Flight Attendants’ Guide to Flying during Pregnancy
Flying can be scary enough on it’s own without learning you are pregnant too, but for airplane workers it can be even more distressing especially when you have a lot of questions about flying during pregnancy and your job.
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.
Category: Flying During Pregnancy
