Air travel during pregnancy: Is it safe?

Commercial air travel poses no special risks to a healthy pregnant woman or her fetus. However, certain conditions in pregnancy — such as severe anemia, sickle cell disease, clotting disorders and placental insufficiency — can put you at increased risk of problems. So check with your doctor.

Some women worry about the effect of decreased air pressure on the fetus during air travel. During the flight, air pressure is adjusted to approximately that of between 5,000 and 8,000 feet above sea level. Although you and your baby will both have slightly less oxygen in your blood than you would at sea level, your bodies will adjust to this.

Another concern about air travel during pregnancy is exposure to cosmic radiation at high altitudes. The effects of radiation exposure in pregnancy are very well understood. Although the exposure increases at higher altitudes, the level of exposure for the occasional traveler is not a concern. However, pregnant women who fly very frequently — such as pilots, flight attendants, air marshals and couriers — may receive radiation exposure that exceeds current recommendations. If you must fly frequently during your pregnancy, discuss this with your doctor.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the safest time for a pregnant woman to travel is during the second trimester (18 through 24 weeks). This is when a pregnant woman has the lowest risk of miscarriage or premature labor. Many doctors recommend that women avoid flying after 36 weeks of pregnancy or if they're at risk of preterm delivery. Some tips for pregnant women who plan to fly:

• Ask for an aisle seat or a seat at the bulkhead — which offers the most space and comfort — or over the wings — which offers the smoothest ride.

• Fasten the safety belt under your abdomen across the tops of your thighs.

• Get up and walk every half-hour or, if the seat belt sign is on, flex and extend your ankles vigorously and frequently to prevent blood clots.

• Drink plenty of fluids. Low humidity in the cabin has a dehydrating effect.

All airlines have policies regarding pregnancy and flying. So check with the airline before booking a flight.