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Is it safe to fly during pregnancy?

Generally, air travel before 36 weeks of pregnancy is considered safe for people who aren't dealing with any pregnancy problems. Still, if you're pregnant, it's a good idea to talk with your health care provider before you fly.

Your provider might suggest that you not fly if you have certain pregnancy complications that could get worse because of air travel or that could require emergency care. Examples include a history of miscarriage or vaginal bleeding, severe anemia, and high blood pressure or diabetes that's not well controlled. If you had preeclampsia during a previous pregnancy — a condition that causes high blood pressure and extra protein in urine — flying may not be advised. The same is true if you're pregnant with twins or other multiples.

Tell your provider how far you are flying, as the length of the flight might make a difference. Also, be aware that some airlines may not allow pregnant people on international flights. Check with your airline before you make travel arrangements.

After 36 weeks of pregnancy, your health care provider may advise against flying. And some airlines don't allow pregnant people to fly after 36 weeks. The airline also may require a letter from your health care provider that states how far along in your pregnancy you are and whether flying is advised.

If your health care provider says it's okay for you to fly, and your plans are flexible, the best time to travel by air might be during the second trimester. The risks of common pregnancy emergencies are lowest during that time.

When you fly:

• Buckle up. During the trip, keep your seatbelt fastened when you are seated, and secure it under your belly.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Low humidity in the airplane could cause you to become dehydrated.
• Avoid gassy foods and drinks before you fly. Gases expand during flight, and that could make you uncomfortable. Examples of foods and drinks to avoid include broccoli and carbonated soda.
• Think about medical care. Plan for how you'll get obstetric care during your trip if you need it. Bring copies of your medical information in case you need care while you're away.

Blood clots

Air travel can raise the risk for blood clots in the legs, a condition called venous thrombosis. The risk is higher for pregnant people. Moving your legs may help prevent this problem. Take a walk up and down the aisle every hour during the flight. If you must remain seated, flex and extend your ankles from time to time. In general, it's best to avoid tightfitting clothing, as that can hinder blood flow. Wearing compression stockings can help with blood circulation during a long flight.

Radiation exposure linked to air travel at high altitudes isn't thought to be a problem for most people who fly during pregnancy. But pilots, flight attendants and others who fly often might be exposed to a level of radiation that raises concerns during pregnancy. If you must fly frequently during your pregnancy, talk about it with your health care provider.

Mary Marnach, M.D.

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• Allergy medications during pregnancy
• AskMayoExpert. Health considerations for air travelers: Pregnancy considerations. Mayo Clinic; 2022.
• Air Travel During Pregnancy: ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 746. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2018/08/air-travel-during-pregnancy. Accessed Dec. 1, 2022.
• Ram S, et al. Air travel during pregnancy and the risk of venous thrombosis. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2022; doi:10.1016/j.ajogmf.2022.100751.

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Air travel and pregnancy – with reference to obstetric and perinatal aeromedical retrieval

December 13th, 2012 --> By Jeffrey Stephenson In Review Article   Issue Volume 18 No. 2 Doi No https://doi-ds.org/doilink/11.2021-32324215/JMVH Vol 18 No 2

There are a number of well accepted risks for the air traveller 1,2,3,4 . Although the risks are generally low for the healthy traveller, there are subgroups in the population that are at higher risk for developing complications as a result of the flight environment.  Amongst these groups are the pregnant traveller and the neonate.  Air travel during pregnancy is generally considered to be safe with little risk to the healthy pregnant women or her foetus 1,3 .  In line with current guidelines 5 most airlines accept carriage of pregnant women up to 36 weeks gestation.  There have been several studies showing that flight during pregnancy is safe 6,7 .  Although it is generally accepted that the foetus is more safely transported in utero than as a neonate in an air-transportable incubator, there is at least one study that shows no significant difference in neonatal morbidity and mortality rates 8 .  With the increasing use of aeromedical perinatal retrieval services it would be intuitive to assume there would be a corresponding decrease in perinatal and maternal mortality rates.  However, it is difficult to conduct appropriate studies to investigate this area, and those studies that have been conducted have provided some surprising results.  This article will appraise the safety of air travel during pregnancy. In addition, aeromedical retrieval during the perinatal interval is examined.

