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If your pregnancy is NORMAL and HEALTHY, it is absolutely safe to fly during the most part of it. Of course, you’ll need to talk to your obstetrician or wife that you’re planning to travel by plane. They’ll know exactly what advice to give you and if there are any risks in your case.
First, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists let us know that the best time to travel is probably in the middle of your pregnancy, that is between 14 and 24 weeks. This assumption is explained by the fact that most of the pregnancy emergencies happen during the first as well as the third trimesters. You may therefore learn that your second trimester is a perfect time to fly.
You’ll no longer feel sick in the morning, you’ll suddenly discover that you’re more LIVELY and ENERGETIC and there will also be fewer chances of miscarriage. In fact, you’ll see that the middle of your pregnancy is the period which allows you to enjoy it to the fullest. Things will be different after 36 weeks since it will be more difficult to move.
Then, do not forget to ask you current physician to recommend an obstetrician or midwife at your destination if you somehow need medical care during your trip. You may also consider taking with you a copy of your prenatal chart which should mention pretty much everything a doctor needs to know about your pregnancy, such as your age, the date of your last menstrual period, your due date, the number and outcomes of any prior pregnancies, your risk factors for disease, pregnancy-related lab tests and ultrasounds, medical and surgical history, and a flow sheet of vital signs taken at each visit.
In case you’re wondering whether it is safe to walk through the airport security screening machine, let us just tell you that the electromagnetic field emitted by these machines is low. Of course, all the passengers need to walk through the METAL DETECTORS that use a low-frequency electromagnetic field. Nevertheless, at the low levels a metal detector emits, this exposure is considered safe for everyone, including pregnant women.
What is more, the wands used by the security personnel are similarly SAFE and HARM NO ONE. One the other hand, baggage security screening machines use X-rays and they emit the same kind of radiation as in a dental X-ray. These devices are USED ONLY ON YOUR BAGS and other inanimate objects going on the plane so they cannot harm you at all.
Furthermore, according to the US Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) the potential for dangerous radiation exposure from the Advanced Imaging Technology devices is LOW and doesn’t pose any significant risk to pregnant passengers. TSA uses two types of imaging technology, millimeter wave and backscatter. Approximately 800 Advanced Imaging Technology units are deployed at more than 200 airports nationwide, aiding in the detection of prohibited, illegal or dangerous items. The TSA clearly point out that Advanced Imaging Technology screening is safe for all passengers and the technology meets national health and safety standards.
However, there are some MEDICAL EXPERTS who doubt that machines have been tested comprehensively enough and they wonder what may happen if one of these devices fail to function or function improperly. TSA recommends to opt for a physical “pat down” search if all these technologies make you feel UNEASY and CONCERNED.
Another concern when flying pregnant is related to the AIR PRESSURE existing in the cabin. You’re probably wondering whether it will also harm your baby. You need to know that all the carriers are compelled by the The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to keep a constant level of cabin pressure. You shouldn’t have any problems in this respect if everything is fine with you as well as your pregnancy.
You should, however, take account of the fact that both your heart rate and blood pressure will increase due to the low air pressure at low altitudes. Health issues such as severe anemia, blood clots or even placental insufficiency will make it difficult for you to adapt to this environment and you should absolutely avoid flying in this case. Or, if you really need to fly, you can have SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN prescribed so you may have a smooth flight.
Besides, if you consider flying in unpressurized small planes, than you should view things differently. Your entire organism body will need to work harder to provide both you and your baby sufficient oxygen. You had better keep away from such a flying experiences while you’re pregnant.
Finally, do not forget that DOCTORS usually tell you what works or does not work for the majority of the people. You are the one to know best what works or doesn’t work for you. Moreover, there is enough stress as it is with pregnancy and with travel, so why shouldn’t you try to chill out and take it easy as much as possible?
