Your second trimester starts approximately 14 weeks into your pregnancy and lasts until the 27th week. This is commonly regarded as the best time to travel by many pregnant women and doctors alike. At this stage in your pregnancy you will have put your morning sickness behind you, your energy levels will be much better and your risk of miscarriage is low. During the first trimester the pregnancy is regarded very cautiously as this is seen as a very volatile time and the risk of miscarriage is still quite high. During the third trimester the risk of labor is very high and airlines do not want you to give birth mid-flight. That said it is clear that the second trimester is “prime time” if you have a holiday booked. If you have a holiday already booked, changing the travel dates to within the second trimester could make all the difference to your safety and the quality of your holiday.

It’s important to note that you may not be permitted to travel during your third trimester at all. Even though you may have a holiday booked for this time, airlines have the right to refuse passage for any woman over around 35 weeks of pregnancy. For some airlines this may be even sooner as much as 28 weeks. Make sure you check with your chosen airline beforehand to make sure you will be allowed to travel. You will also need a signed letter from your doctor stating your due date and that you are fit and healthy to travel.  Without this you may still be unable to fly if your pregnancy due date is under suspicion.

It is also highly important that you ensure you calculate how many weeks along you will be at the end of your holiday. Just because you were within the acceptable time frame on the way there, doesn’t mean you will be on the way back and they may refuse you re-entry into the country (until you have given birth) because of this. You should also check to see which airline you will be traveling back with. Some airlines have different regulations about pregnancy and while it may be 35 weeks is the limit for the airline on the way there, it could be 28 weeks on the way back.

You should be perfectly safe to travel during your first trimester as well, and will not require a pre-natal chart at this time (which you may require with you during your second and third trimester). If you really need to travel during your first trimester, make sure you ask the flight attendant for a plentiful supply of sick bags just in case, and try to get a seat towards the center of the plane where there is less of a bumpy ride.

Where ever it is you are traveling you need to ensure that should the worst happen, you are prepared for it. Follow these quick and easy steps to journey preparation whilst pregnant and you’ll make sure your holiday is as safe and risk free as possible.

1. Research the medical services available at your destination. If flying abroad, make sure your doctor refers you to an appropriate medical professional at your destination.

2. Always take your prenatal chart with you where ever you go. This contains all your pertinent medical data.

3. Make sure you have the right type of medical/travel insurance. Not every standard policy covers pregnancy and may exclude some world locations so make sure you get the policy you need. This may mean having to pay out extra on premiums.

4. If traveling by plane call up the airlines you will be using and find out what their pregnancy regulations are. Different airlines have different rules about admitting pregnant women including how many weeks on you can be before they refuse boarding.

5. If you have to travel by plane during the first trimester, book a seat towards the middle of the plane over the wing. This area of the plane has the smoothest ride so will reduce your need to reach for a sick bag during the journey.

6. Talk to your doctor before making any travel plans that take you out of the country or that involve a long, journey duration. This includes both car and plane travel and is especially important if you are experiencing any pregnancy complications or have a history of DVT.

7. Ask your doctor for a letter if you plan to fly. When the airline sees that you are pregnant they will request a letter stating your due date from your doctor and that you are fit and healthy to travel.

8. Don’t eat a large, heavy or greasy meal before you travel. Stick to light snacks like crackers or apples that will help to settle your stomach and eat small meals. This will help prevent and reduce morning sickness and travel sickness during your journey.

It is important to talk to your doctor in detail about all your travel plans whilst pregnant. Your doctor will need to know what is happening and when, as well as possible risks to you and your unborn baby.

• Talk to your doctor about your travel plans, you may need your prenatal chart and a reference to a doctor at your destination.

• Make sure your travel insurance covers your pregnancy. This may mean paying extra premiums.

• Take plenty of water and sick bags for the journey. If travelling by car, make sure there are plenty of regular stops at services so you can stretch your legs and visit the bathroom. If travelling by plane book a seat near the middle of the plane over the wing for a smooth ride and pick out an aisle seat to ensure you can easily get up and walk about.

• If travelling by plane check with the airlines beforehand to make sure you will be able to fly both on the way there and on the way back. Most airlines refuse boarding for anyone over 35 weeks pregnant if not before. This can also be true of ferries.

On The Journey:

• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated during your trip and make sure you can visit the bathroom regularly.

