9 Tips for Flying While Pregnant

Traveling while pregnant can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be. We’re sharing some of our top tips to help make sure you’re comfortable, prepared and ready to fly.

9 Tips for Flying While Pregnant

1. Time it right. To be most comfortable when traveling, take advantage of the second semester (weeks 14 to 27) when you’ll likely be past any morning sickness and have some energy back. If you are still experiencing some nausea, try to book a flight during the time of day that you usually feel best.
2. Book an aisle seat. Pregnant mamas need to take frequent bathroom breaks, so an aisle seat will help you get out of your seat easier. If you can, booking towards the front of the plane can also make the boarding and un-boarding process a little smoother.
3. Stay hydrated. It’s important to stay hydrated in general, but even more so when flying. Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine, which can dehydrate you. Bring along a reusable water bottle so you can easily refill and hydrate on-the-go, just make sure it’s empty when you go through security.
4. Pack healthy snacks. Don’t rely on airplane snacks to get you through! Pack some healthy, filling options to have on hand when hunger strikes. Nutritionist Kelly LeVeque recommends hard-boiled eggs, almonds, veggies and hummus, and almond butter. Small packs of protein powder can also come in handy.
5. Dress for comfort. Your body temperature tends to fluctuate when pregnant, so it’s smart to dress in loose layers. Maxi dresses, jumpsuits, or long sweaters or dusters are all great options. Cabin pressure will likely make your feet swell, so wear comfortable shoes that can be easily removed (this will also make it easier to breeze through security). Jessica is a big fan of compression socks, which also help keep swelling to a minimum.
6. Give yourself extra time. Get to the airport early so you don’t have to rush — the last thing you need to worry about is making it to your gate on time. Get in your last bathroom breaks before boarding and fill up your water bottle.
7. Prep for nausea. Even if you’ve made it through morning sickness, turbulence can still cause nausea. Sip on sparkling water or mint tea, or try some ginger candies or supplements which can help settle your stomach.
8. Keep clean. Hand sanitizer is an absolute must for keeping germs at bay, and ours is perfectly purse-sized. Jessica’s also never without our travel wipes, which come in handy for wiping down gunked-up tray tables and armrests.
9. Get moving. Keep your blood circulating by moving as much as you can while in flight. Take walks up and down the aisle and do some simple stretches in your seat.

Do you have any travel tips of your own? We’d love for you to share with us in the comments below.