Is it safe to fly in pregnancy?
This is a common question we are asked as health care professionals. As we enter the summer period, you may have planned a trip abroad for a holiday or to visit family. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) offers advice on flying in pregnancy and you may find this information helpful: air-travel-update_v4.pdf (rcog.org.uk)
The NHS advice is that many women can travel in pregnancy as long as they are fully prepared and informed with information on :
- When to travel/where to safety travel (avoiding areas with high risk of Malaria or Zika virus)
- Travel insurance cover, and
- Vaccinations (you may want to avoid areas where you will need vaccinations)
Is is advisable to check the health care facilities and ease of accessibility to health care in the area you are travelling to. Ensure that you have travel insurance and what pregnancy related medical care cover will be available for you and your unborn (or newborn) baby and be sure to take your maternity notes and any relevant medical documentation with you.
If you are fit and healthy with no complications in the pregnancy, then it is ok to safely travel. If your pregnancy is straight forward and you are healthy, flying isn’t harmful to you or your baby. There is no evidence that flying will cause miscarriage or early labour. Some women may choose not to fly in the first trimester due to the risk of miscarriage being higher up to 12 weeks (however this is not altered if you fly or not). It is advisable to liaise with your midwife or doctor to ensure that they are happy for you to fly.
Many airlines will allow you to travel up to a gestation of 37/40. You may not be able to obtain any travel insurance after 37/40, therefore another reason to check with your insurer. If you have a healthy uncomplicated twin pregnancy, the gestational age to travel up to is 32/40. Some airlines may require a letter from your midwife or GP over 28/40 so they are happy for you to fly.
During pregnancy and up to 6 weeks postnatally, there is an increase risk of developing Deep Vein Thrombosis – DVT’s (a clot that develops in your leg or pelvis). For flights more than 4 hours (long haul flights) there is also an increase risk of developing DVT’s. You should ensure you move regularly (30 minute intervals) and drink plenty of fluids, avoiding caffeine or carbonated /high sugar content drinks, and wear graduated compression stockings.
Some women will develop some uncomfortable symptoms whilst flying, such as swollen legs/feet, nasal or ear congestion and sickness. If you are feeling more sickness symptoms in the first trimester, this may be a reason to travel in the 2nd trimester when you may feel more comfortable.
If you are unsure and need further advice or support regarding flying in your pregnancy, please liaise with your midwife or doctor.