• Make sure you can get up and move around freely during your journey. If not make sure there are plenty of regular stops along the way so you can get out and move around.  While sitting down, rotate your ankles and wiggle your toes.

• Avoid heavy meals, greasy food and caffeinated beverages. Eat light snacks like fruit to settle your stomach.

On Holiday:

• Make sure you have your referred doctor’s contact details, your insurance policy, your prenatal chart and your EH1C card with you (If you are a UK resident) at all times.

• Carry an emergency contact list with you at all times so people know who to call if anything happens.

• Either get a list of local hospitals from the tourist information centre or, if you have a doctor assigned to you, make sure you have an address to go to in an emergency.

• Wear a very high sunscreen factor and avoid staying in the sun for too long.

• Avoid insect repellents containing DEET, try natural alternatives instead.

• Do not engage in diving, water sports or other such activities.

Safety Concerns:

• It is perfectly safe to wear your seat belt whilst pregnant and studies have shown it to be much more beneficial considering the risks involved. Tuck the lap belt under your stomach with the shoulder strap over your bump.

• Car airbags are perfectly safe so don’t disable them. You may want to move back a little from the dashboard though to make room for your bump.

• You cannot get radiation poisoning from plane travel in any way. Metal detectors do not use x-rays and are perfectly harmless for you and your baby. Luggage scanners are focused so you can’t be exposed to any radiation by standing near them, you would have to put your hand directly inside the machine to become exposed. Finally, cosmic radiation exposure during flight is minimal and perfectly safe; you can even travel by plane up to 200 hours during the length of your pregnancy.

1. Cosmic Radiation.
Exposure to cosmic radiation during flight is very minimal and has not been shown to have any affect on unborn children. However, it has been noted that unborn children are in fact highly sensitive to these kinds of elements so it is advised not to travel frequently during pregnancy. This means no more than 200 hours of flight travel in total during pregnancy.

2. Metal Detectors.
Metal detectors are perfectly harmless machines. They do not use x-rays and cannot expose you to radiation at all.

3. Luggage Scanners.
These machines do use x-ray technology to scan luggage but you cannot be exposed to it by standing in proximity of the machine. You would have to put your hand inside the machine to become exposed.

4. Cabin Pressure.
Commercial airplanes will maintain a standard level of pressure that will be perfectly safe for any woman with a healthy pregnancy. Your doctor will inform you if there may be any risks involved for you. You should not travel in any unpressurised planes (such as crop spraying planes).

5. DVT.
Both pregnancy and flying can increase the risk of DVT, it is therefore advised that you make sure you move around frequently during your journey and wear flight socks. If you have had a DVT before you doctor may advise you not to travel by plane.

6. Morning Sickness.
Morning sickness is not dangerous for you and your child unless it is excessive; however traveling by plane may add travel sickness to the mix which will be very problematic. Prepare beforehand by booking an aisle seat near the middle of the plane and bringing light snacks with you such as fruit.

7. Labor.
If you are traveling during the third trimester there is always the possibility that you could go into labor. Most airlines will not allow you to travel if over 35 weeks and some as early as 28 weeks. Make sure you have your prenatal chart with you so that if you go into labor they have all the medical information needed.

8. Miscarriage.
If you are flying during your first trimester there is a high risk of miscarriage. This is because your first trimester is the most delicate stage of your pregnancy and is a high risk period of time regardless of whether you fly or not. Generally speaking it is best to wait until your second trimester before flying.

9. Breathing Difficulties.
If you suffer from breathing difficulties during your pregnancy such as asthma and other problems such as high blood pressure it may not be suitable for you to fly during your pregnancy. Talk to your doctor before you travel about your plans.

10. Coping with the Journey.
Many pregnant women are concerned about being pushed in the rush to boards and having to stand around waiting for long periods of time. Unfortunately, you can’t trust everyone to be courteous and think of others so you will have to take the initiative. Make sure there is someone to help you carry the bags and put them away like a friend, your partner or a flight attendant if traveling alone. You should also wait before boarding, allow everyone else to board and exit the plane before you do. That will mean you don’t have to stand around waiting too long and there is no danger of being pushed around.

Your doctor will need to know as soon as possible about your travel plans especially if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, placental abnormalities, spotting or are carrying twins. These can all contribute to an increased risk of harm when flying during the third trimester and your doctor may have to insist you cancel or postpone your plans.

