What trimester can you fly in. How harmful flights are for pregnant women. The safest time to fly during pregnancy

Due to its high speed and undeniable comfort, air travel is one of the most popular ways to travel long distances. Although many passengers experience fear or anxiety when boarding, airplanes are considered the safest means of transport when compared to trains, buses or cars. But for a pregnant woman, everything is completely different, especially in the early stages, when her health and the baby's life are especially fragile.

Is it dangerous to fly in the first trimester?

Gynecologists do not recommend that pregnant women travel by plane (as, indeed, by any other form of transport) in the early stages. This is primarily due to the fact that during this period, the risk of spontaneous abortion (miscarriage), detachment of the ovum or an incompletely formed placenta is especially high. In addition, more than half of all expectant mothers in the first months of pregnancy suffer from toxicosis of varying severity. Air travel, especially lasting more than 2 hours, can aggravate unpleasant symptoms (nausea, vomiting, dizziness, weakness), which will negatively affect the health of the expectant mother.

Until the 14th week, the body of a pregnant woman is weakened by the changes occurring in it, and the fetus is actively developing internal organs and systems, therefore, doctors advise spending this time in the most comfortable environment, avoiding additional stress and anxiety. It is better to postpone any trips to the second trimester, when the mother's body has already fully adapted to its new function, and the risk will be minimal.

What could be the threat of traveling by plane:

During a flight, even ordinary people often experience unpleasant sensations, but for a pregnant woman they can all increase several times, because she is much more susceptible to external influences. What factors can affect the state of the expectant mother and her baby on board the plane?

- pressure drops

During takeoff and landing, many passengers get their ears blocked. This is due to a sharp change in external pressure, which at altitude differs significantly from the usual rate. Internal (arterial) pressure directly depends on the external one. In the later stages, such changes significantly increase the risk of premature discharge of amniotic fluid and the onset of labor; in the early stages, a miscarriage may occur or the tone of the uterus may increase. Nevertheless, there are currently no statistical data confirming the dependence of spontaneous abortions (premature births) on air travel.

- lack of oxygen

At an altitude in the cabin of the aircraft, the concentration of oxygen in the air does indeed decrease, this is especially noticeable in the tail of the aircraft. But scientists have proven that such insignificant changes cannot affect the condition of the fetus. However, this applies exclusively to healthy women, whose pregnancy takes place without complications. If the expectant mother suffers from anemia (low levels of hemoglobin in the blood) or diseases of the respiratory system, flights are strictly contraindicated for her, since even a slight decrease in oxygen concentration can lead to fetal hypoxia.

- risk of thrombosis and thromboembolism

Even without taking into account the additional load during pregnancy, the risk of deep vein thrombosis increases 5 times, therefore, in order for the flight to pass without complications, it is worth minimizing the likelihood of such a complication. Here are some tips on how to do this:

• during the entire flight, wear compression stockings or tights that reduce the load on the veins;
• drink enough fluids, preferring water and juices;
• do a little warm-up every hour (walk around the cabin, strain and relax the leg muscles).

If you know about your predisposition to the development of thromboembolism in advance, you should consult with your doctor supervising the pregnancy before flying. In some cases, drug therapy may be prescribed, but in the first trimester of pregnancy it is contraindicated.

-irradiation

The higher a person rises above the surface of the earth, the stronger the effect of solar radiation on him. This happens because the filtering layer of the atmosphere at this level is much thinner. Nevertheless, even with a long flight at such an altitude, the dose of radiation received will be several times lower than with a conventional X-ray examination, and will not affect the further development of the child.

- dry air on the plane

Conditioned air can cause significant discomfort during the flight, drying out the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and even causing dehydration on long flights. In order for the flight to be as comfortable as possible, you must drink at least half a liter of water every hour, wash or wipe your face with a damp cloth as needed, and special sprays (for example, Aquamaris) can be used to moisturize the nasal cavity.

- increased infectious danger

For the sake of fairness, it should be noted that the risk of contracting any disease exists in any crowded place (metro, supermarket, even a theater); during an air flight, it is aggravated by the fact that passengers are forced to stay in a confined space for a long time and open the window to ventilate, when this is not possible. During the flight, the air inside the cabin is purified by special systems, but this way it is impossible to completely get rid of the bacterial and viral threat. For a pregnant woman, whose immunity is already reduced, the risk of infection is much higher than for other passengers.

