Question: How can I stay comfortable during a plane flight?

Answer: There are a number of things you can do. Request a seat in the middle of the plane over the wing for the smoothest ride, or a bulkhead seat for more legroom. In either case, reserve a seat on the aisle so you can get to the bathroom easily and get up to walk and stretch.

Sitting anywhere for long periods of time can make your feet and ankles swell and your legs cramp. Take off your shoes and elevate your legs by resting your feet on your carry-on luggage under the seat in front of you. If the seat next to you is empty, put your feet up on it. Since pregnancy makes you more susceptible to thrombosis (the formation of blood clots) and varicose veins, keep your blood circulating by strolling the aisle every hour and doing some simple stretches every half hour. Try this: When seated, extend your leg, heel first, and gently point and flex your foot to stretch your calf muscles. When seated, rotate your ankles and wiggle your toes. Get up once every hour or so to walk around, but make sure you sit down as soon as there's a whiff of air turbulence.

Always keep your seat belt fastened under your belly and low on your hips while seated. And drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to stave off the dehydrating effects of dry cabin air. Caffeine can act as a mild diuretic, so it's best to avoid coffee, tea, and certain soft drinks before and during the flight. And beware of consuming gas-producing meals or drinks before takeoff. The trapped gas from foods such as cabbage and beans expands at higher altitude, making for an uncomfortable trip.

Wear whatever makes you comfortable. Beyond that, it's best to wear a dress or separates, such as a skirt or pants with a top (rather than a jumpsuit or overalls), to accommodate frequent trips to the bathroom. Stick to outfits with few or no fasteners — that helps speed up your pit stops. Layer your clothing to cope with sudden temperature changes. Since your feet will probably swell, wear comfortable shoes with expandable elastic panels, laces, or adjustable straps. Bring a thick pair of socks or some comfy slippers to wear around the cabin if you take your shoes off. If you're prone to varicose veins or swelling, wear maternity support panty hose, which relieve swelling and aching in your legs by strategically compressing your veins to keep blood flowing.

You can fly on commercial airlines without restriction during your first and second trimesters, but during your third trimester you may run into some restrictions.

All airlines recommend that you consult your doctor before traveling at any point in your pregnancy. Play it safe by getting a "permission-to-travel" letter from your healthcare provider.

You won't – and shouldn't – get one if your pregnancy is considered high-risk.

Take your due date into consideration for the return trip, too. And before you plan a cross-country or international flight, remember how you'll feel squeezed into a seat for hours.

Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air www.alaskaair.com

(800) 252-7522

Domestic:

No restrictions, but passengers are advised to consult a doctor

International:

No restrictions, but passengers are advised to consult a doctor

American Airlines www.aa.com

(800) 433-7300

Domestic:

• Doctor's letter required if traveling within four weeks of delivery date.
• Travel within seven days before due date or after delivery requires doctor's letter plus clearance by AA special-assistance coordinator.
• Restrictions based on honor policy.

International:

• Doctor's letter required if traveling within 30 days of due date, signed within 48 hours of travel.
• Travel within ten days before due date or after delivery requires doctor's letter plus clearance by AA special-assistance coordinator.

Continental Airlines www.continental.com

(800) 523-3273 (domestic)

(800) 231-0856 (international)

Domestic:

• Passengers advised to consult a doctor if traveling beyond the "seventh month."
• Doctor's letter required if traveling within seven days of due date.
• Travel prohibited if signs of labor exist.

International:

Same restrictions apply.

Delta Airlines www.delta.com

(800) 221-1212

Domestic:

No restrictions, but passengers are advised to consult a doctor.

International:

No restrictions, but passengers are advised to consult a doctor.

Frontier Airlines www.frontierairlines.com

(800) 432-1359

Domestic:
No restrictions, but passengers are advised to consult a doctor.

International:
No restrictions, but passengers are advised to consult a doctor.

Hawaiian Airlines www.hawaiianair.com

(800) 367-5320

Domestic:

• Doctor's letter required for travel within seven days of due date, signed within 72 hours of travel, indicating 1) due date and 2) that based on medical examination, travel doesn't pose a health risk.
• Airline may require examination by medical personnel if passenger doesn't appear fit to fly on day of departure.
• Restrictions based on honor policy.

International:

Same restrictions apply.

