8/4/2019 Air Travel During Pregnancy by Abhishek Jaguessar

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Air Travel DuringPregnancy

BY ABHISHEKJAGUESSAR

8/4/2019 Air Travel During Pregnancy by Abhishek Jaguessar

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Air Travel During Pregnancy

Air travel is safe for most pregnantwomen up to 36 weeks gestation,. Inthe absence of obstetric or medical

complications, pregnant women can observe the

same basic precautions for air travelas the general population does,.

according to a new committee opinion issued by

The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG).

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Welcome to the 21st century According to the American College of

Obstetricians and Gynecologists,

air travel is usually safe for the majorityof pregnant women, although eachindividual should consult with her own

obstetrician before making any air travelplans.

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The safest time for a pregnant woman totravel

is during the second trimester (18 through24 weeks of pregnancy), when she feelsher best and is in least danger of

premature labor or miscarriage

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Air Travel During Pregnancy

should be avoided. Travel is not recommended at any time

during pregnancy for women who have

either medical or obstetric complications --such as pregnancy-induced hypertension,poorly controlled diabetes, or sickle celldisease,. twins, severe nausea, placenta

previa, and other pregnancy-relatedcomplications should not fly."

ACOG also advises against air travel by

pregnant women at significant risk for

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Wear loose, non-restrictive clothing;

Wear compression stockings to promote bloodflow from your ankles to your heart and lungs.Remember to put them on before your flight,while lying in bed, and to wear them all day;

Don't cross your legs during the flight;

Drink plenty of water. Air flights may causedehydration, which thickens the blood;

Exercise. Walk in the aisle, stretch your legsand wiggle your toes.

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environmental conditions associated withflying

such as

low cabin humidity

and changes in cabin pressure,

may result in an increased heart rate,increased blood pressure and a significant

decrease in breathing capabilities in pregnantwomen with a weakened cardiovascularsystem.

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Pregnant women, as well as all air travelers,may take special precautions to minimize

risks wearing support stockings and periodically

moving the lower legs (Sitting or standing, stretchyour leg, heel first, and gently flex your foot tostretch your calf muscles. When you're sitting,rotate your ankles and wiggle your toes. ) to allowfor proper blood circulation.

To ease in-flight discomfort, pregnant women shouldavoid gaseous foods and drinks before flying.

Because air turbulence cannot be predicted and therisk for trauma is significant, continuous use of seatbelts while seated is highly recommended