NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – Women who are in the late stages of pregnancy may still be able to safely travel by air, according to new guidelines released on Wednesday by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Pregnant women can also exercise more than previously recommended, the group said.
"Pregnancy should not be a state of confinement," Dr. Raul Artal of St. Louis University School of Medicine in Missouri told Reuters Health. He announced the new guidelines during ACOG's press briefing on the latest controversies in obstetrics.
Until now, there were no formal recommendations on flying during pregnancy, Dr. Artal noted. Most airlines in the United States allow women to travel until they are about 9 months pregnant, but international airlines prohibit women from flying after 35 weeks of pregnancy, according to an ACOG statement.
ACOG's new guideline states that "in the absence of medical or obstetric complications, air travel is safe up to 36 weeks," Dr. Artal said.
Women who are at risk for preterm delivery, those with poorly controlled diabetes, and those with placental abnormalities, however, are advised to refrain from air travel while pregnant.
Some women, particularly those with heart problems, may experience discomfort while flying due to changes in cabin pressure, which may lead to subsequent increases in both their heart rate and blood pressure. Those at risk for such problems "should be prescribed supplemental oxygen during air travel," according to ACOG women's health experts.
In addition, pregnant women should avoid consuming beans, sodas and other gas-producing foods or drinks before flying, and should wear support stockings to prevent any fluid from accumulating in their legs.
Like all other airline passengers, pregnant women are advised to move their legs periodically during their flight to prevent blood clots.
In a separate announcement during Wednesday's briefing, ACOG also indicated that pregnant women should no longer limit their exercise as previously recommended, but should engage in 30 minutes of daily moderate exercise to gain maximum health and heart benefits.
Furthermore, women should no longer be discouraged from beginning exercising during pregnancy, Dr. Artal noted.
"For women that have never engaged in exercise, pregnancy may not be a bad time to start thinking about it," he said. He added that pregnant women should exercise in moderation and should take the necessary precautions.
The ACOG guidelines on exercise will be released in January, Dr. Artal said.
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