Traveling with a Bump
One of the first things I wondered when I got pregnant (I’m on my 30th week now) was when I would have to stop flying. I’d heard airlines wouldn’t let you fly in your last two months but no one seemed to know exactly what the magic date is not how it is enforced. As it turns out, some airlines don’t even have any restrictions and others, like Continental, will let you fly as close as 7 days prior to your delivery date as long as you have a doctor’s letter. American Airlines draws the line at 30 days, while Southwest Airlines has no restrictions but will just ask you not to sit on an emergency row if you are pregnant. All restrictions are based on the honor system. Baby center has done the legwork and assembled this great list of what the restrictions are by airline for domestic and international flights. In addition to this list, Air Canada restricts air travel for pregnant women after their 36th week.
I’ve traveled in both my first and third trimesters, first to Peru and then to the West Coast, and had no issues in either case. However, all situations are different and you are advised to consider your particular pregnancy history when considering flying. If you have a high risk pregnancy or have had other complications, use common sense when deciding if you really need to get on a plane. In general, your second trimester is the best time to plan a trip since this is when you have the most energy and you are past the higher risk stage of early pregnancy. This is why a lot of couples plan their ‘baby moon’ for this time. The ‘baby moon’, a new term for me, is the trip that most couples who are pregnant for their first time decide to go on as a farewell to their days of freedom and spontaneous traveling. I think it’s the perfect excuse to plan a trip so highly recommend taking advantage of the opportunity, if your condition allows for it.
This article was posted by Veronica Montero
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