As a precautionary measure, you can use a special medical mask, but it should be understood that it does not give a 100% guarantee. It is strongly discouraged to take any medications (especially without consulting a doctor) in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Who is banned from flying?

A short time in itself is a contraindication to air travel, but rather relative than absolute. Women should definitely not board the plane in the following cases:

• if there is a threat of spontaneous termination of pregnancy (or if similar situations have occurred before);
• in acute forms of toxicosis;
• with anemia and exacerbation of chronic diseases;
• with increased tone of the uterus;
• with placenta previa;
• in the presence of bloody discharge.

In more detail about possible contraindications and individual recommendations for a future flight, you can check with the doctor who monitors the pregnancy. He will be able to tell exactly what the risks are, based on research data and the health status of his patient.

What if you still need to fly?

If financial possibilities permit, it is better to purchase tickets for business class, which is distinguished by more comfortable seats and a higher quality of service. In addition, there is more free space for walking around the cabin and exercising regularly.

Here are some more tips to make your flight more comfortable:

• wear comfortable clothes made from natural fabrics, as well as compression stockings;
• take with you a small pillow under the neck and lower back, a blanket will also not be superfluous;
• drink at least half a liter of water every hour (it is better to exclude tea and coffee);
• choose a seat near the aisle (this will allow you not to disturb the other passengers once again and will slightly reduce the crowding);
• stretch your legs and back regularly;
• take nasal drops (spray) and wet wipes with you;
• always fasten your seat belt only under the belly;
• a mild sedative will help you relax and be less nervous during the flight (you should consult your doctor for specific recommendations);
• You must have all the necessary documents with you, including a medical policy and an exchange card; in addition, it makes sense to write down the phone numbers of relatives and friends on a separate sheet for emergency communication.

One way or another, many pregnant women fly by air (including at an early date) and only a few of them experience unforeseen situations. It is worth risking or not, in any case, only the expectant mother herself can decide.

Specially for- Elena Kichak

It is worth immediately dotting the i - pregnancy itself is not a contraindication to flying. And in general, this is not a disease. But all the same, the expectant mother, to one degree or another, needs to reckon with her position.

General information about flying during pregnancy

To begin with, it is worth considering that the course of pregnancy very individual for all women, therefore, it is impossible to refer to a friend / sister / daughter-in-law when deciding on a trip. If it was not contraindicated for them to fly by plane during pregnancy, this does not mean that it is possible for you, and vice versa.

If your friend, for example, has been in bed for the entire pregnancy, it is not at all necessary that you should do the same. And your friend, a ballerina, did not give up her occupation at all until the very birth. Or her sister was actively involved in ballroom dancing, or in the seventh month she conquered Everest, or jumped with a parachute - do not rush to repeat her personal records.

First, consider your age, your current state of health, and the length of your pregnancy. All perfectly? Do you have such analyzes that even launch them into space? Feel the wings growing behind your back?

However, even in this case, you cannot predict the reaction of your body to new climatic conditions. It is quite possible that, feeling great in your familiar climate, you will feel worse if you go, for example, to Tunisia.

In addition, do not forget that many foreign airlines do not allow women on board their aircraft for more than six months. As a rule, with you require a certificate, which should indicate the approximate due date and the absence of any contraindications for flights. However, on the territory of the CIS countries, companies are more loyal.

Moreover, our flight attendants even take first aid courses during childbirth, apparently such situations on board domestic aircraft are not uncommon. By the way, this is also a reason to think.

All of the above is only a warning, and not a categorical prohibition on flying during pregnancy. In any case, only a doctor can allow or prohibit you to fly. However, it is worthwhile to independently study the contraindications to flights.

Under what circumstances are pregnant women prohibited from flying on an airplane?

There is an opinion that in the early stages of pregnancy, flights are a threat to the development of the fetus, they say, are fraught with all sorts of pathologies and defects. Let's face it, there is no scientific basis for this statement. And yet, it is short term is one of the first contraindications to flying on an airplane during pregnancy. This is due to the fact that during takeoff and landing, the body experiences sudden pressure drops, which is fraught with the tone of the uterus and can provoke a miscarriage, especially if your fetus is located low.

Also, high blood pressure threatens with detachment of the ovum or placenta. In addition, it will not be superfluous to determine the length of the cervix using ultrasound. If you have it less than 15 mm, this is a potential threat of premature birth.