The safety of air travel during pregnancy

Anatomy and physiology of pregnancy

Pregnancy brings about significant changes in anatomy and physiology.  The anatomical changes are due to the enlarging vascular uterus which steadily increases in size, displacing other organs as it rises from the pelvic bowl into the abdominal cavity.  The mass effect of the uterus causes partial occlusion of the inferior vena cava, leading to diminished venous return to the heart.  The lowered venous return causes a decrease in cardiac output and blood pressure (systolic and diastolic).  There is often an accompanying minor rise in heart rate.  The mass effect is positional and is most pronounced when the woman is supine.  Manoeuvres such as rolling the supine patient fifteen degrees to the left will decrease some of the occlusive pressure from the uterus and facilitate venous return.  The venous stasis in the lower limbs leads to oedema and predisposes to thrombosis.  The enlarged uterus is also much more prone to trauma with potentially significant haemorrhage.  Tidal volumes are decreased and the rate of respiration increases. Physiologically, there is also an increase in intravascular volume and anaemia secondary to hypervolaemic dilution.  As a result of this the signs of shock in the pregnant woman appear later than usual – after the loss of 2 to 2.5 litres of blood 2,9,10 .

Possible air travel hazards for pregnant women

Physical confinement for prolonged intervals is commonly encountered during air travel.  Thromboembolism is a common cause of morbidity and mortality amongst pregnant women. Prolonged immobility is associated with an increased risk for the development of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) 7 and dehydration is another commonly accepted risk factor. The hypobaric hypoxia encountered in flight is not thought to be prothrombotic 11,12 . The risk of DVT is thus not increased by the unique environment of flight, but rather it is due to the prolonged immobility that usually accompanies flight.

Another possible risk to the mother and her foetus is the hypobaric hypoxia encountered during flight.  Typically, short haul flights will maintain a cabin pressure of 6,000 feet, whilst long haul flights maintain pressures of 8,000 feet.  These cabin pressures reduce the alveolar partial pressure of oxygen to 73mmHg and 64mmHg respectively (compared to 103mmHg at sea level).  At 8,000 feet, maternal haemoglobin remains 90 per cent saturated, even though the maternal PaO 2 is 64mmHg.  The foetal PaO 2 remains virtually unchanged due to the increased oxygen carrying properties of foetal haemoglobin and the Bohr effect 1 .  One study examining the oxygen saturation levels of healthy airline passengers showed that slightly over half (54%) had SpO 2 values less than 95% at cruising altitude, with a range of values between 85-98% 13 .  The human foetus is thought to develop normally under low-oxygen conditions such as those encountered when pregnant women live at high altitude,  maternal hyperventilation helping to maintain arterial oxygenation 7 .  A study conducted amongst women living at high altitude for a prolonged interval demonstrated lower neonatal birth weights 14 .  There is a significant difference in the length of exposure to hypobaric hypoxia between the pregnant women living at altitude for months and the pregnant passenger, in the air for several hours.

Radiation exposure is also known to be increased with air travel 1 .  In general, the higher the latitude or the flight level, the greater the exposure.  The mother and her foetus are both exposed during air travel; however the radiation dose is usually 0.005 to 0.01 mSv per hour and the cumulative dose is thus negligible when compared to the annual maximum permissible dose for pregnant flight crew (US) of 1mSv.  The pregnant air traveller would have to complete 100 to 200 hours of flying to even approach the permissible safe dose.

Does air travel affect pregnancy outcome?

Despite the significant changes in anatomy and physiology in the gravid female there are multiple studies that find few, if any, harmful effects.  Air travel during pregnancy does not seem to pose a significant risk to the pregnancy 6,7 .  These studies show minor variations in findings, which were usually not reproducible in another study.

