Safety tips for women who must fly during pregnancy

While on a flight, expectant women are advised to wear loose clothing and adjust the seat belt so that the buckle is below the belly.  

In Summary

Pregnancy is associated with a number of body changes which make flying risky at certain stages during a woman’s gestation period. Getting a medical checkup beforehand may help to minimise the risk

When Brenda Arinaitwe and her gynaecologist decided it was best for her to deliver her child in a facility out of the country, there were other considerations to think about.

“I could not travel earlier because I was not sure whether I would get leave from my employer. I also had to consider the cost of living in Nairobi and evaluate if I could sustain myself.”
Arinaitwe travelled in week 35 of her pregnancy. Travelling earlier was out of the question. The airline asked for a letter from the gynaecologist because they do not allow pregnant women above seven months to fly.

“My gynaecologist signed the letter indicating that I was in good shape although I had only one week to go.”

Dr Mariam Kinene, a gynaecologist, says the question of whether a pregnant woman should fly or not depends on the gestation stage she is in.
“During the first thirteen weeks of pregnancy, it is not safe because there is a risk of miscarrying the pregnancy,” says Dr Kinene.

Miscarriages put the life of a woman at risk due to blood loss. Prenatal bleeding is a leading cause of maternal death. Before considering travel, a pregnant woman should have medical checkups to ensure there are no complications.
The doctor will evaluate both the mother and the foetus and prescribe drugs as is necessary.

High risk pregnancy
Some pregnancies are more complicated than others. Kinene says if a pregnant woman suffers hypertension it is not safe to fly.

“A hypertensive pregnancy needs to be monitored by doctors round the clock. Any complication may develop on the plane due to discomfiture in landing or takeoff.”

In Arinaitwe’s case, the complication was pre-eclampsia, a potentially dangerous condition characterised by high blood pressure. Her gynaecologist feared she would not receive the appropriate treatment in Uganda.

“I was constantly in touch with the specialist in Nairobi, who insisted on seeing me as soon as the flight touched down. I developed swollen legs on the flight yet it was only 45 minutes long, ” narrates Arinaitwe.

Those who have recently suffered from malaria, prior to the flight, are at risk because the parasites may still be in the body.

Kinene adds that since the placenta is supposed to be in the upper part of the womb, women with low-lying placentas are at risk and their movements should be restricted and closely monitored.

Low risk pregnancy
“The safest period for flight is between 28 to 30 weeks. Beyond that, there is a risk of early labour,” says Kinene.

The beginning of the third trimester or late second trimester is the ideal time to fly. At seven months, the nausea is gone and fatigue has not yet set in.

Faith Chaitezvi, British Airways country manager says, “For uncomplicated single pregnancies, we restrict travel beyond the end of the 36th week, and for twins and triplets, beyond the end of the 32nd week.”

After your pregnancy has entered its 28th week, we ask that you carry with you a letter from your doctor or midwife, stating the pregnancy is uncomplicated and confirming the expected date of delivery,” adds Chaitezvi.