Again, after the fourth month, you must have a doctor's note with you, otherwise you may not be allowed on board.

Serious contraindications for flying pregnant women on an airplane are various ailments that the expectant mother suffers from. If you have phlebeurysm or thrombophlebitis , in order to avoid negative consequences, it is better to refuse long travel or choose an alternative mode of transport.

Keep in mind that if your legs swell and go numb, even an hour in a static sitting position will be enough for complications to begin. Worse than an airplane in this particular case, it can only be traveling by road, because there your movements will not only be limited, but impossible.

Do not forget that at an altitude of more than 3000 m, the oxygen level in the aircraft cabin is significantly reduced, which is a potential threat to the child. An excess of carbon dioxide in the mother's blood can cause it. Moreover, if you were given diagnosis "chronic fetal hypoxia" or "intrauterine fetal retention" , you cannot fly by plane.

Also, do not go on air travel if you have a difficult toxicosis, gestosis, multiple pregnancy, at a later date or you have used in vitro fertilization .

In what cases are pregnant women allowed to fly by plane?

A fair objection may arise: it was said that pregnancy itself is not an obstacle to flying, but wherever you look, there are some contraindications. Indeed, many pregnant women fly safely. And the first indication for flight is the absence of all the listed contraindications, as well as, if you completely healthy ... In addition, you should consider the length of your pregnancy. Most travel friendly second trimester .

All the vital organs of the child have been formed by this time, and you are already accustomed to this position and have studied the reactions of your body. In addition, the expectant mother in the second trimester remains quite mobile, because there is still a decent period of time before giving birth. This period is most favorable for air flights, since the risk of unforeseen complications in the well-being of the expectant mother is minimized.

There are situations that force a pregnant woman to get on a plane, despite the term. If there is no way to postpone the flight, your task is to make it as comfortable as possible, and therefore safe.

Best of all, of course fly business class ... There are two reasons for this - physical and psychological. The first is due to the comfortable wide seats, more space between the rows than in the economy class. In addition, smoking is prohibited in business class lounges. And in the tail, the lack of oxygen is especially noticeable.

It is also important that stewardesses have a special attitude towards business class passengers. You don't have to worry about extra mineral water or juice. Although this seems wrong, because the staff should take care of all passengers equally, but, unfortunately, you cannot count on the increased attention of the flight attendant while sitting in economy class.

Also, before getting on the plane, you should stock up on sedatives if you have an inherent excitement during the flight.

If you have a long flight - don't be lazy get up and stretch your stiff legs and back. In addition, a walk before the flight will be useful, at least around the airport. If you have signs of varicose veins, especially during long periods of pregnancy, wear compression socks.

It will not be superfluous to take on a trip small neck pillow and bedspread ... An additional blanket, which will be given to you by the flight attendant, can be placed under the lower back. This will help you get into the most comfortable position and avoid back and neck pain.

Best for flying clothes loose fit from soft natural fabrics.

Safety belt must be fastened under the belly.

Replies

There are many frightening stories about the effects of flying on an airplane on pregnancy. But what is true about them? When are expectant mothers prohibited from flying? What rules will help them reschedule their air travel?

Pregnancy and the plane: where the dangers really lie

Here are ten of the most common reasons why people who are against air travel during pregnancy are:

1. Heavy bags.

If you plan to take a lot of things with you, you should take care of a trolley suitcase with a convenient handle so that you can roll it without tilting the body. Better yet, if you can be escorted to the plane and met at the airport, eliminating the need to lift weights. This precaution will not hurt at any stage of pregnancy.

2. Inability to receive urgent qualified medical assistance during the flight.

This is the main reason why most airlines are reluctant to take pregnant passengers on board. Many carriers also require you to provide a conclusion taken the day before from a gynecologist or even from a medical representative of the airline that there are no contraindications to the flight. In some cases, the expectant mother will not be allowed on board the plane without a receipt for the release of liability from the carrier, or even without an accompanying doctor! For more details on the requirements of each airline, see the table.

The fears are understandable: although the flight attendants are trained in obstetric techniques, they will not be able to provide full-fledged resuscitation assistance to the child or his mother in the event of an emergency. It is clear that it is impossible to deploy an operating room for a caesarean section or a blood transfusion department on board a passenger liner. So during pregnancy, you need to very carefully consider the possibility of flying, especially if you are planning to deliver by cesarean section.

