Can You Ride in a Helicopter While Pregnant?

So you have a Helicopter tour or a helicopter charter coming up and you’re expecting. Can you ride in a helicopter while pregnant? If you are having a healthy pregnancy and are not in your third trimester, the answer is a simple yes, however, if you are having any complications or are past the first 6 months, the answer is a bit more complicated. Flydar wants nothing more than your safe, enjoyable and easy flight for you as well as your baby, so we want to explain further what to consider if you want to ride in a helicopter while pregnant.

Are There Official Rules to Follow If You Ride in a Helicopter While Pregnant?

Not necessarily. According the the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), they can only provide guidance as the choice is up to the mother if she wishes to fly while Pregnant and the airlines if they wish to fly her and her baby. There are no official rules or laws in place for flying while pregnant. However, most airlines and helicopter operators do go by some general rules, however, exceptions can be made as each passenger and flight is different.

Some general guidelines that may apply to you if you are taking a ride in a helicopter while pregnant include the following and again, are based on the operator’s own policies:

• Premature labor and health problems can occur if women choose to fly past the third trimester. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), healthy pregnant women can fly safely until their 36th week. The best time for pregnant women to fly is between weeks 18 and 24, since the chances of miscarriage and premature labor are both relatively low then. Also, by the second trimester, you are likely over morning sickness and at a much lower risk of motion sickness or vertigo related nausea during the helicopter ride.
• International flight is not recommended if: this is your first pregnancy and you are 35 or older or 15 and younger, if you are carrying more than one baby, if you have any abnormalities with your pregnancy at all, and if you have a history of: miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, premature labor or membrane rupture, high blood pressure, diabetes, or preeclampsia in pregnancy.
• Your doctor may discourage flying if: you are flying to high altitudes (over 12,000 feet), to areas with disease outbreaks, and if your destination requires you to have additional vaccines
• Blood clots are a risk for pregnant women especially traveling for long periods of time, if you are taking a ride in a helicopter while pregnant, however, you flight may not be that long. Still, it is recommended to keep in mind that you should get out at every helicopter stop if you can to generate more circulation during a multi-stop helicopter charter or tour.
• Pregnant women suffering from sickle cell disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), cardiovascular issues, problematic diabetes, and severe anemia should not fly.

Effects of Cabin Pressure On Pregnancy

One of the major concerns for pregnant passengers is the lack of cabin pressure in helicopters that is present in airplanes. Due to the fact that helicopters fly much lower than commercial airplanes, a pressurized cabin is not needed. However, for pregnant women aboard helicopters, the greatest concern is if there is enough oxygen for both the mother and the baby.

The best thing about flying with a Flydar partner is that all of the professional operators we work with can provide additional oxygen for pregnant passengers if needed and generally do not fly high enough to where you would need it. Often your doctor can prescribe supplemental oxygen as well. Flying at 8,000 feet or higher will require mandatory oxygen, but if you are within the first two trimesters and are taking a small flight such as a tour rather than a longer charter, it is generally safe for you to fly.

What Can You Do to Prepare If You Are Going to Take a Ride on a Helicopter While Pregnant?

For starters, you can have a consultation with your doctor to determine if they believe it is safe for you to take a helicopter tour or helicopter charter. You can ask your doctor if wearing decompression stockings will help, if they have a nausea solution, and gas or diarrhea remedies.

You will also want to ensure there is prenatal care at your destination or nearby if you are going to be stopping somewhere for a lengthy period of time.

During the flight make sure that your seatbelt is fastened around your hips and below your belly. Drink plenty of fluids on board and if your helicopter tour should stop anywhere make sure to get out and stretch your legs.

Still Have Questions? Don’t Worry, We Have Answers!

If you are still unsure about your helicopter ride during your pregnancy, we are happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you have. We highly suggest prior to making your reservation or giving us a call, that you consult with your doctor and let her / him know your trip details to determine if the flight is safe for you.

All of the operators, carriers and pilots we work with may have individual rules when it comes to taking a helicopter ride while pregnant. Most, suggest you do not fly after 36 weeks of pregnancy and require you to show proof of health insurance for your trip in the event you go into labor. Conveniently, we can schedule a flight to get you in the event of your labor while you are out of town.

Are You Ready to Make a Reservation or Have More Questions About Helicopter Flights and Safety? Call Flydar Today. 1-800-487-6817

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