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Pregnancy

Exercising a little caution, flying activities can be done up to the 30th week or so of a pregnancy. During the first trimester nausea and vomiting are common and motion, engine fumes, and G-forces may exacerbate these. Increased congestion may also cause difficulty in clearing the ears. As well, during the first and second trimester, circulatory changes may cause decreased tolerance to G-forces, and sudden changes in position. Light-headed feelings and fainting can become more prevalent.

Anaemia is more common in the second and third trimesters and can lead to less tolerance of hypoxia by the mother more so than the foetus. Of course as the women’s internal geometry changes, there may be increased discomfort due to trapped gases. During the third trimester, there is also an increased hazard to the foetus from seat belt related injury as it moves to a more exposed position. The mother as wellmay have considerably decreased mobility and problems with cockpit ergonomics.

There has been some minor concern with radiation and pregnancy, however this is likely only an issue at high altitudes with continuous exposure. We are talking about 500+ hours a year above 35,000 feet.