One study involved a sample group of 222 pregnant women and concluded that there was no correlation between adverse outcomes, hours spent travelling by air or the gestational age at the time of travel 6 .  Importantly, this study showed no correlation between gestational age at delivery, neonatal birth weight, rates of vaginal bleeding, preterm delivery (less than 37 weeks), preeclampsia, neonatal intensive care admission or cumulative adverse obstetric outcome.

Another larger study group involved 546 healthy women who flew during pregnancy 7 .  There were 447 women in a separate control group.  The study group women flew for the first time in the pregnancy at a gestational age of 11.2±2.2 weeks, with average flights lasting 7.8±1.2 hours.  The women had a median of seven flights.  This study showed differences between outcomes for primigravid and multigravid women.  Air flight amongst primigravidae was associated with an increased risk of preterm births at 34-37 weeks gestation.  Gestational age at delivery was 36.1±0.8 weeks, with lower birth weights (2684±481 g) compared with the controls (39.2±2.1 weeks; 3481±703 g).  (The lower birth weights were commensurate with gestational age.)  Among the primigravidae, a relationship was found between gestational age at delivery and gestational age at first air travel and total hours airborne. No such relationship was shown among the multigravidae who travelled by air.  Overall, the groups did not differ in the incidence of more serious complications, including risk of vaginal bleeding, preeclampsia, caesarean birth, or birth asphyxia/neonatal death. Further, no individual variable was significantly or independently associated with adverse neonatal outcome when results were corrected for maternal age, race, parity and the trimester at the time of air travel 7 .  In addition there were no cases of DVT in this study.  This suggests that DVT is no more common in pregnant women who have flown than those who have not.  However it may also reflect increased awareness of the risk of DVT, and that pregnant air travellers are taking heed of the standard advice to remain active in flight, avoid alcohol and remain well hydrated.

Whilst these studies have shown only minor or nil effects, attention should be drawn to a retrospective cohort study conducted amongst Finnish flight attendants who had worked during early pregnancy.  There were 1751 eligible pregnancies eligible for analysis.  Flight attendants who worked during early pregnancy had a slightly elevated risk of spontaneous abortion, as compared with attendants who were pregnant outside a time span of active flying 15 .  Whether this single study reflects a definitive finding will only be determined by further studies, each correctly designed using appropriate cohorts, with longitudinal follow-up to minimise bias.

In summary, air travel for the pregnant traveller is safe, and this is summarised in two recommendations by the American  College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (ACOG) Committee on Obstetric Practice.  The first ACOG recommendation states that pregnant women at significant risk for preterm labour or with placental abnormalities should avoid air travel 16 .  The second ACOG recommendation states that pregnant women can safely fly up until 36 weeks of gestation 5 .  Most commercial airlines have guidelines which are similar to the ACOG recommendations, with some permitting domestic travel until 36 weeks and international travel until 35 weeks gestation.

Aeromedical transfer – unborn foetus or neonate

Acute antenatal aeromedical transfer is an accepted means for providing specialist perinatal and obstetric care 17 .  The alternative is local delivery and postnatal transfer of the neonate and the mother.  In countries such as the USA, aeromedical transport services were often commenced with the intention of bringing neonates to tertiary level centres.  Over time it was realised that the early transport incubators were less than ideal, and that the mother was the ideal “incubator”.  The end result was the commencement of aeromedical transfers whereby the gravid woman was brought to specialised neonatal and obstetric centres 2 .  There have been numerous studies examining and comparing each mode of transportation, with the majority of studies showing that transport of the foetus in-utero produced better outcomes.  This practice has now been accepted as the preferred transport option, and is recommended by various bodies including the British Association of Perinatal Medicine and Clinical Standards Advisory Group on neonatal transfers 18,19 .  In September 2004, the British Thoracic Society recommended that when possible, healthy term babies should not fly in the first week of life. In addition, they recommended that premature babies, who have had complications, probably should not fly on commercial flights until 6 months after their due dates, due to the increased risk of apnoeic episodes 20 .  (Fact box A contains a list of those maternal groups most commonly transported.  Fact box B contains a specific list of conditions.)

