Travelling While Pregnant - Air Travel While Pregnant

For women who are expecting a child then any arrangements where a flight is involved may need to be checked first. Of course it will be the doctor that actually says yes or no to air travel depending on your medical situation. Medical reasons which would prevent travelling while pregnant can include, blood loss, raised blood pressure or swelling.

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Fortunately, unless a pregnant woman is expecting twins or more, in which case the airlines might not let her travel after 32 weeks then you are normally safe to travel up to 36 weeks. It is also advisable to carry a medical certificate issued by your doctor if you will be over twenty four weeks pregnant by the time you fly. It is also worthwhile checking in as early as possible as there is a greater chance of being issued a bulkhead seat for additional room or aisle seat where it will be easier for access.

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Normally, typhoid and hepatitis A and B vaccinations are recommended for Asia and Africa, however, typhoid vaccinations are not recommended for pregnant women although there is no evidence of fetal damage, there is only limited research on the fetal effects of these vaccinations. Malaria is another problem and travelling while pregnant is not advised to countries where contracting it is a possibility.

In Australia, typhoid and hepatitis A vaccinations aren't advised for children under six but it is recommended that children are up-to-date with their other immunizations. Always check with a doctor as to which vaccinations are required as they will vary depending on an individual situation and itinerary.

A simple way to avoid getting hepatitis A and typhoid is to avoid drinking water that has not come from a sealed bottle and ice where tap water has been used. In some countries eating most fruit and any raw vegetables is also dangerous as is failing to sterilize hands before eating. A handy travel accessory is the small 60ml gel bottles of antibacterial hand wash that dries almost immediately on contact with the air but does mean that special washing facilities aren't required before eating.

Unfortunately, there is an additional risk of blood clots when you are pregnant, one that increases with airline travel so to avoid deep vein thrombosis it is advisable to wear the special socks or stockings you can purchase from drugstores. Doctors also recommend taking some form of exercise when flying; ideas for which can usually be found in the flight magazine.

Fortunately travelling while pregnant within the first twenty six weeks of pregnancy  there shouldn't be any problems with insurance but there may be exclusions in the policy after this time. There are a few insurance companies that will extend the policy throughout the pregnancy term but not any costs relating to the birth.