Friday 19 August 2016

Air Travel and Safety In Pregnancy

                                               Air Travel and Safety In Pregnancy

                            
                                   Author- Dr Richa Sharma

This is a common query, pregnant ladies have in mind as whether they can travel by air.Especially when it is IVF pregnancy, one tends to take extra precautions to be on safer side.Right person to guide you is your health care provider .To add to it many factors actually decide like-
·        Duration of pregnancy
·        Previous obstetric history
·        Any high risk factors -that might be worsened by air travel or require emergency care.
·        Any history of pregnancy complications
·        Duration of travel
·        And the airlines policy
Generally, commercial air travel before week 36 of pregnancy is considered safe for women who have healthy pregnancies.  
Your health care provider might caution against air travel if you're experiencing pregnancy complications The duration of the flight also should be considered. Similarly, your health care provider and many airlines might restrict travel after 36 weeks of pregnancy.
 Precautions to be taken-
  • Check the airline's policy about air travel during pregnancy. Guidelines for pregnant women might vary by carrier and destination.
  •  Fasten seat belt at proper place- During the trip, fasten the lap belt under your abdomen.
  •  Take occasional walks up and down the aisle. If you must remain seated, flex and extend your ankles often.
  • Take aisle seat
  • Avoid excessive eating and inform crew in case you have any difficulties
  • Avoid wearing restrictive clothing. Use of compression stockings might help prevent blood clots.a
  • Drink plenty of  clear fluids. Low humidity in the cabin can lead to dehydration.But avoid carbonated drinks
  • Avoid gassy foods and drinks pre-flight .

Many Thanks and Kind Regards
Dr Richa Sharma
Senior IVF consultant DELHI NCR
Post Doctoral Fellow National Board(FNBE)
Reproductive Medicine(New Delhi), Bangalore
Fellow Reproductive Medicine, Madras Medical Mission (Chennai)
MRCOG(London)




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