Staying safe

• Keep away from things that can hurt you or your baby.
• Smoking and abuse can be harmful during pregnancy.
• Stay safe, seek help and ask your provider any questions.

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Is air travel safe during pregnancy?

If your pregnancy is healthy, it’s usually safe to travel by plane. Follow these tips when traveling by air:

• Ask your airline if they have a cut-off time for traveling during pregnancy. You can fly on most airlines up to 36 weeks of pregnancy. But if you’re flying out of the country, the cut-off time may be earlier.
• If you’ve had morning sickness during pregnancy, ask your provider if you can take medicine to help with nausea.
• Book an aisle seat so you don't have to climb over other passengers when you need to get up to use the restroom or walk around. Try sitting towards the front of the plane where the ride feels smoother.
• Drink plenty of water. Don’t drink carbonated drinks, such as soda. And don’t eat foods, such as beans, that may cause gas. Gas in your belly can expand at high altitudes and make you feel uncomfortable.
• Fasten your seat belt when you’re in your seat. This can help keep you from getting hurt in case of turbulence. Turbulence happens when the air around a flying plane causes a bumpy ride.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Flex your ankles during the flight, and take a walk when it's safe to leave your seat. Doing these things can help your blood flow and lower your risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot inside a vein. Sitting for long stretches of time during any kind of travel raises your chances of having DVT. Ask your health care provider if you should wear support stockings during your flight. They may help prevent DVT. But if you have diabetes or problems with blood circulation, you probably shouldn’t wear them.
• Tell the flight attendant if you feel sick or very uncomfortable during your flight. Contact your provider as soon as you can.

Last reviewed November 2012