Can pregnant women fly?

Miaomiao usually likes to travel, and even after becoming pregnant, she continued to play everywhere. Her friends nicknamed her \”Trapeze\”. Miaomiao, who was 32 weeks pregnant, recently wanted to fly to Hong Kong, but was asked to produce a diagnosis certificate issued by the hospital. Miao Miao is confused, can I do \”trapeze\” during pregnancy? How should pregnant women fly safely? As the Spring Festival approaches, some pregnant women may need to fly home or travel. Here are some answers to some related questions.

Question 1: Will X-rays taken during security check affect the fetus in the womb?

Answer: The security gate is harmless, so don’t get too close to the baggage detector. Pregnant women must go through security checks when flying. Security gates and handheld physical examination instruments are metal detectors that detect metals through induced current and will not cause harm to the fetus in the womb of pregnant women. X-ray machines are used to inspect carried luggage. There is a small amount of radiation, but it also meets safety standards. Pregnant women should be careful not to get too close.

Question 2: Will the fetus be harmed by cabin pressure during flight?

Answer: As long as the cabin pressure of the passenger aircraft is normal, it will not cause harm to the fetus, unless it is a small aircraft. At high altitudes, the only effects on the fetus are the thin air and excessive exposure of pregnant women to solar radiation. During an airplane flight, a pregnant woman\’s body needs to work harder to ensure that the fetus and mother do not suffer from hypoxia, and airplane flights can cause pregnant women to be exposed to excessive radiation, which can increase the chance of miscarriage. Of course, if you only fly occasionally, the harm caused to the fetus by these two points can be ignored. Under normal circumstances, pregnant women only need to take a deep breath to provide enough oxygen to the fetus, so there is no need to worry too much.

Question 3 Can I fly as often as I want throughout my pregnancy?

Answer: Those who are more than 36 weeks pregnant cannot fly. Pregnancy between 13 and 32 weeks is the least risky. If the pregnant woman is in good health, it is safe to fly as planned during the first trimester of pregnancy. However, doctors still recommend flying before 13 weeks of pregnancy and between 32-36 weeks of pregnancy. It is best to seek advice from your doctor and conduct a risk assessment before making a decision.

According to airline regulations, you can fly before 32 weeks of pregnancy; if you are more than 32 weeks pregnant and within 36 weeks before departure, you need a medical diagnosis certificate issued by the hospital within 72 hours before departure, and you need a medical permit to fly; you are not allowed to fly after 36 weeks of pregnancy By plane.

Question 4 How to reduce discomfort when flying during pregnancy

A: Walk around more, wear stockings, and relax your feet. When flying, pregnant women are prone to leg cramps due to sitting for long periods of time. It is recommended to stand properly before taking the flight, exercise your muscles and bones in the aisle, and promote blood circulation. After the plane takes off, you can properly stretch your heels and legs, stretch your calf muscles, and at the same time turn your ankles and twist your toes. These activities can prevent leg cramps.

The risk of varicose veins increases when pregnant women fly. You can buy stockings specifically designed for pregnant women to protect your legs. Wear it on the morning of your flight, and wear it throughout the day. Move around every hour or do some simple lower-body stretches while seated.

In terms of diet, ensure adequate fluid intake, do not eat gas-producing foods (such as potatoes, onions, sweet potatoes, etc.), and do not drink gas-producing drinks (such as cola, soda, etc.) before surgery and during the flight. These foods and drinks can cause bloating, nausea, and vomiting due to the decrease in air pressure at altitude.

Zhou Hai, chief physician at the Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University

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Category 8 pregnant women are advised not to fly

Pregnant women with the following conditions are not recommended to fly at any time during pregnancy:

1. Pregnant women have a history of spontaneous abortion, premature delivery, cervical insufficiency or venous thrombosis of the lower limbs.

2. This pregnancy is an ectopic pregnancy or ectopic pregnancy has not been completely ruled out.

3. Severe early pregnancy reaction or threatened abortion symptoms.

4. Congenital uterine anomaly or abnormal placental position.

5. Twin or multiple pregnancy.

6. Threatened premature birth.

7. Those suffering from medical diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, severe anemia, asthma, epilepsy, phlebitis, motion sickness and so on.

8. Pregnant women who have conceived through assisted reproductive technologies such as artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization are advised not to fly.

Precautions for expectant mothers

Pregnant women should pay attention to the following points when flying:

1. Reserve passage locations or escape locations. This makes it easier to go to the bathroom, and you can walk lightly to keep your circulation flowing.

2. You can order meals that suit your own taste, or you can prepare some food yourself to avoid being uncomfortable eating on the plane.

3. Bring the pregnancy physical examination report to let the doctor know the situation.

4. Wear loose-fitting clothes and flat shoes. Bring extra clothing in case of temperature changes.

5. The seat belt should be fastened below the waist and not around the abdomen to avoid hurting the fetus. It is best to put a pillow on your back to avoid straining your back due to excessive pressure.

6. Chew a little ginger to prevent vomiting or nausea.

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