FrequentFliers.com

BOSTON, MA, Feb 07, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) — Congratulations! You’ve just received the news that you’re expecting. Did you already have travel plans booked? Or are you planning to take a babymoon prior to the little one’s arrival but not sure about the safety of flying while pregnant? Cheapflights.com, the online leader in publishing travel deals, offers an in-depth guide on Air Travel and Pregnancy to answer all your questions on how to ensure safe and comfortable air travel when pregnant.

Air travel is generally safe for pregnant women. However, traveling pregnant does come with some warnings. To help ease some of the anxiety, read on for a sample of the travel tips from the team at Cheapflights as well as some of the very practical advice we’ve collected from experts on flying while pregnant.

1. Quick tips for healthy air travel while pregnant

        --  Travel with at least one companion who also has your emergency contact
            info in addition to your doctor's number programmed into their phone.
        --  Carry documentation with your expected date of delivery, doctor's
            contact info, and your blood type.
        --  Stay hydrated. Dehydration on airplanes can be worse when you're
            pregnant, so drink plenty of caffeine-free, non-alcoholic fluids
            before, during, and after the flight.

2. When is the best time to fly? According to the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, air travel is safest for pregnant women during the second trimester — weeks 18 to 24. If you are considering a flight during your pregnancy, check with both your doctor and the airline before you book.

According to one of our experts, Colleen Lanin of TravelMamas.com, “In the first trimester you may be too nauseated to enjoy your time away. In the third trimester you may be too uncomfortable and not feel up for doing much of anything.”

3. Each airline has its own rules for flying while pregnant – If you’re booking your flights with an agent, let them know that you’re pregnant when you book your flight and check that you are permitted to fly. If booking your flights online, be sure to check the airline’s website. It is worth calling ahead to alert the airline about your pregnancy — this should also ensure that you get special service to keep you comfortable. It’s also recommended that you avoid smaller planes that fly below 7,000 feet, and choose larger planes with pressurized cabins. Check out Cheapflights.com’s chart on Airlines and their Pregnancy Travel Policy outlining the pregnancy travel policies for 19 airlines.

4. Make yourself comfortable – Especially during pregnancy, reserving the right seat on the airplane can make a difference. You will need to be able to get up and move around the plane. Try and reserve a spacious seat when you make your booking. Many airlines’ websites have information about the varying legroom on each of their seats. If you plan to travel pregnant, it’s worth spending a few extra bucks to get a bit more room. Be aware, though, that traditional “extra legroom” seats, such as those on the exit aisles, are often not permitted to those who are pregnant.

Another of our experts, Jodi Grundig of MomsFavoriteStuff.com, adds this tip, “While I generally love direct flights, if you are flying long distance, two shorter flights may be better. That way, you can get out, stretch, eat a nice meal and recharge.”

5. Tips for your vacation – Once the flight’s over, it’s time to enjoy the vacation. Here are just a few more things to consider:

        --  Keep a list of names and numbers to be contacted in case of emergency.
        --  Keep a list of local hospitals from the embassy or tourist board.

SOURCE: Cheapflights.com