Flying the pregnant lady

I was re-reading what I've blogged yesterday, and I realised that I've forgotten to add a few things related to pregnancy and travelling. I am unashamed and would without any hesitation blame this "forgetfulness" on pregnancy! :)

Anyway, thought I will quickly jot them down before I forget them again!

A recap:

What the pregnant lady should note in her travels:

1. PRAY and entrust your journey to God.

2. Logically weigh the thrills of the trip against the "dangers/ inconveniences" that you might expose yourself to. Don't be overly worried or "Kan Chiong", BUT also don't be stupid and too "gungho" and over-exert yourself!

3. Drink lots of water. This is especially so if you are on long flights as apparantly, air humidity in the cabins of passenger aircraft is kept at only 8 per cent. But, do note that it also means that you might have to pee lots too. So, always be on a look-out for toilets when you travel and if you're flying, try to book an aisle seat if you are flying!

4. Whilst flying, wear Flight Socks to prevent the risk of circulatory problems such as Deep Vein Thrombosis DVT (blood clots), swollen ankles and tired aching leg which all pregnant women are more proned to.

5. Get hubby (your partner) to carry any heavy luggage if he is around.

6. Consider getting travel insurance.


Here's another thing to note:

Remember to check the relevant airline flying regulations regarding pregnant passengers before booking a flight! If not, even if you have a air ticket, you may find yourself barred from the flight!

Most airlines allow pregnant women to fly up to and including the 36th week, provided the pregnancy has been straightforward. Under IATA guidelines, pregnant women are allowed to fly in weeks 36 to 38 if the flying time does not exceed four hours. However, airlines normally refuse to fly pregnant women who have previously given birth prematurely (pre-term) or have had blood clots in the veins of their legs.

These factors also apply to the journey home, so if someone has travelled out during the seventh month of pregnancy, there is a risk that she may not be allowed to board the return flight if she is in the eighth or ninth month of her pregnancy at the time of the return journey!

This is Singapore Airline's policy on flying the pregnant ladies:
Expectant mothers in good health can be accepted for travel under the following conditions:
a) Normal Pregnancy: Mothers can be accepted up until the 35th week of pregnancy by providing private doctor certificate. If pregnancy is up to limiting dates, passenger should hold a certificate of fitness for travel.
b) Multiple Pregnancies (twins, triplets etc.): Mothers can be accepted up until the 32nd week of pregnancy.
c) If more than one month elapses between date of booking and date of departure, a new doctor's certificate is required and must be issued no more than three days outside departure date.

Currently, we aim to fly back to Singapore on SQ by end September. That means that I will probably be around my 32nd week of pregnancy. Don't think it should be a problem, but I better arm myself with a doctor's certificate, 'lest I get prevented from boarding the plane!!