How can I prevent blood clots during pregnancy while flying?

Move your legs frequently when on long trips and exercise your calf muscles to improve the flow of blood. If you've been sitting for a long time, take a break to stretch your legs.



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Prevent Blood Clots During Travel
  1. Stand up or walk occasionally. ...
  2. Exercise your calf muscles and stretch your legs while you're sitting. ...
  3. Talk to your doctor about wearing compression stockings or taking medicine before departure if you have additional risk factors for blood clots.


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  1. Pre-flight diet. Avoid gassy foods (beans, cabbage, broccoli) and carbonated drinks. ...
  2. Buckle up. On the plane, keep your seatbelt fastened. ...
  3. Keep drinking. Get plenty of fluids during the flight. ...
  4. Exercise aloft. Your doctor may suggest you walk every half hour or so during a smooth flight. ...
  5. Best airplane seat.


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Wear compression stockings or flight socks – these will help to improve your blood flow and also reduce risk of swelling pain that can be caused during a flight.

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Compression socks may help. Whether you find yourself on a flight or a long car ride to visit family, compression garments for the legs can help prevent swelling, potential blood clots, and the general discomfort that comes from extended travel.

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After the flight If you have travelled by air you should be alert for the symptoms of DVT for up to one month after flying, and should seek medical help if any symptoms such as a swollen or painful leg, especially the calf, and/or breathing difficulties occur.

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Risks of long-distance travel during pregnancy Long periods of not moving during car, bus, rail and air travel increases the risk of clots forming in the deep veins of the leg, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). These clots can circulate and lodge in parts of the body such as the lungs.

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If you've reached your 36th week or after, you'll need an obstetrician's certificate — the original and two copies — stating that you're fit for air travel. The certificate must be dated within three days (72 hours) of your flight departure.

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