Pregnancy and flying

Especially women who have to fly a lot due to business, are often afraid about the topic "pregnancy flying", as they think that flying might harm the unborn or may even cause a miscarriage.

Doctors also give different pieces of advice. Some gynaecologists recommend not to fly during the first months of pregnancy, others say to avoid to fly during the last months. A third group is of the opinion that pregnant women can travel via plane throughout the whole pregnancy.

Opponents of "pregnancy flying" do especially use the following argument: As the air in a plane contains less oxygen and as there is a lower air pressure on board, less oxygen reaches the blood of the passengers. In order for the embryo to develop appropriately, it needs a lot of oxygen.

According to researches done with 20 pregnant during flights, the hearts of the embryos beat with exactly the same frequency as on solid ground which is a clear indicator that they were ideally supplied with oxygen.

Are "cosmic" rays dangerous?
The higher the plane flies, the higher is the concentration of radioactive rays. However, no studies exist which prove or exclude an effect on the embryo. According to theoretical calculations, the risk that the child might be born with a birth deficit only increases about fractions of one per cent if the pregnant mother flies very (!) often.

When flying during pregnancy, the mother should consider the following tips:

- It is necessary to drink a lot, preferably water, but no alcohol or coffee.
- Try to take a seat in the aisle, then you have the possibility to walk every half an hour during the flight and you have more space for your legs.
- Make circular movements with your feet while seated.
- Try to strain and relax your muscles.
- Enjoy the flight.

Buying Pregnancy stuff on the web

US: At Motherwear you'll find a complete selection of nursing clothes, nursing bras, pumps, and accessories - everything for a nursing mom! Aaron's Baby Baskets - gifts for babies and new parents. UK: Great Savings at Mothercare.com - for UK shoppers.

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