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Is it OK to fly in first month of pregnancy?

Pregnant women can fly safely, observing the same precautions for air travel as the general population. Because severe air turbulence cannot be predicted and the subsequent risk for trauma is significant should this occur, pregnant women should be instructed to use their seat belts continuously while seated.



For a healthy, uncomplicated pregnancy, flying during the first month (and the first trimester in general) is considered safe by most medical professionals, including the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG). There is no evidence that the changes in air pressure or cosmic radiation from occasional flights cause miscarriage or harm the baby at this early stage. However, the first month often coincides with the onset of morning sickness and fatigue, which can make flying uncomfortable. Furthermore, pregnancy increases the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or blood clots; on flights over four hours, it is vital to stay hydrated, wear compression stockings, and move your legs frequently. While the flight itself isn't harmful, some doctors suggest having an early ultrasound to rule out an ectopic pregnancy before traveling far from home, simply because most pregnancy emergencies occur in the first three months. Always consult your specific healthcare provider before a long-haul trip to ensure your individual health profile supports travel.

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Generally, women are not allowed to travel by air after 36 weeks for domestic travel, and after 28 to 35 weeks for international travel. The decision on whether to travel and how far to travel at any time during pregnancy should be a joint decision between you and your healthcare provider or midwife.

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Flying during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy may be considered risky as miscarriage is more common during this early stage. Additionally, at this stage pregnant travellers may be suffering from pregnancy induced nausea and fatigue which could make travelling uncomfortable.

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Ultimately, flying during the first trimester of pregnancy is considered safe for many people. However, those with pre-existing medical conditions or high-risk pregnancies might be advised to skip air travel during those early weeks.

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A change in air pressure or a decrease in humidity won't cause your baby any harm. There is also no evidence to suggest that flying causes miscarriages, early labour or waters to break . If you have any health issues or pregnancy complications, discuss it with your GP or midwife before you decide to fly.

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Generally, air travel before 36 weeks of pregnancy is considered safe for people who aren't dealing with any pregnancy problems. Still, if you're pregnant, it's a good idea to talk with your health care provider before you fly.

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Flying while pregnant Air travel is generally safe if you're having an uncomplicated pregnancy. If you have any pregnancy complications, check with your midwife or GP that there's no medical reason to stop you flying, such as high blood pressure or a risk of deep vein thrombosis.

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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. 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.

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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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