ask your travel agency or airline to assign you a suitable seat for your condition: such as …
- An aisle seat, so that you can get up easily and stretch your legs.
- In the front, because the ventilation system is located in the front of the aircraft.
- Far from the in-flight meals area, whose smell can upset you (especially during the first 3 months of pregnancy).
While traveling
The body has a tendency to swell with the change in air-pressure (yes, you will be even larger by the time you leave the plane); dress very comfortably in loose, soft clothing that won't restrict your circulation and wear shoes without laces, or slip ons that you can take off in 2 seconds.
Your legs will be the first to suffer from the air pressure and lack of movement: wear supportive stockings that your doctor or chemist can recommend for you, to avoid a potential case of phlebitis.
Prepare a small toiletry bag with moisturizer, sanitary wipes, a small mineral water spray
During the trip
You have priority while boarding, so you'll have some time to set yourself up comfortably in your seat
- Buckle your safety belt under your stomach so that it won't be compressed
- Chew some gum to pop your ears after take-off
- Recline your seat as much as possible
- Try to get up regularly to keep your blood circulating
- Drink lots of flat, non-carbonated water, one litre every 4 hours: on a plane the bubbles stay with you!
- Eat sparingly (you're already err…swollen enough, don't you think? and its well known that pregnant women often suffer from indigestion)
Use a head pillow so you can sleep and a pretty, soft scarf to protect your nose from any possible odors