Introduction
Pilots will sometimes carry a pregnant passenger in an unpressurized aircraft. This article summarizes some of the currently available guidance.
There is no evidence that airline flying, or being in a pressurized cabin, is harmful to an unborn baby.
In general, though, it is best not to fly in a small plane that doesn't have cabin pressure. The air is significantly thinner at high altitudes. In an aircraft without cabin pressure, the body has to work harder to supply the mother and baby with enough oxygen.
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FAA Guidance
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provides some guidance on this topic for airlines.
The FAA requires all commercial airlines and many non-commercial planes to maintain a standard level of cabin pressure (equivalent to 5,000 ft to 8,000 ft, the altitude of Denver and other Rocky Mountain communities). If a healthy woman has no serious medical conditions, she and her baby should be safe to travel.
In unpressurized cabins flying altitude must be limited to 10,000 ft but oxygen can be used and is even advisable above 8,000 ft.
No further stringent precautions apply in the case of pregnancy when flying in an unpressurized general aviation aircraft, compared to those for commercial airline flights. In fact, the FAA does not regulate pregnant passengers and defers responsibility to the individual airlines and aircraft owners.
Effects of Cabin Pressure On Pregnancy
The medical profession recommends that pregnant women do not fly in an unpressurized small plane. There are concerns that women and their babies may not receive enough oxygen during non-pressurized flights. Pregnant passengers should ask for oxygen if feeling faint or short of breath.
The lower air pressure in an aircraft cabin can cause heart rate and blood pressure to rise in order to accommodate the body's need for oxygen.
If a passenger is anemic, has sickle cell disease, a history of blood clots, or placental insufficiency, adapting to flying could be problematic for both the mother and the baby, and flying should be avoided.
If taking a flight is essential, a prescription for supplemental oxygen for the flight can be prescribed.
An unpressurized small plane does not have the same advantages as a commercial airliner. Cruising at an altitude of 10,000 feet in a small plane is about the same as standing on a two-mile-high mountain. The air is thinner and the body will have to work extremely hard to ensure oxygen levels are maintained.
The result can be bleeding and even miscarriage.
Consult a Doctor Before Flying When Pregnant - whether in a pressurized or unpressurized cabin
When flying, a pregnant woman should check with her doctor that she does not have any complications that can put her at risk of pre-term delivery.
Other dangers also include pre-eclampsia, high blood pressure, poorly controlled diabetes, multiple pregnancies, incompetent cervix, repeated miscarriages, previous multiple premature births, or a baby who is not growing optimally in the womb.
Many obstetricians encourage women with these complications to avoid airline travel or any long trips in the last three months of their pregnancy.
Travel in pressurized aircraft is generally safe but there is a slightly increased risk of deep vein thrombosis. There are special travel socks designed for flying which can also relieve swollen ankles and prevent various veins.
Tips for Improved Safety and Comfort when Flying Pregnant
There are ways to combat some of the negative effects of recycled air when flying:
· Avoid drinking anything that contributes to water loss - such as alcohol or caffeinated drinks.
· For every hour spent flying on the plane, drink a glass of bottled water.
· Keep skin moist with moisturizers.
· Use a saline spray to better enable nasal passages to filter contaminants.
· If feeling faint or short of breath, ask for oxygen.
· Keep your legs up and move around during the flight. Blood will pool in the legs if kept immobile which coupled with dehydration increases the risk of clotting and thrombosis.
If you are in good health and especially if you are in your second trimester, when the pregnancy is in the 'easiest' phase, airline flying should not be problematic. Non-pressurized cabin flying should only be undertaken if absolutely necessary and with the agreement of a doctor.
Third Trimester Flying
During the third trimester, it is recommended that a pregnant woman does not fly after week 36 of gestation. Some even recommend not flying after week 32 or even 28. Seek advice from a Doctor if flying is required.
Further Reading:
pregnancy-info.net: Cabin Air Pressure Effects on Pregnancy Flying
BabyCenter: Flying While Pregnant
BabyCenter: Is it safe to fly during pregnancy?
Notice:
Information in this article does not represent the views or opinions of RocketRoute. In all cases please consult with your doctor and operator/pilot if you are considering taking a flight while pregnant in an unpressurized aircraft.