How to Fly in the First Trimester of Pregnancy

When you find it necessary to travel by plane while pregnant, consider some advance preparation. Flying while in the first trimester of pregnancy warrants some special considerations. While you should always consult with your doctor if you have any specific concerns, there are general precautions you should follow.

Instructions

Flying in the First Trimester of Pregnancy

• 1

  Get a clean bill of health. The first 12 weeks of your pregnancy are considered the first trimester. While many women wait until eight to 12 weeks to have their first prenatal visit, it is best not to fly until you have had your first OB appointment and verified that the pregnancy is normal and low-risk. Notify your doctor that you plan on flying. While your doctor will likely tell you it is fine, keeping your doctor in the loop is a good precaution.

• 2

  Take stock of your pregnancy symptoms on the ground. For many women the first trimester can be plagued with morning sickness, fatigue, headaches and backaches. Your typical array of symptoms can clue you in to the supplies you'll likely need to bring: extra motion sickness bags, neck pillows, water or a small rolled up blanket. If you are particularly prone to nausea, your doctor may be able to prescribe an anti-nausea medication for use while traveling.

• 3

  Understand the airplane environment and bring appropriate supplies. The atmosphere on a plane is different than on the ground. Even if you haven't experienced nausea during your pregnancy, bring lemon drops, crackers and a sick bag just in case. Smells that trigger nausea are amplified by the close quarters and relative lack of air circulation in a plane. Be prepared for a surprise nosebleed, even if you have never had one. Nosebleeds are common during pregnancy and could be brought on by the plane's dry air.

• 4

  Some doctors caution against very long or frequent flights in the first trimester. Because of the risk of radiation exposure during this important phase of fetal development, it is best not to be a frequent flier while pregnant. For most casual travelers, however, this is not a serious concern. If a very long flight is unavoidable, try to request an aisle seat so that you can easily make frequent trips to the restroom. This will serve double duty as a relief of a common first trimester pregnancy discomfort (frequent urination) and preventative measure against deep vein thrombosis, a blood clot in the leg, for which pregnant women are at risk.

• 5

  Fly with a companion if at all possible. This person can help you manage your luggage, provide support if you start experiencing some discomfort, and be there to care and advocate for you in the unlikely event that something goes wrong either on the airplane or while at your destination.