If the expectant mother is constantly taking any medications, it is necessary to take them with you on the plane. You can supplement the first aid kit with a remedy for heartburn, activated charcoal in case of bloating, mints for nausea, nasal spray with sea or mineral water.

3. Checking with a metal detector during check-in before the flight.

Modern devices for monitoring passengers do not generate X-rays, but a weak magnetic field. Therefore, they do not represent any danger to the fetus at any stage of pregnancy.

4. Vibration and shaking during flight.

In the first trimester of pregnancy, this can provoke nausea and vomiting, especially in expectant mothers prone to motion sickness. For this reason, it is forbidden to fly if there is a threat of premature birth, with bloody discharge or preeclampsia.

Entry into turbulent air currents is inevitable. Therefore, it is necessary to choose modern models of air liners and not sit in the tail of the aircraft, where the shaking is felt more strongly.

5. Differences in atmospheric pressure.

The higher the plane soars into the sky, the lower the atmospheric pressure and the partial tension of oxygen in the inhaled air. Pregnant women are already sensitive to a lack of oxygen, and during an air flight, this condition has to be endured for several hours. This explains a possible deterioration in well-being: a feeling of lack of air, increasing weakness, headache and dizziness. At the same time, the child does not suffer. His erythrocytes contain a special fetal hemoglobin that binds oxygen much stronger than the "adult" hemoglobin of the mother. A great danger to the expectant mother and baby is only anemia, which leads to severe oxygen starvation. Therefore, grade 3 anemia is absolute, and grade 2 anemia is a relative contraindication to flying.

Severe changes in atmospheric pressure can cause vasospasm of the placenta and even its detachment. This is dangerous both for the child (severe hypoxia develops) and for the mother (bleeding occurs).

6. Solar radiation.

At high altitudes, due to the thinness of the atmosphere, the liner is poorly protected from ionizing solar particles. But their strength is so scanty that rare flights do not affect the child's health in any way. Doctors recommend refraining from frequent and long travel by plane only in the first trimester of pregnancy. For example, flight attendants are offered temporary ground work.

7. Prolonged immobility.

This is a very serious problem that can even cause life-threatening complications in pregnant women. A large uterus in a sitting position strongly compresses the veins, disrupting the outflow of blood from the legs. Therefore, during the flight, pronounced swelling in the legs, and increased varicose veins... And blood stasis, especially if you are overweight, easily provokes deep vein thrombosis and increases the risk of deadly pulmonary embolism (PE).

How can you avoid this? Firstly, with a tendency to hypercoagulability of blood (that is, with a tendency to thrombosis), according to the doctor's prescription, on the day of the flight and the next day, an injection of low molecular weight heparin is given, which reduces blood clotting. Secondly, during the flight, you must drink no less fluids than on other days, without being embarrassed by the frequent urge to urinate. Thirdly, you need to use every opportunity to move, walk around the cabin or hold your legs above the level of the body in order to reduce the stagnation of blood in them.

8. Dehydration.

During the flight, dry air is supplied to the aircraft cabin. In addition, people drink less liquids than usual, and from drinks they prefer diuretics, tea, coffee, and sugar-saturated fizz. Therefore, it is important to drink clean and mineral water without fear of frequent trips to the toilet. Moreover, this is another reason to move.

9. Increased swelling of the nose.

It's not the hormones of pregnancy that are to blame, but the dry air in the cabin. Doctors recommend regularly sprinkling the nasal passages with mineral water from a personal first aid kit.

10. Excessive excitement and fatigue due to jet lag

A long exhausting journey can be a triggering factor for the development of the threat of termination of pregnancy.

When are pregnant women contraindicated to fly

Common sense should force you to refuse to fly an airplane if a pregnant woman:

• the threat of termination of pregnancy or premature birth;
• chatic placental abruption;
• iron deficiency anemia of grade 3 or sickle cell;
• the day before there were blood-stained discharge from the genital tract;
• full or partial placenta previa with occasional spotting spotting;
• preeclampsia;
• acute otitis media or sinusitis, diseases of the lungs and heart, accompanied by a feeling of lack of air.

