12 Doctor-approved Tips for Flying While Pregnant

Whether traveling for business or pleasure, flying while pregnant presents its own unique set of challenges and considerations. Moreover, it’s wise to take extra precautions to protect your health, comfort, and safety — as well as that of your baby (or babies). 

Before booking your plane ticket, consider how air travel — with its potential for prolonged sitting, cabin pressure changes, and increased risk of blood clots — may impact your pregnancy. With that in mind, Kavita Vani, MD, director of fourth trimester and postpartum services at Montefiore Einstein and assistant professor of maternal-fetal medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, New York, recommends “checking with your prenatal care provider about the safety of traveling in the context of your particular pregnancy,” especially since “traveling may not be safe for patients with certain high-risk pregnancy conditions.” However, even if your pregnancy is considered low-risk, it’s still a good idea to consult your provider since they can help anticipate potential challenges — such as swelling, dehydration, or motion sickness — and ensure you’re equipped with the proper medical advice and protocols should an emergency arise.

All in all, with the right preparation — and, of course, the okay from your provider — you can fly comfortably and confidently. From knowing what symptoms to watch for to choosing the proper seat, the following expert-backed tips will help make your flight as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Ensure your records are readily accessible.  

Before jetting off, be sure to bring copies of your pertinent medical records. Hard copies or digital downloads would suffice, but it’s best to have both. According to Dr. Sarah Pachtman Shetty, a maternal-fetal medicine physician (MFM) in Manhasset, New York, this is especially important if “you have high-risk issues like, for example, a placenta previa, a history of preterm labor and delivery, or a short cervix.” She adds, “On the same note, know where you would go for care in the place you are visiting if you should need it.” 

Stay hydrated.

The notoriously low humidity levels in airplane cabins can easily lead to dehydration, which is why Dr. Vani stresses the importance of staying hydrated. She also points out that “pregnant people are more susceptible to dehydration,” so be sure to drink lots of water — even if it means more frequent trips to the bathroom. 

When I was pregnant with my twins last year, my refillable water bottle was a lifesaver for staying hydrated on the go. I highly recommend getting a space-saving collapsible one for your next flight, which you can easily refill after passing through security and once again before boarding. If you like your water ice-cold, an insulated bottle is a great choice to keep your drink chilled for hours on end. 

Select your seat wisely.

Between pushing tons of fluids — which, as mentioned above, is a must when it comes to reducing the risk of dehydration — and the added pressure pregnancy puts on your bladder due to the expanding uterus, easy access to the restroom is key. As such, says Dr. Pachtman Shetty, “An aisle seat is the best choice for frequent bathroom breaks.” (For these same reasons, it’s a good idea to select a seat close to one of the onboard bathrooms.) 

Additionally, “the seats over the airplane wing tend to offer the smoothest ride with the least amount of turbulence,” ultimately reducing your chances of nausea due to motion sickness — because, as any pregnant person will tell you, morning sickness is rough enough on its own. 

Wear compression socks.

“Compression socks or stockings can help tremendously with lower extremity swelling that can be exacerbated from changes in airplane cabin pressure,” explains Dr. Pachtman Shetty. As their name suggests, these garments are tighter than standard socks and work by applying pressure to the legs to improve blood flow, helping to reduce swelling and discomfort.

Get some steps in.

Whether your flight is one hour or 21 hours, Dr. Pachtman Shetty emphasizes the importance of “walking around as much as you can before, after, and during the flight if there is no turbulence.” However, if walking mid-flight isn’t safe or possible, she recommends flexing and extending your feet and toes to “get the blood circulating in your legs.” These small, simple steps — pun-intended — can help tremendously when it comes to reducing your risk of blood clots.

Monitor your symptoms.

According to Dr. Vani, it’s crucial to be “aware of the warning symptoms that require urgent medical evaluation.” These include “vaginal bleeding, contractions, concern for water being broken, preeclampsia symptoms (headache, visual changes, severe abdominal pain, shortness of breath, chest pain), inability to hydrate by mouth, and significant lower extremity swelling.” Being vigilant about these symptoms and seeking prompt medical attention if they arise are key to maintaining both your health and the health of your baby.

Buckle up safely.

Wearing your seatbelt on the plane is always essential for safety, but it’s even more important when you’re pregnant. Dr. Pachtman Shetty advises pregnant passengers to wear their seatbelt fastened low around their hips and underneath the belly. Similarly, if the seatbelt feels too tight and you’re uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to ask for an extender. This simple request can make a significant difference when it comes to both comfort and safety.

Pack enough medications — and stick them in your carry-on.

“If you have a high-risk pregnancy or take daily medications (including prenatal vitamins), make sure that you bring enough of your medications while you travel,” says Dr. Vani. Additionally, to ensure you have easy access to them at all times, it’s highly recommended to pack these essentials in your carry-on bag. If you place them in your checked luggage, you run the risk of losing the medications altogether if the bag gets lost, which, let’s face it, isn’t uncommon. 

Check airline policies.

Some airlines may have specific restrictions when it comes to flying in pregnancy, which is why Dr. Vani recommends familiarizing yourself with your airline’s policies. For example, Delta Airlines has no restrictions in place at the time of publication, while American Airlines requires pregnant fliers to provide a medical certificate if their due date is within four weeks of their flights. JetBlue does not permit pregnant people on board if their due date is within seven days of their flight — that is, unless they present documentation from their doctor. Meanwhile, British Airways’ policy states that those carrying one baby are prohibited from flying after the end of their 36th week, while those carrying more than one baby may not fly after the end of their 32nd week. United Airlines requires pregnant individuals 36 weeks pregnant and more to send a medical certificate to corpmed@united.com; the same goes for high-risk pregnancies.

Bring snacks.  

“Pack high-protein snacks so you have healthy food to feed yourself and your baby while en route!” says Dr. Pachtman Shetty. Not only will the protein keep you satiated, but it’s also crucial for the baby’s development. Need some inspiration? As someone five months postpartum with twins, some of my favorite protein-packed, travel-friendly pregnancy snacks include Mini Babybel cheese, edamame, Barebells protein bars, and SkinnyDipped Dark Chocolate Cocoa Almonds. 

Stay informed on vaccines. 

If you are traveling to an international destination with vaccination recommendations and requirements, Dr. Pachtman Shetty advises checking the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website to ensure you are up to date on the recommended vaccines. However, she says, “Remember to check and make sure any required vaccines are safe in pregnancy: live attenuated vaccines are not safe and should be deferred until the postpartum period, as should travel to a region that requires a live attenuated vaccine if you aren’t up to date already.”

Avoid high-risk areas.

“Pregnant people should avoid travel to destinations where there is an increased risk of infectious diseases that can cause pregnancy complications such as Zika and malaria,” explains Dr. Vani. These mosquito-borne diseases can be dangerous for both the pregnant person and the baby. With that in mind, it’s recommended to research your destination in advance by checking the aforementioned CDC website, which has the most up-to-date information and travel advisories.