5 tips for pregnant women to make air travel easier

Traveling by plane is possible when you are pregnant, but the expectant mother must follow certain conditions:

➡️ Be in good health with a pregnancy that is not complicated.

➡️ Obtain from your treating physician a document authorizing you to take the plane. Some airlines may require this document. The doctor can also provide information on the different vaccines, which are mandatory for certain destinations.

You have no reason to panic, as the security gate poses no danger. To fly with peace of mind and in total comfort, discover these 5 tips and advice to follow!

1. Consume easily digestible foods 🍅

It is advisable to take certain precautions for traveling in the best conditions when pregnant. As your immune system is more fragile, you are more vulnerable to possible poisoning or digestive problems.

The day before your departure, the contents of your plate should be light. To do so, avoid foods that are difficult to digest (too fatty or spicy dishes, legumes, etc.). Also be careful with foods that are too fried or vegetables that may cause bloating such as cabbage.

During the flight, a healthy and light diet is also required. This consists of easily digestible foods such as a salad, fruits, or white meat. Limit sauces and cheeses available on meal trays.

The usefulness of eating light is that the gases contained in the digestive apparatus inflate at high altitude. You could then be subject to digestive disorders. Spasms and aerophagia are good examples of this. Also, be sure to not consume dairy products or unpasteurized fruit juices.

2. Place the seatbelt under your abdomen 🛩

During takeoff and landing and whenever the hostess asks you to, you must fasten your seatbelt like other passengers. Although uncomfortable, it protects you during your journey.

Rest assured, the baby who is bathing in its natural pool, amniotic fluid, will not find any inconvenience, since the seatbelt does not bother it. Differences in pressure are only felt by gas-filled cavities (sinuses or ears). They have no effect on liquid-filled cavities.

To avoid being too compressed, fasten your seatbelt under your abdomen, at the pubis level. It is essential in case of turbulence. It must be properly installed:

➡️ The first strap of the seatbelt should be placed above your belly and the second one below.

➡️ The seatbelt should always be tight.

➡️ It should leave your hands and arms free in case you are confronted with turbulence, since your belly takes up enough space.

To improve your comfort on the plane, slide a small cushion between your belt and your belly. A few minutes before takeoff, tilt your seat slightly.

3. Choose an aisle seat with space 🛩

One of the most common problems encountered by pregnant women on a plane is the risk of venous thrombosis or the formation of blood clots in the veins. It is due to too long sitting position. Lack of movement causes swelling of the ankles, feet, and leg pain.

Although you may be tempted to admire the scenery from the window of your seat, choosing an aisle seat is more practical. This way, you will have the opportunity to get up as often as you like to go to the bathroom. This way, you can move around every hour on the plane by stretching each time.

If you cannot have an aisle seat, a seat near the emergency exits is also a good plan. You will have space to stretch your legs. You will spare yourself the curves, thrombosis, and aches. Then your blood circulation will be much better. Finally, if you have a history of phlebitis and the flight is long enough, wear compression stockings.

4. Drink water regularly 🚰

During a flight, we enjoy a heated and air-conditioned space where temperatures are optimized. However, have you ever felt this feeling of thirst or dry skin after landing? Air conditioning and overheated spaces tend to sting our eyes and attack the mucous membranes and deprive us of the necessary moisture we need. Dehydration is imminent, causing a feeling of fatigue.

To cope with this, you need to drink water frequently. As a future mother, you must hydrate regularly, as the dryness of the atmosphere on the plane leads to the risk of urinary tract infection. Swap carbonated drinks and caffeine for plain water or hot green tea. Ideally, start hydration 48 hours before the trip to thin the blood. Continue during the flight by counting at least half a liter of water every 3 hours.

5. Prefer the car to reach the airport 🚙

Before boarding the plane, it is important to choose a means of transport that limits long walks and fatigue to reach the airport. For this, nothing beats your own vehicle, as it combines comfort, efficiency, and economy. And with a valet parking service like Blue Valet, your vehicle is parked in a secure parking lot near the airport.

Upon arrival, in front of the drop-off area of your departure hall, a valet will be waiting for you and will place your luggage on a trolley to unload it for you. Your car will then be driven to a secure parking lot after a quick inventory, your air travel is conditioned by your month of pregnancy. The first trimester is not recommended at all because of fatigue and nausea. The second trimester of pregnancy is ideal, as it is much less exhausting and stressful. Beyond the eighth month, it is strongly advised not to take the plane.

 

Also read | How to limit the risks of luggage loss on a plane?

Also read | Traveling while pregnant: answers to all the questions you have!