All other contraindications are relative. This means that in special cases, the doctor can allow the flight, but the risk of complications for the mother and her baby is very high. Such contraindications include exacerbation of any chronic or acute illness of a pregnant woman, severe nausea and vomiting, conception as a result of the use of obstetric technologies, multiple pregnancy, a scar on the uterus, anemia of the 2nd degree.

Airplane during pregnancy: how to avoid problems

1. When buying a ticket, ask for a seat next to the emergency exit - there is more room.
2. Be among the last to board a plane to avoid crowding and unwanted contact with viruses.
3. Wear compression stockings on your legs or bandage them tightly with an elastic wide bandage to reduce stagnation of blood in the veins.
4. Sitting not strictly straight, but leaning back slightly on the seat - this way the vessels of the legs are less compressed and the back is relaxed.
5. If nausea suffers before the flight, it is better not to read on the way, but to sleep.
6. Eat in small portions, but often. For heartburn, high blood pressure and stomach problems, you can order individual meals in advance.
7. Have dark chocolate with you in your purse to prevent the attacks of nausea that occur due to carbohydrate hunger.
8. Do not worry in vain: the baby feels everything. Keep all your medical records and a notebook with contact numbers of close relatives or friends nearby.
9. Get insurance that will cover the cost of medical care in case of premature birth or other obstetric situations.
10. Buckle up at the request of the guide, but make sure that the belt is located under the belly.

Table: features of the conditions for accepting pregnant passengers on board the aircraft of various airlines

Airline	At what stage of pregnancy is the flight prohibited?	Do I need a certificate-permission for a flight from an obstetrician	Do I need a receipt for the release of liability from the airline
Aeroflot	After 36 weeks (twins - after 34 weeks)	Yes - indicating the gestational age and expected due date - no earlier than a week before the flight.
	Allowed	Yes - there must be a record of the absence of contraindications to the flight on the date of the flight
Transaero	After 36 weeks	Yes, with the obligatory provision of an exchange card
Utair	Allowed	Yes, no earlier than a week before the flight	Yes, for a company representative and a copy for a woman
Northwest Airlines	After 36 weeks
	After 36 weeks
	Allowed	After only 36 weeks
British European	After 36 weeks	Yes, no later than a week before the flight
	After 36 weeks
	Allowed
	Allowed	Must be accompanied by a doctor after 34 weeks
American airlines	Allowed	After 36 weeks (for domestic flights - after 39 weeks) - a doctor's note (not more than 2 days old). 10 days before delivery - permission from the airline's medical service
	Allowed	Up to 34 weeks - not required. After 34 weeks, the doctor must complete the MEDIF (one week before the flight)
	Allowed	Up to 36 weeks - not required. After 36 weeks - a certificate from the airline's medical center
	After 36 weeks. For short flights within Scandinavian countries - after 38 weeks	Yes, after 28 weeks of pregnancy (send a certificate to the airline one day before the flight)
	Flights with multiple pregnancies and after 36 weeks are prohibited

Many modern people are accustomed to leading an active lifestyle and expectant mothers are no exception. Pregnant women are preparing for the birth of a baby, making the necessary purchases. They read useful information, meet and chat with friends. Many attend special courses for expectant mothers, go in for sports, take care of themselves. And sometimes circumstances develop so that it becomes necessary to travel a long distance, for example, on a business trip, on vacation, to visit. No type of transport raises as many questions, concerns and disputes as an airplane. The expectant mother may be worried about the question, flights during pregnancy are also dangerous, whether they will harm the baby. It is worth noting that even doctors have not yet come to a consensus. But, nevertheless, you should study the relevant information in order to be able to draw your own conclusions.

Potential concerns

It is believed that if the pregnancy is proceeding normally, then the flight will not cause any negative consequences. But it is important to remember that the first and third trimesters are considered unfavorable times for air travel. The fact is that in the first weeks the risk of miscarriage is increased, and in the later stages the risk of placental abruption and premature birth increases. Therefore, the second trimester is considered the most optimal period for air travel. However, many women fly both early and late and tolerate the flight well.

You should figure out what exactly can be scary during air travel and how to avoid the consequences.