It is generally advised that even though you may be enjoying a healthy and normal pregnancy you do not fly within your third trimester just to be safe especially in your final month. If you simply cannot reschedule your journey you need to bring with you a note from your doctor that states your due date so there is no confusion or debate at the airport. The last thing you need is to arrive at the airport and have your pregnancy duration challenged by suspicious airport staff, especially if your bump is very large. You will still have to check that you can fly as some airlines will not permit travel much earlier than others. Each airline has different rules and regulations regarding flight during pregnancy and this could affect your travel plans considerably.

One thing to remember is to make sure you will still be within their acceptable limits on the return flight and ensure you check up with the right airlines as they very often can be different from the ones you travel with first. Failure to check up on this could result in you being unable to fly home again after your holiday and your child will be born abroad.

Your doctor will refer you to an appropriate medical professional for the duration of your holiday so make sure you get their contact details and keep them with you at all times should anything happen. You will also need to take your prenatal chart with you which will have all your pertinent medical data on it.

Finally, make sure you reserve a plane seat that is on the aisle and as close to the middle of the plane as possible. This will make sure your ride is as smooth and comfortable as possible and will also make it easier for you to get up mid flight to walk around and visit the bathroom.

Firstly, try not to worry about it. You don’t need to cancel your flight plans when you find out you are pregnant, many people travel whilst pregnant and there is no link between flying during pregnancy and miscarriage. Stress and tension however, can be harmful to you and your baby so try to stay calm and relaxed. If you are uncomfortable on planes to begin with you should perhaps consider rescheduling or cancelling your flight as giving yourself any unnecessary stress may be harmful.

During the first trimester of your pregnancy the biggest issues will be nausea and fatigue. Morning sickness can make a plane ride very uncomfortable and distressing so if you are suffering from morning sickness or even if you suffer from travel sickness you should consider asking the airline for a seat near the middle of the plane over the wing. This area provides the smoothest ride and will reduce your risk of nausea on the journey. With fatigue it is important you do not sleep for long periods of time on the plane. Pregnant women have an increased risk of DVT so ensure you get up regularly and move about the plane to stretch out your limbs and to keep your circulation running smoothly.

It may seem rude of people to get on and off without letting you get up or go sit down first but to ensure you don’t have any long periods of standing make sure you disembark or get on the plane last. This will allow everyone to get on or off the plane first and you can then go straight to your seat without the fear of being pushed around or standing up for too long.

Ask the flight attendant for extra sick bags just in case, they should be able to provide you with two or three just in case you get sick along the way. Some airline flight attendants can be very considerate and will check up on you from time to time and look after you during the journey. To help settle your stomach pack some light snacks such as crackers or an apple. Avoid heavy foods such as greasy fast food or large meals before travelling.

Your doctor may wish to refer you to a medical professional to look after you while you are on holiday. If they do, make sure you keep the contact details of this professional close to hand throughout your journey. You will not need a pre-natal chart with you if traveling in your first trimester.

How does this Affect Flight Travel?
The quantity of exposure to cosmic radiation during flight travel will depend on how often you fly, how long your flight journey is and the solar activity at the time. However, solar flares contribute very minimally towards cosmic radiation overall. If you fly very rarely, such as an annual holiday you have nothing to worry about as exposure will be very low. For people who fly frequently such as air flight attendants and people who travel frequently for business it may be that the radiation you are exposed to becomes a little more than that normally experienced by ground workers.

How much is too much?
During flight cosmic radiation can be up to 100 times more intense than that experienced on the ground. However, don’t let this frighten you off flying; this amount is still amazingly minimal and quite negligible. You would have to fly 100 single way trips before you were exposed to the same amount of radiation as we normally experience within a year.

However it is important to know that some researchers believe persistent flying can lead to cancer if not years then decades on down the line.  However the chance of you contracting cancer at some point in your life due to frequent flying is very, very slim and thus dramatically so for any one who is just a casual holiday maker.

Can Cosmic Radiation during Flight Harm my Baby?
It is still not really known if frequent flying can cause harm to an unborn baby or not however it is widely regarded that annual trips will not cause any harm. Generally speaking, try to avoid flying during pregnancy if you can as traveling whilst pregnant can be very uncomfortable however, if you can’t reschedule or do not wish to it’s perfectly safe for you to continue with your air travel plans.

