FLIGHT ATTENDANTS AND FREQUENT FLYERS: SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
As the plane rises in altitude, barometric pressure falls along with oxygen pressure. This phenomenon reduces the oxygen saturation in our blood. Even though cabins are pressurised, some amount of hypoxia still happens.
Babies (growing in the womb) are compensated by the abundance of red blood cells that they have, which can extract oxygen from the mother even under low saturation conditions. • Thus flying during pregnancy is relatively safe under normal conditions. • However, if the cabin pressure drops sharply, or if the mother has pre-existing heart or lung conditions, the potential effects of hypoxia to mother and baby remain high.
To summarise: 1. Occasional air travel is safe.
2. Most commercial airlines allow travel until 28 weeks of pregnancy, after which a fitness certificate is required. Some airlines allow travel until 36 weeks’ gestation with a medical
certificate. 3. Air travel is not recommended at any time in a pregnancy that has medical or obstetric complications.. Most complications happen during the 1st and 3rd trimesters.
4. Long haul journeys pose special risks particularly due to: • low humidity, • low cabin pressure, • restricted mobility due to constant sitting posture which impedes blood circulation in the lower body parts; • exposure to ionizing radiation;
5. Ensuing problems may arise, including increased heart rate and blood pressure, breathing difficulties, thrombosis risks, trauma from turbulence and vomiting from air sickness.
6. Preventive measures can be taken to mitigate these risks. These include using support stockings, passive and active exercise of leg muscles, occasional walking along the aisle and adequate hydration. 7. Locking the seat belt below the protuberant abdomen and the pelvis serves well against trauma from turbulence.
8. Carbonated/fizzy drinks should be avoided before boarding a flight as gases expand in high altitude and cause discomfort. Anti-emetics can be taken against air sickness.
9. Contrary to common beliefs/ fears – miscarriages, premature labour, premature rupture of membranes or abruption of placenta does not occur due to air travel. However, where there is a prior risk of these events happening, the person should not travel by air.
10. Also, though not mandatory, it might be prudent to do an ultrasound scanning, to rule out conditions such as ectopic pregnancy or a non-viable