How can I prevent blood clots when flying 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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If you are at risk, talk with your doctor to learn more about how to prevent blood clots. For example, some people may benefit by wearing graduated compression stockings. If you are on blood thinners, also known as anticoagulants, be sure to follow your doctor's recommendations on medication use.

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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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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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If your health care provider says it's okay for you to fly, and your plans are flexible, the best time to travel by air might be during the second trimester. The risks of common pregnancy emergencies are lowest during that time.

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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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Blood clots affect about 1-2 in 1,000 U.S. adults per year, and the risk may double or triple after a flight that's 4+ hours. One study estimates that 1 in 4,600 travelers will have a blood clot within 4 weeks of a long flight.

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Traveling by air is considered safe for women while they are pregnant; however, the following ideas might make your trip safer and more comfortable. Most airlines allow pregnant women to travel through their eighth month.

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Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) when pregnant and flying The risk of DVT increases when you're flying and with longer flights because you are sitting down for a long time. You're also at a higher risk of developing a DVT when you are pregnant and for up to six weeks after you give birth .

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And that's why they're, predictably, so hard to come by. So, can you simply ask for one and get it for free? No, not really — not even if it's your honeymoon. But in some cases, you may be able to ask to pay for an upgrade, which you can do from booking till boarding.

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All our machines receive a variety of tests to ensure they are safe. They DO NOT use X-rays to produce an image. Still not comfortable? You can always opt out and request a pat-down.

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After 36 weeks of pregnancy, your health care provider may advise against flying. And some airlines don't allow pregnant people to fly after 36 weeks. The airline also may require a letter from your health care provider that states how far along in your pregnancy you are and whether flying is advised.

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Drink plenty of water to reduce the risk of dehydration. Keeping up your fluid intake will also reduce the risk of DVT. If the flight is smooth, walk up and down the aisles every half hour. If the flight has turbulence, stay in your seat, but flex and extend your ankles frequently.

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Rotate your ankles and point and flex your feet when you can. Elevate your feet as much as possible by propping them on top of your carryon luggage in front of you. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Drinking as much water as you can will help minimize your sodium intake.

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One of the most well-known perks of compression socks is how they can help to prevent blood clots, a worry for many when traveling by air. They work to stimulate circulation in the lower half, which is especially useful during long flights when you're sitting for prolonged periods.

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