JetBlue Airways www.jetblue.com

(800) 538-2583

Domestic:

• Doctor's letter required for travel within seven days of due date, signed within 72 hours of travel, indicating 1) due date and 2) that based on medical examination, travel doesn't pose a health risk.
• All travel must be scheduled for completion by due date.
• Restrictions based on honor policy.

International:

Same restrictions apply.

Southwest Airlines www.iflyswa.com

(800) 435-9792

Domestic:

• No restrictions, but airline strongly recommends against flying at 39 weeks or later.
• Pregnant women may be asked not to sit in the emergency exit row.

International:

Southwest has no international flights.

Spirit Airlines www.spirit.com

(800) 772-7117

Domestic:

• In last month of pregnancy, you need a doctor's letter signed within 72 hours of travel, indicating that, based on a medical examination, travel on specified date doesn't pose a health risk.
• Restrictions based on honor policy.
• Travel prohibited if signs of labor exist.

International:

Same restrictions apply.

United Airlines www.united.com

(800) 241-6522

Domestic:

• No restrictions during first eight months.
• In last month of pregnancy, you need a doctor's letter signed within 24 to 72 hours of travel, indicating 1) due date, 2) departure and arrival destinations and dates, and 3) that travel doesn't pose a health risk.
• Restrictions based on honor policy.

International:

Same restrictions apply.

US Airways www.usairways.com

(800) 428-4322

Domestic:

• Doctor's letter required for travel within seven days of due date, signed within 72 hours of travel, indicating that travel. doesn't pose a health risk
• Restrictions based on honor policy.

International:

Same restrictions apply.

Virgin America/Virgin Atlantic www.virginamerica.com and www.virgin-atlantic.com

(877) 359-8474

Domestic:

• Doctor's letter required if traveling within seven days of due date, indicating that travel doesn't pose a health risk; for round-trip travel, letter must indicate you'll be fit for return trip, too.
• Restrictions based on honor policy.

International:

• No restrictions through 27 weeks.
• Travel between 28 and 36 weeks requires pregnancy info form to confirm due date and that pregnancy is uncomplicated.
• All travel must be completed by end of 36 weeks.

Other Airlines do check their appropriate websites for more guidelines.

My family has planned a trip to Florida when I'll be around seven months pregnant. Is it safe to fly this late in pregnancy?

Although it can be perfectly safe to fly during much of your third trimester (up to 36 weeks), be sure to discuss your trip plans with your healthcare provider before you book your flight. In certain high-risk cases, your healthcare provider may advise you to stay close to home throughout your pregnancy. If you're carrying twins or multiples, have diabetes or high blood pressure, have placental abnormalities or vaginal bleeding, are under observation for preterm labor, or have a history of forming blood clots (including prior to pregnancy), the smart choice may be to postpone your travels.

Even if you're enjoying an uncomplicated pregnancy, it's best to avoid flying during your final month, when you're more likely to go into labor. Many airlines, in fact, won't let women on board who are due to deliver within seven or sometimes 30 days of the flight (they don't want you to deliver while in the air!). Be sure to carry a note from your healthcare provider stating your expected due date to avoid disputes at the boarding gate. However, each airline has different rules about when and whether it will allow you to fly. And don't forget to take into account how far along you'll be on the return flight.

Before you leave, have your healthcare provider refer you to a midwife or obstetrician at your destination in case you need medical attention during your vacation. Carry a complete list of emergency contacts and, if you're in your second or third trimester, carry a copy of your prenatal chart as well. A prenatal chart should include your age, due date, last menstrual period, number and outcomes of prior pregnancies, risk factors for disease, pregnancy-related lab tests and ultrasounds, medical and surgical history, and a flow sheet of vital signs taken at each visit.

If you're healthy and have no obstetric problems, you and your baby should have no trouble in the pressurized cabin of a commercial airliner. The best thing to do is to make yourself as comfortable as you can during the flight. Request a seat in the middle of the plane over the wing for the smoothest ride, or a bulkhead seat for more legroom.

In either case, reserve a seat on the aisle so you can get to the bathroom easily and get up to walk and stretch. Pregnant women who are immobile for long periods of time are at increased risk for developing blood clots, so be sure to walk around the cabin at least once an hour. You should also stretch and flex your feet and legs in your seat every 30 minutes. Wearing maternity support panty hose (not knee highs) helps keep the blood moving in your legs and decreases your risk for clots and swollen feet.

