4.2.

4 RECOMMENDATION TO OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES OF AIR TRAVELLING WHILE

PREGNANT.

i. Before you decide to travel by plane:

First of all, discuss any potential risks particular to pregnancy with the doctor. For
example, a woman with gestational diabetes or a multiple pregnancy is generally
advised not to fly. Next, be aware that air travel in the last six weeks of pregnancy could
trigger premature labor. Besides that, passenger is advice to check with the airline,
some airlines would not allow a woman over 35 weeks to fly at all, or they require a
doctor’s note. Other than that, be reminded to check the fine print of the travel
insurance this are due to some policies may not cover pregnancy. Arrange with the
airline for a bulkhead seat or a seat near an exit for extra leg room to give more
comfortability to the passenger. Lastly, consider booking an aisle seat, by seating at the
correct area, going to the toilet will be a little easier.

ii. Before you leave:

Discuss with the doctor whether passenger need to travel with a medical kit. Remember
to pack this kit in the carry-on luggage so it can be access it during the flight.
Items the medical kit could contain are such as the preparations to help treat
common pregnancy complaints such as heartburn, thrush, constipation, and
hemorrhoids. Besides that, oral rehydration preparations in case of traveler’s diarrhea.
Not to be forgotten, multivitamins formulated for pregnant women. Lastly, make sure
urine dipsticks to check glucose levels (if required).

iii. During the flight:

Wear seatbelt under passenger bump and across lap. It is also reminded to always
Stretch and move legs regularly while seated. Besides that, consider wearing support
stockings for the duration of the flight. A pregnant woman's circulation is already under
strain, the lower cabin pressure inside a plane can theoretically increase the risk of
blood clots. Do 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. As if the flight has turbulence, stay in seat, but flex and extend
ankles frequently. Other than that, due to differential ambient pressure, if short of
breath or light-headed occur, ask one of the flight attendants to give you breathing
oxygen.