Flying can be a stress-inducing experience at the best of times, but add pregnancy to the mix and the likelihood of discomfort soars. It’s also important to carefully choose the best time to travel – some trimesters are better than others. To make sure your flight goes as smoothly as possible, we’ve come up with some tips to help expectant mothers stay as comfortable as possible when in the air.
Dress in loose, comfortable clothing
One of the easiest ways to stay comfortable when flying is by dressing in loose-fitting clothing, ideally in soft, natural fibres. Dresses or separates, such as trousers and a top, are the best options. Since pregnant women usually find themselves going to the toilet more frequently, it’s crucial to consider utility when selecting what to wear.
Expectant mothers often find that their feet and ankles swell due to increased fluid retention. This is exacerbated when flying, particularly on long-haul flights, since people have a tendency to remain stationary for extended periods of time. To mitigate swelling and fluid build-up, wear comfortable shoes, ideally with expandable panels and, if your bump is already sizeable, velcro fasteners.
When it comes to packing, it’s also important to bear baggage in mind. Suitcases with four wheels are the easiest to wheel around the airport. If travelling with a partner or friend, ask for their help with putting away belongings in the overhead compartment. Wheelchair assistance at the airport can also be a godsend if you’re low on energy or need to rush to make a connection.
Be strategic in selecting your seat and be sure to buckle up correctly
Bulkhead seats with their generous legroom allowance are the holy grail for pregnant travellers as they eliminate the need to squeeze past fellow travellers as you head to the bathroom for the umpteenth time. If the bulkhead section is at capacity, there are pros and cons to sitting in different parts of the plane.
Being seated at the front of the plane will enable you to easily board and disembark the plane, while the middle section, just over the wings, tends to offer the smoothest journey. Where possible, request an aisle seat, so you can easily access the bathroom and get up to stretch your legs on a regular basis. When taking off, tuck the bottom seat belt strap under your bump, with the top strap covering the chest, as usual. If your belt doesn’t extend far enough to fasten under the bump, enquire with a flight attendant about an extender.
Keep active in the air
Pregnant women are at an increased risk of developing a blood clot, which, if undiagnosed can have potentially fatal consequences for both mother and baby. To boost circulation and reduce the risk of a clot, take hourly strolls along the aisle and perform simple ankle and leg extensions every half hour when seated. If you’re prone to swelling, compression socks can help to keep blood circulation flowing, preventing fluid build-up.
Bring snacks and give caffeine a miss
In-flight food can be of dubious quality and often there are no healthy options available in the air. By bringing along some healthy snacks, you can ensure that your cravings are catered for. Load up energy-boosting snacks such as fruit, chopped veg, hummus and granola bars. Certain foods, such as lentils and other legumes can lead to trapped air, which becomes increasingly uncomfortable at altitude. Cabin air tends to be dry, so ensure you bring plenty of water to keep hydrated. Caffeine in tea and coffee can have a diuretic effect, so go easy unless you want to be popping to the bathroom even more frequently than normal.
Travelling by plane when pregnant is not without its challenges. Make sure you’re in the know with this handy checklist.