When seated, keep your seatbelt fastened under your belly and low on your hips at all times. Also, drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to stave off the dehydrating effects of dry cabin air. Caffeine acts as a diuretic, so it's best to avoid coffee, tea, and caffeinated soft drinks before and during the flight. And beware of gas-producing meals or drinks before takeoff. The trapped gas from foods such as cabbage and beans expands at higher altitude, making for an uncomfortable trip.

I've heard that airplane passengers are exposed to radiation. Will this harm my unborn baby?

Natan Haratz-Rubinstein ob-gyn

"Radiation" is a terrifying word to expectant mothers, so you'll be glad to hear that plane travel is generally safe in this regard.

Whether we're on land or in the air, we're exposed every day to cosmic ionizing radiation, which emanates from the sun and other stars. On the ground, the Earth's atmosphere offers some protection from the radiation. At high altitudes, the air is thinner and radiation levels are somewhat higher, but they're not usually high enough to be of concern to the occasional traveler.

Radiation levels can be a lot higher, though, during solar flares — bursts of electromagnetic radiation caused by disturbances in the sun's atmosphere. Fortunately, solar flares are rare and last only a short while.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration posts solar radiation storm alerts on its Web site. Some experts recommend that pregnant women check the site before flying and consider postponing their trip a day or two if a storm is forecast.

Some experts think that cosmic radiation could pose a small risk to flight crews and frequent fliers, and there is ongoing research to assess these risks. In some countries, pregnant crew members are reassigned to low-altitude flights or given jobs on the ground for the duration of their pregnancies. But for infrequent air travelers, pregnant or not, the risk from cosmic ionizing radiation under normal solar conditions is considered negligible.

It's possible. Increases in altitude or temperature can trigger or aggravate nausea — especially if you're heading to extremes of height or heat, like a ski resort in the Rockies or a tropical island. But your discomfort will usually subside once your body adjusts to the new environment, typically within three to five days. In the meantime, don't expect to be as active as usual. Take it slow and easy — and get plenty of rest.

You are also more likely to get dehydrated at high altitudes, in hot climates, or if you're vomiting from morning sickness. Make sure to drink lots of fluids. It's especially important to stay hydrated while you're pregnant, since water helps carry nutrients through the blood to your baby.

If you experience ongoing headaches, irritability, or worsening nausea, seek lower ground or take refuge in an air-conditioned place. If that doesn't do the trick, you might want to head back to a cooler climate. As always, consult your healthcare provider before planning a big trip.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires all commercial airlines and many noncommercial planes to maintain a standard level of cabin pressure (kept at the equivalent of 5,000 to 8,000 feet, the altitude of Denver and other Rocky Mountain communities). If you're a healthy woman with no serious medical problems, you and your baby should have no trouble in a pressurized cabin.

However, because the air pressure in the cabin is less than at lower altitudes, your heart rate and blood pressure will increase to enable you to take in the oxygen you need. If you have severe anemia, sickle cell disease, a history of blood clots, or a condition called placental insufficiency, you and your baby may have trouble adapting and should avoid flying. If you have one of these conditions and must fly, you can be prescribed supplemental oxygen for use in the air. (And in case of sudden loss of cabin pressure during a flight, all commercial airliners are equipped with oxygen masks that drop down automatically.)

Flying in unpressurized small planes is a different matter. If you're cruising at 10,000 feet, for example, that's just like standing atop a 10,000-foot mountain — almost 2 miles high. Your body will have to work harder to supply you and your baby with sufficient oxygen, so it's probably wise to avoid unpressurized planes while you're pregnant.

In most airports, passengers walk through metal detectors, which use a low-frequency electromagnetic field to look for weapons. Anything that generates or uses electricity, such as power lines or household appliances, produces an electromagnetic field. At the low levels a metal detector emits, this exposure is considered safe for everyone, including pregnant women. (The same holds true for the wands that security personnel sometimes pass over individual passengers.)

Many people mistakenly think these metal detectors use X-rays – they don't. Luggage X-ray machines do, though. They emit the same kind of radiation as in a dental X-ray and are used only on your bags and other inanimate objects going on the plane. You would have to place your hand through the curtain of a luggage screening machine while the X-ray was on to be exposed to a significant level of radiation.

