To ensure calm and tranquility during the flight, it is advisable to avoid trips that are very close to the probable date of delivery and preferably to choose an accent in the corridor near the bathroom of the airplane because it is normal for the pregnant woman to have to get up to go to the toilet several times during the trip.
Other tips that may be helpful, ensuring peace and quiet while traveling are:
- Keep your belt always tight, under your belly and wear light and comfortable clothing;
- Get up to walk the plane hourly, to improve blood circulation, decreasing the risk of thrombosis;
- Drink water by avoiding coffee, sodas or teas, and prefer easily digestible foods .
Always having handy books and magazines with subjects you enjoy can also help provide a less stressful journey. If you are afraid of traveling by plane, it may be helpful to buy a book that tells you about this, because everyone has good tips for overcoming fear and anxiety during the flight.
Also, it is important not to forget that after long journeys may arise some symptoms of Jet Lag like tiredness and difficulty in sleeping, which are normal and end up happening in a few days. learn more about this problem in How to deal with Jet Lag.
How to relax during the flight
If the pregnant woman is afraid to ride a plane, what she can do to try to calm down is to take an antihistamine under medical supervision or take 1/2 glass of wine because these situations favor sleep, leaving the woman calmer and relaxed. Although alcoholic beverages are not recommended during pregnancy, small amounts of alcohol when ingested eventually do not harm the baby, and there are antihistamines that can also be used during pregnancy.
Adopting techniques such as deep breathing while maintaining concentration on the abdominal movement can also help keep your mind focused and calm, but it is advisable to avoid traveling alone so that you find a helping hand for any possible needs that may arise.
Even when pregnant women can travel by plane
Healthy pregnant women can travel by airplane up to 35 weeks of gestation, when they are expecting only one baby, and up to 32 weeks' gestation if they are pregnant with twins. However, in the case of pregnant women with anemia, diabetes or high blood pressure; history of preterm birth; bleeding or recent pain, air travel can be discouraged.
From 28 weeks of gestation, some airlines may request that pregnant women travel with a doctor's statement that guarantees the health of the pregnant woman and the probable date of delivery.
What to do if labor begins inside the airplane
If uterine contractions start inside the plane you should remain calm but communicate the crew of what is happening because if the trip is too long and is still too far from your destination, it may be necessary to land at the nearest airport or call an ambulance to stay waiting for you to land at your destination.
Labor can take around 12 to 14 hours in the first pregnancy and this time tends to decrease in subsequent pregnancies and that is why it is not advised to travel by plane, especially on long journeys, after 35 weeks of gestation. However, the woman's body is prepared for conception and delivery can happen naturally within the plane, with the help of close people and the crew, being a remarkable experience.
See too:
- Signs of labor
- How to relieve pain in labor
