Most medical professionals recommend the safest time to fly while being pregnant is before 36 weeks. Several air-travel services do not allow passengers over 36 weeks of pregnancy to travel to avoid the risk of premature labor. If you’re flying while pregnant and are concerned as to what potential obstacles you may come across, here are some of them and ways to deal with them.
1. Ensure You Take The Aisle Seat
When travelling while pregnant, you want to make sure your movement isn’t restricted in anyway. Taking a seat on the aisle gives you the freedom to take as many bathroom breaks as you require. It will also be easier for you to move around and stretch every once in awhile. You can also ask the flight attendant if they can offer you a seat which may have more leg space.
2. Stretch And Move To Prevent Cramping Or Blood Clot Formation
Swelling and cramping in your legs, feet, and ankles is to be expected when you’re on a long flight. You can reduce this by keeping your feet elevated in front of you and taking time to walk or move around. Also, you may experience the formation of blood clots. Some light stretches and leg exercises can help you keep them at bay. If you have varicose veins, ensure that you wear appropriate footwear while traveling.
3. Drink Plenty Of Water
Staying hydrated is vital especially when you’re pregnant and even more so when you’re travelling on a flight. The lack of humidity in the air cabin can leave you feeling severely dehydrated if you’re not cautious. You can keep a bottle of water next to you to facilitate the process and to act as a reminder.
4. Carry Light Snacks
It’s advisable to carry some light snacks like nuts or an energy bar along with you in the flight even if the air service provides food. This is to just serve as an emergency and precautionary snack in the event your blood sugar level dips and there’s no food around. You may even feel hungry while waiting in line during the security checks so it’s always good to keep some snacks handy.
5. Make Restroom-Breaks Easy
You’re definitely going to need to use the loo a lot especially since you’ve drinking plenty of water. Apart from ensuring that you’re sitting on the aisle seat, ask the flight attendant if they can seat you closer to the restroom to avoid any potential delays that may occur. Also, needless to say, never try and hold it in.
6. Dress Comfortably
Needless to say, dress comfortably. It’s best to avoid clothes that may have complicated zippers or buttons that are difficult to undo. The last thing you want is to be held back by your clothes when you really need to pee. Wearing a dress, skirts, or pants may be ideal choices rather than a jumpsuit or overalls.
7. Wear Comfy Shoes
Ensure that you wear comfortable shoes during the flight that are easy to put on and take off. You can also pack a pair of comfortable slippers that you can change into once you’re inside. If you have varicose veins, pack appropriate footwear. You can even wear compressors or socks that help prevent swelling and facilitate blood flow.
8. Avoid These Foods Before Flying
Don’t drink carbonated drinks as they might make you feel gassy or bloated before the trip. Due to the change in air pressure while you’re flying, the trapped gas tends to expand which may cause discomfort. Other foods that may cause you to feel gassy includes foods with a high fiber or high fructose content. It is also recommended to avoid high caffeine foods while flying as it can acts as a diuretic.