There are now two new types of body scanning machines being installed in U.S. airports. Both create an image of the surface of your body in order to detect objects hidden under clothes. One, the "backscatter" machine, which uses low-level X-rays, has raised health concerns. (The other, the "millimeter wave" machine, which uses electromagnetic waves, is less controversial.)

The Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) claims the potential for dangerous radiation exposure from the backscatter machine is low and that it doesn't pose a significant risk to pregnant passengers. The agency says each scan emits less than 1/1,000 of the radiation given off in a standard chest X-ray, or the equivalent of two minutes of high-altitude flight.

But some medical experts have questioned whether the machines have been tested thoroughly enough and they're worried about what would happen if a machine malfunctioned. If you have safety concerns or feel uncomfortable being scanned, the TSA insists that you can opt for a physical "pat down" search instead. You can find out more about the machines (known as Advanced Imaging Technology) on the TSA website.

Reviewed by the BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board

If you have a normal, healthy pregnancy, it can be perfectly safe to fly during most of it. Discuss your trip plans with your doctor or midwife, however, before booking your flight. In certain high-risk cases, your healthcare provider may advise you to stay close to home throughout your pregnancy.

You may find that your second trimester — weeks 14 to 27 — is a perfect time to fly. Once you're past the first trimester, in all likelihood your morning sickness will be behind you, your energy levels will be higher, and your chances of miscarriage will be low. However, you shouldn't travel after 36 weeks.

Before you leave, have your prenatal caregiver refer you to an obstetrician or midwife at your destination in case you need medical attention during your vacation. If you'll be traveling during your second or third trimester, it's a good idea to carry a copy of your prenatal chart. The chart should include your age, the date of your last menstrual period, your due date, the number and outcomes of any prior pregnancies, your risk factors for disease, pregnancy-related lab tests and ultrasounds, medical and surgical history, and a flow sheet of vital signs taken at each visit.

Welcome to the 2013 Wave Season! Below you’ll find our analysis of deals that have been offered from around the industry. As cruise lines continue to roll out specials to save you money, we’ll continue to update this post and keep you informed so you won’t miss out this season. Happy cruising!


Celebrity Cruises

The most robust of Wave Season offers, Celebrity offers guests the chance to pick one of three spectacular offers, and even pick two if the sailing is in Europe. Guests must book before January 27, 2013–so start exploring!

Offers to pick from:

•  Free gratuities for two for the length of the cruise
•  Free beverage package for two guests valued at $44.00, guests may upgrade to the Premium package for only $10.00 per day
•  Free onboard credit depending on the nights you’re sailing

Fine Print

• Must book before January 27th, 2013 for sailings that depart from February 2013 to April 2014
• Only applicable on Ocean View category and above
• Not available for Galapagos Sailings
• Must be 21 to book beverage package
• Upgrade to Premium package also requires $1.50 per day in gratuity. Amounting to $11.50 per day extra for the Premium package
• Classic beverage package includes select beers up to $5 per serving, and wine, cocktail, and spirits up to $8 per serving

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line

Book an Ocean View category or above on a cruise 6 nights or longer and receive free onboard credit! Similar to Celebrity, booking a cruise in Europe offers more incentive with higher onboard credit rewards.

How Much You’ll Get

• Ocean View: $50.00 Non-Europe, $100.00 Europe
• Balcony: $100.00 Non-Europe, $200.00 Europe
• Suites: $200.00 Non-Europe, $400.00 Europe

Fine Print

• Booking must be made between now and February 15th, 2013
• Applicable on sailings through December 31st, 2013

Norwegian Cruise Line

Ride the Upgrade Wave with Norwegian Cruise Line and receive a complimentary category-level upgrade on all sailings booked from now until April 15th, 2013!

Extra Perks

• 50% reduced deposits
• Up to $400.00 in E-coupon Savings when you check in online with NCL

Fine Print

• Must book a cruise that is 3 nights or longer
• Book between now and April 15th, 2013
• Upgrades only available for select categories – call 1-888-584-9955 for more information.

Princess Cruises

Princess is offering a “Cruise Deals & Air Steals” promotion that highlights select itineraries for deep discounts up to $1,000, including discounted airfare. Deals can only be found in Europe and Alaska for 2013, but don’t fret about airfare as you’ll be saving BIG when you book through Princess eZAir.

Fine Print

• Must book before before February 15th
• Discounts are only available on select itineraries – call 1-888-584-9955 for more information.

Carnival Cruise Line

Check back for Wave Season deals as Carnival releases them.