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If there are significant risk factors for preterm labour, such as in multiple pregnancies, women should not fly after 32 completed weeks of gestation. In such women considered at risk of preterm birth it may be useful to seek specific expert advice on the risk of preterm labour before travelling.
Airlines' restrictions: Many airlines have specific policies and restrictions for pregnant passengers, especially during the later stages of pregnancy. Some airlines may require a medical certificate or documentation from your healthcare provider to confirm your fitness to fly.
Key points. • Occasional air travel during pregnancy is not harmful for you or your baby as long as you are having an uncomplicated pregnancy. • Long flights may increase your chance of developing a blood clot. There are things you can do to reduce your chance of this happening.
Air travel is not recommended at any time during pregnancy for women who have medical or obstetric conditions that may be exacerbated by flight or that could require emergency care. The duration of the flight also should be considered when planning travel.
Lower pressure in the passenger cabin, many people in a small space, and flying at high altitude can worsen the symptoms of nausea characteristic of early pregnancy. To alleviate the feeling of nausea, before the flight, consume light, unsalted food with a neutral taste and drink as much water as possible.
Delivery in flight, or diversion in flight to a location, which may not have high quality obstetric services, is undesirable and for this reason, most airlines do not allow travel after 36 weeks for a single pregnancy and after 32 weeks for multiple pregnancies.
If your pregnancy is straightforward, flying is not harmful for you or your baby: If you have a straightforward pregnancy and are healthy, there is no evidence that the changes in air pressure and/or the decrease in humidity have a harmful effect on you or your baby.
