How can I prevent blood clots on a plane while pregnant?

For women with additional risk, doctors may recommend compression stockings and injectable blood thinners while traveling, the authors write in the Journal of Travel Medicine. “Both pregnancy and air travel are risk factors for venous thromboembolism, or a blood clot in the legs or lungs,” said senior author Dr.



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For women with additional risk, doctors may recommend compression stockings and injectable blood thinners while traveling, the authors write in the Journal of Travel Medicine. “Both pregnancy and air travel are risk factors for venous thromboembolism, or a blood clot in the legs or lungs,” said senior author Dr.

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  1. Book an aisle seat if you can. This makes it easier to get up and stretch your legs during a long flight.
  2. Avoid gas-producing carbonated drinks before or during your flight. Gas expands at high altitude and can cause discomfort. ...
  3. Wear your seat belt at all times. ...
  4. Move your feet, toes, and legs often.


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Pack and wear compression socks “This fluid accumulation is what causes aches and swelling in the lower legs, and flying can also cause temporary edema due to changes in cabin pressure and air circulation,” she explains. This makes compression socks an invaluable item to keep on hand.

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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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However, anyone traveling more than four hours, whether by air, car, bus, or train, can be at risk for blood clots.

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Taking aspirin to prevent blood clots when traveling is not recommended. If you take aspirin for other reasons, check with your doctor.

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The best time to travel is mid-pregnancy (14 to 28 weeks). During these weeks, your energy has returned, morning sickness is improved or gone, and you are still able to get around easily.

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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're pregnant and traveling before your 36th week, you can travel on a United flight without medical documentation. 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.

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Certain groups are more likely to get upgraded than others. Honeymooners and pregnant women are high on the list, with birthday celebrants not far behind. Solo travellers or couples willing to sit separately stand the best chance of an upgrade.

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Blood clots can sometimes form in your legs during air travel because you are immobile for long periods of time, often sitting in cramped spaces with little leg room. The clinical term for this type of blood clot is deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The longer the flight, the more at risk you are for developing a clot.

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“The pilots also declare an emergency and request air traffic control to give priority to land in an airport that is close to the destination and divert the aircraft there,” says Bubb. “The goal is to land safely and immediately find professional medical care for the passenger.”

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