5 KEY Tips for Travelling during pregnancy by air in India
The other day I was talking to one of my friends who is expecting and we were discussing about the different airline guidelines during pregnancy by air tarvel in India. While talking to her, I recollected the time when I was pregnant with my son in 2018. When I was in my 28th week, I had to plan an unavoidable air travel from Mumbai to our hometown, Chandigarh. It took me a lot of time, banging my head on one website and another, to plan my pregnancy travel by air. I never though that it will be so difficult for pregnant women.
Through that exhaustive research I was able to help my friend. That’s when it struck me to compile all the information for every expecting mom who is planning to travel by air. Reason could be anything. While tech has kept us connected to each other but sometimes flying becomes inescapable. At times that implies to even a Babymoon away with your better half or an outing to a place that has constantly been on your bucket list. At that point flying is something you’ve got to do.
Regardless of whether you’re travelling during pregnancy on a short flight or preparing for a long stretch flight, I have tips on what to pack, how to experience security peacefully and what you have to know as far as safety is concerned.
At the point when you’re pregnant, travelling can be overwhelming, however trust me – it’s absolutely feasible if you plan properly. When I was researching about air travel during pregnancy, I found out that all the information was available in bits and pieces and few information you only get post experiencing it. I don’t want you guys to go through the same and I have penned it down for all you guys. For I have been in the same boat as you, I absolutely understand how you feel.
So here is sharing some handy and useful tips to make your pregancy by air travel experience easier.
COVID19 GUIDELINES
Kindly click here to download COVID19 guidelines for air travel in India as issued by Ministry of Civil Aviation for Air travel. Follow the same to have safe travel. COVID19 guidelines for air travel are also availble on their website: Ministry of Civil Aviation, India.
TIP #1 – KNOW WHEN CAN YOU FLY AND WHAT YOUR INSURANCE COVERS!
In the first, second, or third trimester? You’re presumably pondering when it’s ideal to fly.
- For some people, the principal (1st) trimester is more troublesome due to morning sickness. Regardless of whether it’s due to food repugnance or motion sickness, flying can surely fuel that up further.
- Primary (1st) trimester comes with a higher danger risk of miscarriage. So there is a need to be super extra careful if planning a travel during 1st trimester.
- In case you’re arranging a Babymoon, unquestionably, hold up until you’re well and reach the subsequent (2nd) trimester. It makes you feel more relaxed healthwise. Most importantly, don’t forget to consult your travel plans with your doctor well in advance.
You may likewise need to check airline rules.
- Numerous air carriers won’t let you fly following 28 weeks without a note from your physician, while numerous travel insurance companies, won’t cover up any retractions after your 32nd week (24 weeks for multiples).
- If you need to fly late in your maternity, I suggest having your primary care physician’s consent and have supporting records printed and prepared, just in case you’re asked or questioned at check-in.
- In case you’re travelling international, check the arrival country’s regulations for admitting pregnant ladies. Ensure that you’re mindful of what clinical administrations they can provide.
DOMESTIC FLIGHT RULES FOR TRAVELLING DURING PREGNANCY BY AIRLINES IN INDIA
(for major cariers)
| Indigo – Domestic Flight Pregnancy Guidelines | |||
| Single Pregnancy | Multiple Pregnancy* | Complicated Pregnancy** | |
| Max Travel Time | 36 weeks | 32 weeks | 32 weeks |
| Require fit to fly medical certificate for pregnancy travel from treating obstetrician (dated not more than 7 days before the date of travel) | 28 – 36 week | 28 – 32 week | 28 – 32 week |
| Medical clearance to be taken from the Airline’s doctor | NA | NA | Yes |
| Air India – Domestic Flight Pregnancy Guidelines | |||
| Single Pregnancy | Multiple Pregnancy* | Complicated Pregnancy** | |
| Max Travel Time | 35 weeks | 32 weeks | 32 weeks |
| Require fit to fly medical certificate for pregnancy travel from treating obstetrician (dated not more than 3 days before the date of travel) | Irrespective of week | Irrespective of week | Irrespective of week |
| In case of the pregnancy beyond 35 weeks, passenger may be accepted for transportation only on urgent or compassionate grounds, with the authority of the Executive Director – Medical Services, after filling the MEDIF form. | |||
| Go Air rules for pregnant ladies in India | |||
| Single Pregnancy | Multiple Pregnancy* | Complicated Pregnancy** | |
| Max Travel Time | 36 weeks | 36 weeks | 36 weeks |
| Require fit to fly medical certificate for pregnancy travel from treating obstetrician along with a copy (dated not more than 24 hours before the date of travel) | 28 – 36 week | 28 – 36 week | 28 – 36 week |
| Medical clearance to be taken from the Airline’s doctor during check-in at airline’s discretion along with medical certificate for pregnancy travel post 28th week. | |||
| Vistara – Domestic flight rules for pregnant females | |||
| Single Pregnancy | Multiple Pregnancy* | Complicated Pregnancy** | |
| Max Travel Time | 36 weeks | 32 weeks | 32 weeks |
| Require fit to fly medical certificate for pregnancy travel from treating obstetrician along with a copy (dated not more than 3 days before the date of travel) | 29 – 36 week | ||
| Require fit to fly medical certificate for pregnancy travel from treating obstetrician along with a copy (dated not more than 48 hours before the date of travel) | 29 – 32 week | ||
