Flying While Pregnant: What You Need to Know

Most women can fly safely during pregnancy, but timing and preparation are key to making your trip as safe and stress-free as possible.

Board-Certified OB/GYN Dr. A. Michael Coppa, with offices in Cranston, Smithfield, and Providence, RI., has advised many pregnant patients on the dos and don’ts of air travel. 

Here’s what he tells these expectant mothers.

The best time to travel

The second trimester is generally the best time for air travel. During this window, which lasts from week 14 to week 28, morning sickness has usually subsided. Your energy levels are still higher, and you aren’t yet dealing with the physical discomforts of those final weeks of pregnancy. Most airlines allow pregnant women to fly until they reach 36 weeks of gestation, provided they don't have certain medical complications.

Safety tips for the cabin

On the plane, your priorities should be circulation and hydration. Sitting for long periods increases the risk of blood clots, a risk that's already slightly higher during pregnancy. Dr. Coppa suggests booking an aisle seat, so you can more easily to stand up and walk every hour. Flexing your ankles and stretching your legs while seated also helps maintain blood flow.

The air inside a plane is often dry, which can lead to dehydration and fatigue. Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeinated beverages. Fasten your seatbelt low on your hips, positioned under your abdomen. If you're traveling a long distance, consider wearing compression stockings to reduce swelling in your feet and legs.

Managing vaccinations for international travel

If your plans take you abroad, you might need specific vaccinations to help prevent diseases common in other countries. Generally, vaccines made from killed or inactivated viruses are safe. These include the hepatitis B vaccine and the injectable flu shot. The CDC also recommends that pregnant women receive the Tdap vaccine between weeks 27 and 36 of each pregnancy to protect the newborn from whooping cough.

However, live virus vaccines are typically avoided because they carry a theoretical risk to the developing baby. This group includes the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine and the chickenpox vaccine. If you're traveling to a region where yellow fever is a risk, the decision to vaccinate should be based on your specific risk of exposure, as the yellow fever shot is also a live vaccine.

For some destinations, the risk of disease might be higher than the risk of the vaccine itself. Always discuss these choices with Dr. Coppa. 

When to stay grounded

If you have a high-risk pregnancy, a history of premature labor, preeclampsia or gestational diabetes, Dr. Coppa might advise against flying. Women with severe anemia or respiratory issues should also be cautious.

Before you book your ticket, check the medical facilities available at your destination. It's helpful to pack a copy of your prenatal records with you, especially if you’re traveling far from Rhode Island. 

To book a pre-flight, pre-natal check-in, call Dr. Coppa today at 401-946-4022 or request an appointment via the online booking tool.