Traveling abroad, what should pregnant mothers pay attention to when flying?

Introduction: Seeing that my friends and besties are traveling around, pregnant moms also want to go out and have some fun, but I heard that pregnant women cannot fly. Is this true? In fact, airlines have relevant regulations for pregnant women to fly. There is no problem for pregnant women within 36 weeks of pregnancy on domestic flights, and pregnant women within 35 weeks of pregnancy can also take international flights. This... Watching my friends and girlfriends travel everywhere, I feel pregnant. Mommy also wants to go out and play, but I heard that pregnant women cannot fly. Is this true? In fact, airlines have relevant regulations for pregnant women to fly. There are no problems for pregnant women within 36 weeks of domestic flights, and pregnant women under 35 weeks of pregnancy can also take international flights. This is great, but pregnant women also have a lot of precautions when flying. Matters needing attention, pregnant women under certain circumstances are not recommended to fly. It’s hard to look forward to the long vacation, and pregnant moms also want to go abroad and relax! "Pregnant women cannot fly!" Is this true? What should pregnant mothers pay attention to when flying?

Can pregnant mothers fly?

It is very common for modern people to take flights abroad to travel or do business and negotiate official business. Even pregnant mothers often need to take flights abroad to discuss official business or travel. Therefore, in the obstetrics and gynecology department, In the clinic, pregnant mothers often ask: Is it safe to fly during pregnancy? . Huang Wenzhu, an attending physician at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Taiwan's Mackay Memorial Hospital, said that generally speaking, pregnant mothers who have no pregnancy-related problems or medical complications before 36 weeks of pregnancy, as long as they are fully prepared and aware of safety before taking a flight. , you can fly like ordinary people.

Airline regulations

Assistant Physician Huang Wen explained that the current airline regulations on pregnant mothers flying, basically, pregnant mothers can fly before 36 weeks of pregnancy. Yes, some airlines will divide the criteria into two categories: domestic flights and overseas flights. The domestic flight is before 36 weeks, and the overseas flight is before 35 weeks. If there are multiples, it is before 32 weeks. Usually under 32 weeks, expectant mothers do not need to provide any certificate to board the plane, but it is best to ask a doctor to issue a diagnosis certificate, briefly stating the current physical condition, the number of weeks of pregnancy, and the expected date of delivery, in case of emergency; Pregnancy 32 to 36 months If you need to fly during the week, you must attach an "airworthiness certificate" issued by a doctor; airlines usually do not accept boarding after 36 weeks. In addition, Assistant Physician Huang Wen also reminded that the immigration bureaus of various countries have different restrictions on late pregnancy. It is recommended to check the relevant regulations before leaving the country to avoid being unable to enter the country.

Pregnant mothers not suitable for flying

If the pregnant mother has pregnancy-related problems or medical complications, it is not recommended to fly. Dr. Huang Wenzhu said that if the pregnant mother has the following conditions, it is not recommended to fly during pregnancy:

1. There are symptoms of premature birth: such as incomplete cervical atresia, early bleeding or water rupture.

2. Placental abnormalities: such as placenta previa, etc.

3. Suffering from gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension and other diseases.

4. Have cardiopulmonary system diseases and venous thrombosis.

5. Pregnancy with multiples: Multiples have a higher chance of premature birth.

Precautions for flying at various stages of pregnancy

In terms of various stages of pregnancy, Assistant Physician Huang Wen said that the second trimester of pregnancy (fourth to six months) is the most important time for pregnant mothers to The most suitable period for flying is because this stage is the most stable state of pregnant mothers and fetuses, and it is also the most comfortable time for pregnant mothers during the entire pregnancy, so it is more suitable for pregnant mothers to travel by plane; while pregnant mothers in the early and late stages of pregnancy , it depends on your physical condition. It is best to ask an obstetrician and gynecologist for evaluation before departure. The following explains the precautions for flying during each stage of pregnancy:

Early pregnancy (first three months)

Pregnant mothers in the early stages of pregnancy are less suitable for long-distance travel. Assistant Physician Huang Wen explained that this is mainly because this is a relatively unstable stage of pregnancy, and there are discomforts such as morning sickness and dizziness in early pregnancy. Long-distance travel and air pressure changes will also aggravate these symptoms. Moreover, in the early stages of pregnancy, pregnant mothers should not be too tired. Therefore, if a pregnant mother wants to fly to a long distance, it is best to ask a doctor to evaluate whether it is suitable.

Tip

Pregnant mothers who fly during the early stages of pregnancy should adopt a diet of small and frequent meals, and avoid foods that are prone to flatulence such as sweet or carbonated drinks to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort. . If you suffer from airsickness or morning sickness, you can prepare some snacks, pickled plums, etc. that are less likely to cause nausea after eating. You can also ask your doctor for some preventive anti-vomiting drugs before traveling.

The second trimester of pregnancy (four months to six months)

The second trimester of pregnancy is the most suitable time for pregnant mothers to fly. Dr. Huang Wen said that as long as there is no Pregnant mothers with pregnancy-related problems or medical complications can travel by air with confidence.

Tips:

1. Pregnant mothers who are flying in the second trimester can wear elastic socks beforehand if they are going on a long-distance flight. Remember to leave your seat and get up and walk every once in a while. , to move the lower limbs, promote blood circulation, and allow the feet to be straightened and moved at any time. It is best to wear loose shoes. If possible, it will be more comfortable to choose a wider seat.

2. The air on the plane is dry, which can easily make your mouth and nose uncomfortable. Remember to drink water in moderation to replenish your fluids, or ask the flight attendant for a cup of hot water, and inhale the steam of the hot water every hour. to increase humidity.

Late pregnancy (the last three months)

Pregnant mothers in the late pregnancy have a very big belly. Sitting in a fixed seat for a long time on an airplane will also make them very uncomfortable. , especially for pregnant mothers who are getting closer and closer to their due date. If signs of labor occur during the flight, such as labor pains, water rupture or bleeding, there are no professional doctors and equipment on the plane to help deal with it. The risk is very high. Therefore, Assistant Physician Huang Wen suggests that pregnant mothers in the later stages of pregnancy should not travel by air unless absolutely necessary.

In addition to the precautions for flying at various stages of pregnancy, Assistant Physician Huang Wen also reminds pregnant mothers who want to travel by air to pay attention to the diet, hygiene and medical conditions of the country or region they are visiting. To understand, and the prevention and treatment of diseases such as malaria, cholera, diarrhea and other diseases should also be fully informed, especially in less developed countries or regions, epidemic areas, or areas with backward living and dietary standards, or where the temperature is too cold or too hot Places that are best avoided during pregnancy.

Tips:

1. Pregnant mothers who are flying in the late stages of pregnancy must ask a doctor to evaluate whether the current pregnancy status is suitable for flying before deciding to fly.

2. Try not to fly long distances or take small planes, because the cabin pressure of small planes may be unstable, pregnant mothers are prone to hypoxemia, and the flight of small planes is also relatively unstable.

Text/Hsu Bichun Interview/Huang Wenzhu, attending physician at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taiwan