| Vistara doctor’s clearance by MEDA process along with fit to fly medical certificate for pregnancy travel from the treating obstetrician dated not more than 7 days before the date of Travel. | 29 – 32 week | ||
| Spicejet – Domestic Flight Pregnancy Guidelines | |||
| Single Pregnancy | Multiple Pregnancy* | Complicated Pregnancy** | |
| Max Travel Time | 36 weeks | 36 weeks | 36 weeks |
| Fit to Fly Medical Certificate for pregnancy travel from treating obstetrician along with a copy (dated not more than 2 weeks before the date of travel) | 28-36 week | ||
| Fit to Fly Medical Certificate for Pregnancy Travel from treating obstetrician along with a copy (dated not more than 2 days before the date of travel) | 28-36 week | ||
| MEDA case approval to be obtained from treating gynaecologist (up to 2 days before the date of travel) | 28-36 week | ||
| Air Asia flight rules for pregnant ladies | |||
| Single Pregnancy | Multiple Pregnancy* | Complicated Pregnancy** | |
| Max Travel Time | 34 weeks | 34 weeks | 34 weeks |
| Fit to Fly Medical Certificate for Pregnancy Travel from treating obstetrician (dated not more than 30 days before the date of travel) | 28 – 34 week | 28 – 34 week | 28 – 34 week |
| *Multiple pregnancy which refers to twins, triplets etc. | |||
| **Complicated pregnancy which refers to cases where on previous occasions a mother has experienced difficult and complicated delivery. | |||
Since all suppliers are separate entities, it is vital that you read the fine print from your insurance providers (including the one given by credit cards and airlines) when travelling during maternity.
- Multiple insurance companies do not cover the event of premature birth or if your baby requires time in a NICU abroad as it could be viewed as a “pre existing condition.”
- You additionally need to understand what your cancellation policy is for the trip, just for the off chance that keeps you from taking the trip.
TIP #2 – BUDGET FOR EXTRA TIME AT CHECK IN
There’s nothing more regrettable than feeling hurried and on the edge when you’re travelling during pregnancy.
In case you’re somebody who is typically fine with showing up at the air terminal 45 minutes before your flight, stretch that to one and a half hour to two hours.
- This will give you an opportunity to discover somebody who can help you with your baggage, handle any surprising inquiries at check in and respond to gate changes appropriately.
- This is particularly pivotal in case you’re pregnant AND travelling with another baby.
- Showing up well before the time allows for multiple restroom breaks, spills and a truly necessary embrace from a friendly stranger or airline staff members.
TIP #3 – MAKE YOURSELF COMFORTABLE AT SECURITY
Many of us are concerned about going through screening technology or taking off our shoes in airport security.
- While all the modern scanners are built on Millimeter – Wave Body technology which is safe for all passengers including expecting females.
- It’s alright to request a physical search in case you’re not happy. At the point when you’re pregnant, you simply need to do what keeps you at ease.
- To comfort you more, the multiple manufacturers have clarified that the Advanced Imaging Technology and stroll through metal indicator frameworks don’t utilize X-beams to create the picture, yet rather use non-ionizing electromagnetic waves that are reflected off the body.
TIP #4 – HELP! HELP! HELP!
Generally, individuals love helping pregnant ladies. There is something about carrying a newborn which seems to make people warmer and kinder, and it’s something you ought to thoroughly acknowledge with great enthusiasm.
One of the off chance that you need assistance getting a thing in or out of the overhead compartment, simply let an airline steward know. Same goes for huge packs when travelling globally.
TIP #5 – DRINK WATER & EAT HEALTHY
At the point when you’re pregnant your child is actually and metaphorically draining the life out of you.
- At this point when you’re flying, you’re increasingly prone to dehydration so DRINK WATER.
- You may consider bringing an electrolyte substitution (ORS) drink on long stretch flights.
- Additionally pack sound tidbits like carrot sticks, apple cuts and almonds to keep you satisfied.
- In case you have nausea or have flying sickness, converse with your primary care physician about the prescriptions to take while on the way to your destination.
BONUS TIP – HOW & WHAT TO PACK!
Utilize a rucksack for a carry-on. This will help uniformly distribute the weight across your back and spare your sore body while trekking through the terminal.
- As far as garments, I think most of the women loves wearing something a bit sporty or free and flowy.
- Many ladies select leggings, however ensure they don’t cut into the center of your belly or in the rear of your knees.
- Circulation is required when you’re pregnant, so dress in things that let the blood stream!
- Change of garments
- Pressure socks (particularly if you’ve been encountering swollen feet.
- Huge sweater that can serve as a cover if necessary
- Water
- Snacks in abundance
- Carrot sticks
- Almonds
- Apple cuts
- Lemon cuts (in case you need to tackle nausea)
- You may likewise need to pack your own dinner as plane food can be dehydrating
- All Documents – fit to fly certificates
- Neck pad
- To wrap things up – a novel or podcast or online series or movies on Prime or Netflix that you can dive into!
So these were the tips which you can keep handy whenever planning an air travel during pregnancy. You can also share these with someone known who might find these useful.
Hope the tips will help you to have a comfortable journey. Wish you a safe travel!
Did you find it helpful, let us know:
Join
Work With Us
0 Comments