I'm 20 weeks pregnant. Can I travel by air? - Health - MSNBC.com

I'm 20 weeks pregnant. Can I travel by air? - Health - MSNBC.com

Most of us just sit in our seats without even stretching our legs. Especially on long flights, these cramped circumstances can lead to the formation of venous clots in the leg, and even pulmonary embolism. The risk is small, but it is relevant to all long-distance travelers. Though no published reports have shown that pregnant women are at a higher risk for this medical complication on long flights, I don’t find that reassuring. Even when they’re not flying, pregnant women are more likely to develop varicose veins, poor venous blood flow, and clots.

So once you are up in the air, and the seat belt sign is turned off, I would suggest that you very carefully move around the cabin as much as possible and consider wearing support stockings for your flight. Finally, since you don't know when turbulence will occur, while in your seat, wear your seat belt low on your hip bone, between your abdomen and pelvis.Now some tips for feeling more comfortable on your flight. Since humidity in the cabin is very low (less than 25 percent), hydrate! We do know that dehydration can lead to contractions. I recommend drinking one glass of water for every hour of your flight. Avoid gas-producing foods and drinks before boarding the plane, since trapped gas expands at higher altitudes. You don’t want to feel scary abdominal discomfort 40,000 feet up in the air and wonder if it's a contraction or gas pain.