Tips for Pregnant Flyers

- Pre-booking a bulkhead seat in advance can make the journey onboard more comfortable, as well as requesting an aisle seat for easy access to the toilets during the flight.
- If you are making a long haul flight, and if it is at all possible, try to splash out on a business or first class ticket. Leg rests encourage better circulation and greater leg-room will provide greater comfort than the more cramped economy class.
- Seat belts should be worn low around the pelvis.
- While onboard, eating fresh or dried fruit, salad and drinking plenty of water can help keep baby healthy. As well as cutting out alcohol, fast food and caffeine try to avoid the consumption of heavy foods, which through prolonged immobility, can lead to stomach cramps and pain.
- Wearing loose fitting clothing in natural fabrics and comfortable shoes can also improve comfort whilst travelling.
- Avoiding immobility for the duration of the flight is paramount for expectant mothers, as the viscosity of their blood tends to increase. Try walking around the plane at regular intervals. Pregnant women are more susceptible to deep vein thrombosis so DVT preventative in-flight socks should be worn.
- Do not take sleeping tablets to circumvent jet lag, instead try to realign your sleeping patterns.
- If your holiday involves the beach, stay away from water sports and diving.
- Also remember that your skin is more sensitive and subject to pigmentation during pregnancy, so use a protective sunscreen.