1. Differences in atmospheric pressure. During the flight, pressure drops are inevitable, which will be especially felt during takeoff and landing. It is believed that this can cause premature birth, rupture of amniotic fluid, placental abruption. This fact should be paid attention to those expectant mothers who are at risk of such complications.
2. Lack of oxygen. This is another reason that can make an expectant mother worry when planning a flight. Indeed, during the flight, the air concentration in the cabin decreases, and this can cause oxygen starvation, which poses a danger to the baby. But if a woman is healthy, then she shouldn't worry. Lack of oxygen during the flight cannot damage her or the baby. But expectant mothers who have anemia should remember this phenomenon.
3. Increased background radiation. During the flight, the level of radiation increases, which affects the human body. But don't worry about this! It is believed that this radiation dose is still much lower than the maximum allowable. Therefore, if a woman makes single flights within 9 months, this will not affect her in any way.
4. Varicose veins, blood congestion, thrombosis. Pregnant women are more likely to have these complications, even if they are on the ground and not on board. And during the flight, this risk increases due to pressure drops and prolonged sitting in a chair, especially for long trips (more than 8 hours). The risk group includes women who already have similar problems, as well as those who are overweight.
5. The appearance of a runny nose, sore throat. Due to the dry air on the plane, a pregnant woman may feel a stuffy nose or a sore throat. This is due to the fact that the mucous membranes of expectant mothers are prone to edema and can dry out. Drinking plenty of fluids and moisturizing your face with mineral water will help reduce discomfort.

It is also possible to travel by plane during pregnancy, the main thing is to follow a number of important rules

Contraindications

Of course, if the pregnant woman is in good health, then the flight will not have a negative effect. But, unfortunately, sometimes such conditions are possible in which it is best for a woman to refuse to travel by air.

Contraindications to flying during pregnancy are:

• the presence of severe anemia;
• risk of miscarriage;
• anomalies in the structure of the placenta;
• hypertension;
• preeclampsia, severe toxicosis, preeclampsia;
• neurological diseases;
• diseases of the lungs, heart;
• inflammatory diseases;
• transferred thrombophlebitis.

Be sure to consult your doctor if a flight is possible in your particular case

Important! In addition to complications that may be contraindications to the flight of pregnant women, WHO does not recommend air travel to expectant mothers with a period of more than 36 weeks (in the case of more than 32 weeks). The same applies to women who gave birth less than 7 days ago.

Video about the dangers of flying in late pregnancy

Of course, before going on a trip, it would be right to consult with your doctor and listen to his opinion. But airlines can dictate their terms for expectant mothers. Therefore, you should first find out what exactly the requirements are, because, perhaps, additional documents will be needed when checking in for the flight.

Each airline dictates its own rules regarding the flight of pregnant women, and you should familiarize yourself with them.

Airline	Flight rules for pregnant women
Aeroflot	If the flight is planned in the last 4 weeks before the PDR, then the written consent of the doctor is required. It should be noted that the airline requires a medical certificate to be issued no earlier than 7 days before the departure date. Also on board the aircraft, pregnant women are not provided with seats in the emergency exit row.
S7	- the pregnant woman must submit a medical report stating that she has no contraindications to the flight; - if any consequences arise, the airline does not bear any responsibility to the woman.
Air France	Air France does not impose strict rules; a doctor's certificate is not required.
Lufthansa	- flights are allowed for women whose gestational age does not exceed 36 full weeks; - expectant mothers, starting from the 28th week, are recommended to receive a letter from the doctor confirming that the pregnancy goes without pathologies and the flight cannot harm the health of the woman or the baby; the DA must also be indicated; - in cases of multiple pregnancies, women with a gestational age of more than 28 weeks are not allowed to fly. This airline has a special certificate for expectant mothers, the form of which must be completed by the observing gynecologist.
Finnair	- flights are allowed up to 36 weeks, but short trips through the territory of Finland and Scandinavia are allowed up to 38 weeks, but only if the pregnancy has no complications; - to be able to travel after 28 weeks, the expectant mother must submit a medical certificate on a special form, received no earlier than 27 weeks. This certificate can be obtained once and presented with each subsequent flight after 28 weeks. But only if there are no changes in the state of health. Finnair allows infants over 2 days old to fly.
Transaero	-It is recommended to carry out flights up to 36 weeks; - at registration, you must present a certificate of health and an exchange card; - the airline will not be responsible for the consequences of the flight.
Utair	- admits to flights only those women whose gestation period does not exceed 36 weeks; - for the flight, it is necessary to present a certificate of normal health, which must be issued within 7 days before the departure date; - the airline allows infants older than 7 days to fly; - if a woman has any complications of the course of pregnancy or she is planning a flight with a child who is less than a week old, then it is necessary to fill out a guarantee note on a special form on refusal to submit claims.