It is not recommended to travel by plane during the third trimester and most airports refuse boarding if you are over 35 weeks of pregnancy. Most studies and researchers have concluded that there are no signs of cosmic radiation exposure during pregnancy causes any birth defects but we do know that unborn babies tend to be much more sensitive to these elements. As such authorities have concluded that no pregnant women should expose herself to more than 200 hours of flying during this time which will keep exposure to an acceptable minimum and be very highly unlikely to cause any problems whatsoever.

Summary

• Cosmic radiation occurs when charged particles collide with atoms in the earth’s atmosphere.

• The more you fly the more you are exposed to cosmic radiation but this is till very minimal.

• Researchers have concluded that flight travel during pregnancy is not harmful to unborn babies.

• It is recommended you fly no more than 200 hours in total during your pregnancy.

If your job entails flying whether you are a flight attendant, a pilot or anything else that requires constant flying you should read this article which has been specifically designed to give you as much information as possible to help you understand flying and the effects on your pregnancy.

Can I Still Do My Job?
You may be concerned about your ability to do your job whilst pregnant. Your employer should be notified immediately about your pregnancy and they will probably want to do a work risk assessment with you to find out how safe it is for you to continue with your work. During the first trimester you will probably still continue working on the plane if you are a flight attendant or a pilot, although if you prefer you can make a request to be grounded immediately. The main concern during the first trimester is how you are feeling during this time. This part of your pregnancy can be the most turbulent because you may suffer from morning sickness, travel sickness and dizziness. If you find yourself unable to cope at any time with these symptoms during flight travel you should talk to your manager immediately for a ground transfer to be arranged.

When will I be unable to travel?
Airports and airlines will generally refuse flight travel to any woman over 35 weeks pregnant although some may refuse it earlier than this. If you specifically work for an airline it is likely that you will stop your flight attendant duties much earlier than this. Most airlines will arrange for you to undertake a desk job for the duration of your pregnancy.

Is it Safe to Fly during Pregnancy?
There are two things to consider when flying during pregnancy. Firstly, pregnant women are at a slightly higher risk of developing DVT during flight travel. This is not something to be concerned about however, all you need to do is remember to keep walking around as much as possible. You also need to make sure you are properly hydrated so remember to keep a good supply of water or juice to hand with you on your journeys and you will probably end up going to the bathroom a lot to stretch your legs anyway.

Secondly, research has shown that unborn children can be highly susceptible to radiation interference during the development process and as such it is noted that constant flight could cause birth defects.  It is therefore recommended you do not fly more than 200 hours during your pregnancy to limit exposure and keep it well below safety requirements. If your job requires more flying trips than this you should talk to your manager immediately so that alternative arrangements can be made as soon as possible.

1. Talk to your doctor or midwife beforehand. They will assign an overseas doctor or medical professional in the locality of where you are staying so should anything happen while you are away you will have someone to tend to you and look after you properly without having to catch a flight home or being left stranded. They will refer you to an appropriate professional and provide you with contact details which you should keep with you at all time during your holiday.

2. Bring a copy of your prenatal chart with you if you are in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Keep the chart with you at all times and ensure your partner or travel companion knows where it is at all times. This chart will have all your information on it so that if anything should happen and no medical information is to hand they will have the chart to work from.

3. Check with the airlines to make sure that you will still be able to fly at the time of your journey. Some airlines will not permit flight travel after a certain week in your pregnancy so you will need to find out sooner rather than later on when you are at the airport.

4. Make sure you have an ample supply of juice and water available to you on the plane. Airplanes can dehydrate you, which is definitely something you need to avoid whilst pregnant. Drink plenty of fluids on your plane journey and stay away from caffeine. It’s important to note that some airports do not allow clear liquid to pass through the gate, only coloured liquids such as juice. If you want water too you will have to purchase it from the vendors inside the boarding/waiting area which can cost a little more.

5. Bring yourself some flight socks and remember to get up frequently and walk around a bit whilst on the plane. Blood clots and circulatory problems are a higher risk to those who are pregnant so make sure you don’t stay sat still for too long.

6. Get someone to help you carry your bags especially if you are travelling alone. Airport staff are usually on hand to help you but in some airports they have the insensitivity to expect a tip for their efforts so be forewarned.

7. Bring a small pillow to support your back. This can be especially handy if your plane is delayed as you don’t want to sit in the waiting area with a bad back for hours.

