FLYING WHILE PREGNANT
29/06/11 18:34
I don’t know why I think most 6 month pregnant women would begin to cool their heels on the air travel across the Atlantic but not my wife. She headed for Europe at the first sign of opportunity. Then again, she’s European. We have a couple of good friends who are getting married in Sicily this weekend and Valerie and I figured this may be the last opportunity to travel for the immediate future. She headed home to Ireland so the family could see her in all her pregnant beauty. From there, she would meet me in Italy. Lots of people say you shouldn’t travel in your third trimester but doctors say it’s okay until your 34th week. Most airlines won’t allow pregnant women on their planes after the 34th week. I wondered what was so special about 34 weeks. What can happen to the baby then?
It can come out, that’s what can happen! Birthing a baby on a plane is not a pretty thought or sight. Doctors don’t like it. Airlines don’t like it. And fellow passengers don’t like it. Come to think of it, the pregnant woman wouldn’t like it either. So Valerie needs to be back in Boston by the 34th week or her pumpkin might turn out in a carriage over the Atlantic.
So what’s it like for a 6-month pregnant woman to fly? I decided to interview her so us guys would know what to expect if it should happen to any of your wives (or girlfriends, for any of you Scandanavian types.)
Steve: How long is the flight from Boston to Ireland?
Val: The flight is approximately 6 hours so you’ve got to be prepared to last that long with food, water and a little bit of exercise. These days, as airlines find ways to cut corners with service, it’s best not rely on a flight attendant to bring you water or a snack at your whim. Instead, I/we pack snacks and buy two bottles of water before we board the plane. Also, it’s important to eat a full meal soon before the plane leaves to maximize energy levels.
Steve: How cramped are the seats when you’re poking out like that?
Val: Even with a six month bump, I’m still no worse off than a guy with a beer belly so I’m not too much at a disadvantage, except the guy with the beer belly still gets to drink beer!
Steve: Are there any concerns with cabin pressure?
Steve: Any concerns with circulation?
Val: As a matter of fact my dear husband, thrombosis (blood clot) is a concern for pregnant women. So, it is important to walk around the plane frequently, and when sitting, it’s a good idea to rotate and flex the feet. This keeps the circulation in the calves good which helps prevent clots. One can also wear compression stockings, which being very tight, forces the blood to continue upwards towards the heart. The less sluggish the blood flow the less risk of clots. (Did I mention my wife is a scientist?)
Steve: Any adverse affects from water retention? You know, the cankle syndrome thingy?
Val: My ankles did swell a bit so I just made sure to put my feet up a lot the day after I arrived. And they went back to normal.
Steve: Are people overly nice to you or are they callous as ever?
Val: What a cynic you are dear husband! Truth is, everyone was very nice to me. In fact, in the departure lounge, two kind gentlemen each offered to wheel my bag on to the lane and put it in the overhead compartment. After the flight, the two gentlemen argued over which would wheel it into the terminal.
Steve: Temperature. You keep turning getting hot and cold at home. How’s that feel on a plane? Anything you can do about it?
Val: I’ve learned my lesson in the that department. I always make sure I wear layers now and so when I’m not, I take something off. When I’m cold I put something on.
It was here that I asked her if taking something off had anything to do with the two gentlemen offering to help her with her bags but when I got a dirty look, I moved on to another question.
Steve: Any toilet issues on those cramped planes?
Val: As you know, pregnant ladies do need to use the bathroom more than usual. But this is okay because it’s good to walk around. Yes, they’re cramped but that’s true even if you aren’t pregnant.
In closing, I asked Val if there’s anything else that pregnant women should know when traveling later in their pregnancy and she had a wise observation after checking airline policies.
Val: Also, medically speaking, if you have severe cramping or bleeding during a flight, that’s a cause for concern and you should consider telling a flight attendant.
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