In order to make the flight as comfortable as possible, the expectant mother needs to pay attention to the following tips:

• it is best to dress in loose natural clothes, and put on comfortable shoes on your feet;
• it is best to sit by the aisle in order to be able to walk around the cabin from time to time;
• it is advisable to wear compression stockings, as this will significantly reduce the likelihood of vascular complications (this is especially true for flights that last from 4 hours);
• you should drink more liquid, but you must also give up soda;
• do not neglect seat belts (they should be fastened under the belly);
• the exchange card should be taken with you to the salon;
• on the eve of the trip, you should not eat food, which can cause increased gas production;
• it is good to have a special neck pillow;
• It is a good idea to talk to your doctor about the need for medications, which you might want to take with you.

Despite some contraindications and warnings, it should be remembered that if the pregnancy is going well, then there is no cause for alarm. But the right decision would be to visit your doctor, because only he can give an accurate conclusion regarding the health of the expectant mother. If the doctor sees the need to consult some other specialist or recommends an additional examination, then this should not be neglected. Indeed, the health and development of the baby completely depends on the attentive attitude of the expectant mother to herself.

Can pregnant women fly by plane? The unequivocal answer is yes. A pregnant woman is not sick or disabled, she is simply in a slightly more special state of the body than other people. This obliges her to comply with certain rules of sleep, nutrition and physical activity, but does not prohibit her from using certain benefits of humanity. The main thing is to approach any issue wisely and to observe adequate caution.

Before the flight, it will not be superfluous to consult with your doctor, who is aware of all your body characteristics and existing diseases. The ideal option is the golden mean, that is, the time is somewhere between the first trimester and 2-3 months before childbirth. In the absence of serious illnesses or chronic illnesses prone to frequent exacerbations, no one can forbid you to travel by plane (except for your doctor, of course). Even if you have contraindications for flights, then there is always an option in the form of a trip by train or a regular car.

Term: when, where, why?

There is an opinion that flights to women in the first trimester are strictly contraindicated, as they can provoke malformations in a child. In the worst case, the mother may even face a spontaneous abortion. Unfortunately, there is no reliable data to support or refute this opinion. However, it will not be superfluous to play it safe, since active organogenesis occurs at an early stage, that is, the laying of organs and systems of the fetus. And any outside influence can really affect him, causing developmental anomalies.

Plan your trip in advance, or better yet, reschedule it to a later date

The only time period that is a reason to abandon the flight is more than 36-37 weeks, when the woman's body gradually begins to prepare for childbirth. And since flying on an airplane is not only physical, but also psycho-emotional, it can provoke premature birth. Therefore, if your term has passed abroad in 36 weeks, use any other transport or postpone the trip.

If your period exceeds the threshold of 30 weeks, then flights are not contraindicated for you, but you must have an exchange card with you with documents about your period and state of health that allow air travel. The airline also reserves the right to disclaim responsibility for your health during the flight, having previously offered to sign you a letter of guarantee. Sign it only if you are completely confident in your health and that you can endure such a trip well and without complications.

Myth or truth?

Everyone has heard that any air travel can be dangerous for the body of a pregnant woman. However, not everyone will be able to fully argue and substantiate their phrase, backing it up with facts. So what is the possible danger of flights for expectant mothers?

It is widely believed that the difference in pressure on the ground and in the sky can provoke rupture of the fetal bladder, and as a result, premature birth. However, in medicine, it is not uncommon for the fetal bladder to rupture 1-2 weeks before the due date and there was no danger to the health of the mother and child. So we do not reject this scenario, but we also do not consider it potentially hazardous to health.

There is also a theory that a lack of oxygen in a small aircraft cabin can cause hypoxia (oxygen starvation) of the fetus, especially if the woman has health problems (anemia or pathology of the placenta). Firstly, if there was such an acute lack of oxygen in the aircraft cabin, all passengers would have died from a lack of oxygen in the middle of the flight. As you can see, nothing like this has ever happened, so this is nothing more than a myth. Secondly, as we said above, for the flight you need a doctor's certificate confirming your satisfactory health condition. If you have moderate / severe anemia or pathology of the placenta, the doctor simply will not give you such a certificate.

