Most airlines allow pregnant women to fly domestically until about 36 weeks of pregnancy. Your ob-gyn or other health care professional can provide proof of your due date if you need it. If you are planning an international flight, the cut-off for traveling may be earlier.
So what's the cut-off point? Air travel is not recommended after 36 weeks—in fact, most airlines won't let pregnant passengers on board after the 36-week mark.
ABSTRACT: In the absence of obstetric or medical complications, occasional air travel is safe for pregnant women. Pregnant women can fly safely, observing the same precautions for air travel as the general population.
Flying in pregnancy
After week 28 of pregnancy, the airline may ask for a letter from your doctor or midwife confirming your due date, and that you are not at risk of complications. You may have to pay for the letter and wait several weeks before you get it.
Pregnant travellers can normally travel safely by air. In the absence of medical or obstetrical complications, pregnant women can safely fly up to 36 weeks gestation. Most airlines restrict travel in late pregnancy or may require a written confirmation from a physician.
If you're thinking about flying in your third trimester, know that it can be risky—you could develop a blood clot and, if there are labor complications, you may not have proper medical support.
The middle three months of pregnancy are considered the safest months to fly. The risks of miscarriage have diminished and complications, such as premature labour, are low. If you have a medical condition or have had pregnancy complications you should discuss these with your doctor.
If you are 28 weeks pregnant or more, you will be required to carry a letter from your doctor or midwife, dated no more than 10 days prior to travel, outlining the estimated due date, single or multiple pregnancies, the absence of complications, and your fitness to fly for the duration of the flight(s) booked.
There is no evidence that flying will cause miscarriage, early labour or your waters to break.
Air travel is generally safe if you're having an uncomplicated pregnancy. If you have any pregnancy complications, check with your midwife or GP that there's no medical reason to stop you flying, such as high blood pressure or a risk of deep vein thrombosis.
If you have a normal pregnancy, then the most common answer is 'No, flying will not cause a miscarriage'. However, the situation is different if you have complications or are a higher risk of miscarriage. Get the advise of your doctor before flying.
Flying when pregnant: the worries and concerns
A change in air pressure or a decrease in humidity won't cause your baby any harm. There is also no evidence to suggest that flying causes miscarriages, early labour or waters to break .
In most cases, pregnant women can travel safely until close to their due dates. But travel may not be recommended for women who have pregnancy complications. If you are planning a trip, talk with your obstetrician–gynecologist (ob-gyn) or other health care professional.
Yes, it's totally fine! Some pregnant women worry about loud noises because the baby moves around when he hears them. But it won't hurt baby's hearing or do any other damage.
Certain groups are more likely to get upgraded than others. Honeymooners and pregnant women are high on the list, with birthday celebrants not far behind. Solo travellers or couples willing to sit separately stand the best chance of an upgrade.
It's best to plan your trip in your second trimester, between 14 and 28 weeks into your pregnancy, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Air travel can raise the risk for blood clots in the legs, a condition called venous thrombosis. The risk is higher for pregnant people.
When you are pregnant, sitting in one spot for a long time can cause blood to pool in your legs. That can raise the risk of blood clots. The recirculated cabin air and low humidity add to the risk.
Risks of long-distance travel during pregnancy
Long periods of not moving during car, bus, rail and air travel increases the risk of clots forming in the deep veins of the leg, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). These clots can circulate and lodge in parts of the body such as the lungs.
Permitted travel
Single pregnancy –up to the end of the 36th week. Multiple pregnancy – up to the end of the 32nd week.
Flights of 4 hours duration or greater
For routine pregnancies, you can travel up to the end of the 36th week for single pregnancies and the end of the 32nd week for multiple pregnancies (e.g. twins).
Yes, just like other kinds of pregnancy travel, flying while pregnant is safe as long as you're not too close to your due date and don't have any medical complications.
An aisle seat will make it easier for a pregnant woman to get up, stretch her legs, or use the restroom. A seat near the front of the plane will minimize the effects of any turbulence.
8 months pregnant (weeks 29-32) is the time when the fetus has developed very strongly to prepare for birth. Therefore, the diet for pregnant women in this period is very important to provide adequate nutrients for both mother and fetus when the need for nutrients is higher than in the previous trimester.