The nine months of pregnancy used to be known as a woman's "time of confinement" – and for good reason. As soon as she became aware that motherhood was in her future, women in centuries past would avoid being seen in public. Often she would quit work and stop interacting socially until after the baby was born.

She wouldn't even think of traveling – especially by air. Air travel was considered unsafe and unhealthy to the mother and her child.

Welcome to the 21st century. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, air travel is usually safe for the majority of pregnant women, although each individual should consult with her own obstetrician before making any air travel plans.

That doesn't mean that traveling by air is without consequence. Many people have trouble with air travel, even when they're feeling their best.

Content on this site is not a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice, diagnosis or treatment, and may not be used for such purposes. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical question or condition. Reliance on information presented on this site is at your own risk. This site contains the opinions and views of other users. Given the interactive nature of this site, we cannot endorse, guarantee, or be responsible for the accuracy, efficacy, or veracity of any content generated by our users.