A comfortable seat and good company are ideal conditions for a flight

The only relatively reasonable opinion is related to the seats on the planes. Due to their inconvenience, blood stagnation in the legs may appear, which is contraindicated in women prone to varicose veins and thrombophlebitis. However, some companies offer special chairs for pregnant women, you just need to check with the airline manager about their availability.

Also, everyone knows that during flights there is an unpleasant nasal congestion and even a runny nose. This is due to the dry air in the cabin and ventilation systems cannot provide sufficient air exchange within the aircraft. As a result, the mucous membrane of the nasal and oral cavity dries up, causing a sore throat and a banal runny nose. However, it is quite simple to change the situation for the better. You just have to humidify the air around you with special sprays, drink water (not too much if you have a tendency to edema) and use drops / ointments to moisturize the mucous membrane.

Airline rights: to admit or not admit

Airlines, as international structures, have a clear set of rules and regulations governing the actions of personnel in different situations. These rules clearly state that the airline employees reserve the right to refuse a pregnant woman a flight if:

• gestational age more than 30 weeks
• there is no exchange card and a certificate from a doctor about the woman's health

Even if these conditions are met, employees can (and should!) Provide a guarantee for a woman to sign, under the terms of which the company disclaims all responsibility for possible complications and deterioration of the condition of a pregnant woman during the flight. Thus, the company not only protects its safety in the event of an unforeseen situation in the air, but also checks the awareness of the future mother's decision.

How to make the flight comfortable for a pregnant woman?

Pregnant women should choose seats in business class or in the first rows of economy class. This is due to the fact that in these places there are larger and more comfortable chairs, which allow you to regularly change your body position. This will be an excellent prevention of thrombophlebitis and general blood stasis. The seats in these places are usually large and comfortable, and the distance from row to row is increased. This will allow the pregnant woman to sit comfortably during the flight and stretch her legs, which will significantly improve her well-being.

Also, according to the new rules, smoking is completely prohibited on airplanes, as in an enclosed space (even despite the equipped ventilation system). However, for pregnant women, the places in the nose of the aircraft are still preferable, since the cleanest air circulates in this part.

Pregnant women prone to stress during the flight (or better before it) should take sedatives. Only a doctor can prescribe and calculate the dosage of such drugs for pregnant women, so it is worth consulting with him in advance.

Long flights, during which physical activity is significantly limited, are undoubtedly harmful to the cardiovascular system. This factor is especially felt by women who are prone to varicose veins and edema. In order to reduce the negative impact of such flights, at least once an hour take a short walk around the cabin in one direction and back. Flight attendants and stewards are unlikely to be denied such physical activity if you reasonably explain the reason to them.

Our body needs about 2 liters of water per day, depending on our activity regimen, height and weight. However, during flight, the normal change is in blood pressure, which depends on the BCC (circulating blood volume). On the day of the flight, the maximum amount of fluid consumed is one and a half liters of drinking water. This amount will prevent possible swelling, while providing the body with a sufficient amount of fluid for the expectant mother to feel comfortable. The best option would be to drink a third of the water before the flight, another third during it, and the last third after landing.

Flight attendants don't bite! Don't be afraid to refer to them during your flight.

On the day of your flight, opt for light and natural fabrics that do not interfere with the circulation of air between your skin and the environment. It is also worth giving up belts that can squeeze blood vessels and impair blood circulation.

Do not forget about the eternal companions of pregnant women - pain in the back and lower back. Regular neck pillows, which can be purchased on board, can help avoid this problem. And the blanket given out by the flight attendant can be turned into a lumbar pillow, which will ensure a comfortable position throughout the entire flight.

It will not be superfluous to use drugs for motion sickness, since the vestibular apparatus of pregnant women is extremely sensitive and nausea on board is not uncommon. It is better to consult a doctor about the choice of a drug, as he will be able to choose the correct dosage that will not harm the baby.

Childbirth on the plane: what to do?

Can pregnant women fly over 36 weeks? Highly undesirable. It is because of the possible development of rapid childbirth. But what if everything happened the way it happened? If childbirth began in the last 1-2 hours of the flight, the captain of the plane will contact the landing city, where an ambulance team will await the woman upon arrival. If childbirth began at the beginning or in the middle of the flight, then in this case, the crew team must provide the woman with first aid and, in extreme cases, take delivery.