Whether you have already booked a holiday when you find out you are pregnant or are planning a short babymoon, many women wonder whether it’s safe to fly when you are pregnant. The answer is usually yes, however, this depends on a few factors.
If you are planning air travel while you are pregnant there are a few things you should know before travelling or booking that trip.
In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know to safely enjoy your trip before your baby arrives. Checking with your doctor, knowing your airline’s policies and the safety of your intended destination are all important things to consider if you are planning to jet off during your pregnancy. So if you are due to fly during your pregnancy, make sure to read this article so you are fully prepared.
Flying during pregnancy: Doctor sign-off
Before you plan a trip that involves flying while you are pregnant you should make an appointment to see your doctor. Your doctor will be able to give you advice regarding the status of your health and check on your baby’s development.
If you are having a high-risk pregnancy or have long-term health conditions it may not be safe for you to fly or leave your country of origin. Your doctor will be able to let you know about any potential health risks, if there are any, and give you the most reliable source of medical advice.
How many weeks pregnant can I be to fly?
The sooner in your pregnancy you choose to fly the safer it will be for both you and your baby. According to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, it is considered safe to fly before 37 weeks of pregnancy (or before 32 weeks if you’re having twins), as after the 37th week of pregnancy you can expect to go into labour at any time.
However, before you book that trip you should also check with your airline regarding their policy on pregnant travellers. Most airlines are happy for pregnant passengers to travel up to 28 weeks of pregnancy with no requirements asked of them. However, as pregnancy progresses the chances of complications increase and some airlines may require a doctor’s note if you are planning to travel after 28 weeks of gestation.
If you are booking your trip through a travel agent you should inform your travel agent that you are pregnant and how many weeks along you will be when you are due to travel. If you are booking your travel yourself check out your airline’s policies regarding pregnant passengers on their website.
If you have already booked your holiday when you find out you are pregnant and you cannot fly on your pre-booked dates, get in touch with your airline or travel agent as soon as possible. You should be able to rearrange your travel for a later date, however, there may be a fee involved.
Is your destination safe?
While browsing picture-perfect holiday destinations be mindful that you are now pregnant and therefore your requirements are slightly different. Consider whether the country you plan to travel to is considered safe for tourists and what their medical system is like.
You may want to consider these questions before booking:
- Would you be able to easily access medical help if you needed it?
- Would language be a barrier if you needed medical attention?
- Would you be happy to give birth in this country, if you are in the later stages of pregnancy?
Check what your embassy advises about the country you plan to travel to and whether any precautions are needed. In some cases, you may need additional vaccinations depending on where you travel to.
Flying during pregnancy: Get insured
Regardless of where you travel to or your stage of pregnancy, ensure that you are fully insured to travel in case of any issues you may experience while travelling. If you do need to seek medical treatment while you are away you will be able to relax, knowing that you are covered.
Tips for flying during pregnancy
Take copies of your maternity notes with you
Ensure that you have all your maternity notes with you, and take them onto the plane. These will be helpful if you do need any medical treatment either on the plane or during your trip. You should also include a list of any medication that you are taking, preferably with confirmation from your doctor.
Keep moving
During the flight, move around as much as you can to maintain healthy blood flow around your body. If you are on a long-haul flight take a regular exercise break by walking up and down the aisle. If you are on a smaller plane with little room to walk, try exercising in your seat by moving your feet and legs at regular intervals.
Flying during pregnancy: Stay hydrated
Take a large bottle of water onto the flight with you so you can stay hydrated. Cabin air has very low humidity which can lead to a dry nose and throat, and now that you are pregnant you will need to keep on top of your fluids.
Be prepared for air sickness
If you are travelling in the first trimester of pregnancy you may experience some nausea and sickness. Be prepared by stocking up on ginger or peppermint candies that can help reduce feelings of sickness. If you are experiencing morning sickness in the weeks leading up to your flight you may want to ask your doctor for anti-sickness remedies to help you during your journey.
Enjoy your trip and stay safe.
As long as your doctor has given you the go-ahead to travel and you feel fit and able there is no reason why you cannot enjoy a trip during your pregnancy. As long as you take precautions with your health and look after yourself during the flight, there is no reason why you can’t enjoy a getaway before your baby arrives.
As long as you choose your destination wisely and take care of yourself and your baby you will be able to enjoy a wonderful holiday where you can relax before you welcome the beautiful chaos that is a baby into your world.
