Why should pregnant women not fly?

On the plane, changes in air pressure cause the blood flow that nourishes the fetus in the pregnant woman's body to change, stimulating the uterus and causing premature birth.

Recently, a pregnant woman at 32 weeks suddenly went into labor and gave birth on a plane from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang. Many people asked the question: Why should pregnant women not fly? If they have to fly, what should pregnant women pay attention to?

Pregnant woman successfully gave birth on plane. Photo: Nguyen Dong.

Dr. Nguyen Canh Chuong, Head of the Scientific Research Department, Hanoi Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, recommends that pregnant women should not fly, especially pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy. If it is unavoidable to travel by plane, the health of both mother and fetus should be checked before departure. The doctor's certificate must clearly state the number of weeks of pregnancy and whether the passenger is healthy enough to take the flight. Pregnant women over 36 weeks are not allowed to fly.

Dr. Chuong explained that the first reason is that pressure changes with altitude, causing blood circulation in the body to change, the blood flow to nourish the fetus is uneven, causing uterine stimulation and easy premature birth. The second reason is that on the plane, people often have to sit. For pregnant women, sitting a lot in an environment with changing pressure will cause blood stagnation in the lower body. "Less blood returning to the heart will cause many blood pressure problems, forming blood clots. The larger the fetus, the more serious the risk," Dr. Chuong explained.

Doctor Chuong emphasized that pregnant women with health problems absolutely should notg should go by plane"Pregnant women often have high blood pressure and heart disease during pregnancy,have diabetes,have problems with amniotic fluid, placenta or vaginal bleeding, history of premature birth,or have a history of blood clots even before pregnancy,"I have given birth to twins or triplets... so I shouldn't travel by plane," said the male doctor.

Even when the pregnancy is going on its full potential,c gently, doctors advise pregnant women not to fly in the last month, especially when they are preparing to give birth. Airlines often have regulations that pregnant women from the 27th week of pregnancy onwards must declare before boarding the plane. "If pregnant women must travel by this means, they should have a pregnancy check-up before going to check the fetus instomach, then must report to the relevant department so they can arrange a suitable seat on the plane," Dr. Chuong recommended.

In addition, pregnant women should eat and drink enough when boarding the plane, avoiding carbonated foods and drinks. For long flights, pregnant women should stretch their legs to reduce the risk of lower limb edema and venous thrombosis. To avoid injury due to plane shaking, pregnant women should fasten their seat belts below the hip bones.

According to VNE