Follow these simple steps and your plane journey and holiday will be as smooth and safe as possible.

Why do Blood Clots Occur?
Blood does not naturally clot, it flows freely through the veins and should not normally come into any trouble doing so. The blood flow in leg veins is helped by our leg movements as the muscles in our legs help to squeeze the veins. Sometimes the blood clot happens for no apparent reason however, there are some situations which can significantly increase the risk of blood clots. These are just a few of the main causes of a DVT.

1. Immobility slows down the flow of blood in our body which makes it more likely to cause clotting.  This includes long journeys, or an illness or injury that causes you to become immobile for some time.

2. A surgical operation that lasts more than 30 minutes can cause clotting because the legs are still and the flow of blood in them becomes very slow.

3. Damage to the inside lining of the vein can increase the risk of blood clotting so if you have had DVT in the past you have an increased risk of developing one in the future.

4. Pregnancy can also increase the risk. Every 1 in 1000 pregnant women develops a DVT.

Can I Get DVT if I fly during pregnancy?
Generally speaking, yes you can get DVT if you fly during pregnancy just like anyone else who flies whether they are pregnant or not. However, pregnancy is a possible cause of DVT and increases the risk of a DVT developing so you are more likely to have this problem. Long flights can often be causes of DVT on their own because they require being immobile for a long period of time. That is why it is important for you to get up and move around during a long flight. Make sure you go for regular walks to stretch out your legs. Flying during pregnancy is perfectly safe and most airlines will allow travel up to 35 weeks into the pregnancy.

I have had a DVT before and I am now pregnant, should I fly?
Before you make any travel plans or decide to fly you should consult with your doctor first. It may be dangerous for you to fly whilst pregnant if you have had any DVT problems in the past. This is because flying and pregnancy both increase the risk of your DVT and past DVT problems can cause damage to the inner layer of the veins which in turn also increases your risk of clotting. This in essence means it’s probably best for you and your unborn child to not fly during your pregnancy and your doctor may inform you that flying is strictly off limits because of this.

Can I Disobey my Doctor?
You are not under house arrest when the doctor informs you that you shouldn’t fly during pregnancy because of medical concerns like DVT; however it is best you heed your doctor’s advice to ensure your pregnancy is as safe and risk free as possible. If you have a high risk of DVT, flying during pregnancy can be very dangerous for you and your child.  Most airlines will also request a note form your doctor stating you are fit and healthy to fly and when your due date is. If your doctor has forbidden travelling you will most likely not get this letter from him unless the journey is very urgent and cannot be postponed.

You should ensure that your doctor or midwife refers you to an appropriate medical professional at your holiday destination so that you can quickly seek medical advice or help during your holiday if you need it. You should also remember to take a copy of your prenatal chart with you so that all your relevant information is to hand if you are flying during pregnancy, if you are only travelling in your first trimester this is not necessary.

Can the Metal Detectors Harm my Baby?
Metal detectors emit a very low frequency electromagnetic field in order to detect metal items. These metal detectors emit the same kind of electromagnetic field as any of the electrical appliances found in everyday households and uses such low levels that it is not considered harmful in any way even for pregnant women. Both the walk through and hand held metal detectors are perfectly safe to use.

Can I be Exposed to the Radiation from the Luggage Scanning Machine?
The machine that scans hand held luggage for dangerous content uses x-ray technology to see inside the bags without opening them. However, in order to make the machine safe to use on a daily basis by the terminal staff the machine does not give off any radiation. In order to be exposed to significant levels of radiation you would need to actually put your hand through the flaps where the bag goes in. Just place your bag on the conveyor belt as normal and then wait for it at the other side, if it makes you feel uneasy there is no reason why you have to wait around the machine itself, but unless you put a limb inside the machine, you are perfectly safe.

Can the Cabin Pressure Harm my Baby?
Airplanes maintain a standard level of pressure within the cabin that is acceptable for healthy individuals to travel in. If you and your baby are healthy you will have no problems in this environment and flying during pregnancy will be safe. The cabin pressure is a bit lower than on land which means your body has to work a bit harder to get a decent supply of oxygen so if you suffer from anemia, a history of blood clots or other circulatory related diseases you should check with your doctor beforehand and consider avoiding plane travel. If travel is mandatory you may be prescribed with oxygen for your journey if flying during pregnancy.