Flight issues

Aeromedical transportation of the gravid female is usually safe for both mother and foetus 1,2 . The single most feared complication when transporting the gravid female is in-flight delivery and subsequent resuscitation of a distressed, and often premature neonate 21 .  Fortunately this is a rare event with very few in-flight births occurring 22,23 .  At standard cabin pressures, the maternal inspired concentration of oxygen (FIO 2) is adequate to meet the demands of both mother and the foetus.  In cases where the mother or the foetus is distressed, the mother should be given supplemental oxygen during the flight 2 .  Aeromedical evacuation staff should err on the side of providing oxygen if any doubt exists.

The most commonly encountered in-flight complications during in-utero transfer, were nausea and vomiting.  The frequency of contractions was also significantly increased.  Other complications such as hypertension, hypotension and decreased maternal respiratory drive were relatively uncommon 24 .

Supporting and conflicting studies – in-utero transportation versus neonatal transportation

Many studies have concluded that neonatal morbidity and mortality in infants delivered after in-utero transfer is less than in infants transferred after delivery 25-31 .  Some authors have reported no significant improvement in outcomes 8 .  Others have ascribed the differences to confounding variables, such as birth weight and gestation at delivery 32 , or different work practices 33,34 as likely factors to explain the findings.  The absence of an appropriate control group may also offer an explanation 17 .

Some benefits of transferring a high risk foetus in-utero rather than delivering locally include: increased infant survival rates, higher five minute APGAR scores (which reflect an infant in better condition and probably lower morbidity), shorter hospital stays, and enhanced mother-child bonding 23 .  In addition, there has been a claim that the transfer of the high risk foetus in-utero (by rotary wing transfer) is cost effective 23 .

Whilst some studies have concluded that there are benefits to transferring the foetus in-utero, other studies have reached equivocal or negative conclusions.  One study concluded that neonatal survival following local delivery with or without postnatal transfer is the same as for antenatal transfer 17 .

A 12 month study conducted in the Northern Region of the UK, involving 129 transfers, revealed some remarkable results 17 .  The study highlighted that a large number of infants transported in-utero remained undelivered at the receiving hospital with 24% of mothers either being discharged home or transferred back to the referring unit.  Further, many of those infants who had been transferred in-utero, and whose mother was in active preterm labour, did not actually require intensive care admission (only 31% of women in preterm labour).  Possible explanations for these facts would include: that the transfer was performed as a logistic exercise (bed capacity issue), that the initial assessment at the requesting facility was inadequate or incorrect, or that there simply was good obstetric care at the receiving institution.  All of these possibilities certainly make valid (and statistically significant) analysis all the more difficult.

In Australia there are vast distances between rural and outback communities and tertiary-level neonatal and obstetric centres.  This contrasts with the aeromedical transfer experience in many other parts of the world, including the UK and Europe, where most intrauterine and neonatal transport occurs over a relatively short distance 35 .  Due to these vast distances in Australia, there is often elective transfer of pregnant women from remote areas to urban areas at 36 weeks of gestation.  Pregnant women who are thought to be at risk for developing obstetric complications, and those identified as high-risk for social reasons are amongst those electively transferred.  (Fact box C contains a list of those patients who may be electively transferred at 36 weeks gestation.)

In summary, it would appear that the consensus opinion is for the transfer of the foetus in-utero, and this is reflected in the conclusions of the majority of studies.  There are a significant number of transfers that result in the gravid women not delivering, and even being returned to the referring institution.  In addition, the majority of neonates delivered at the tertiary institution do not require neonatal intensive care.  Whether this is due to the timely transfer in-utero or poor patient selection is not clear.  Whilst the studies would seem to support in-utero transport as the preferred option, the limitations of the studies to date need to be borne in mind – most of the studies involve short distance aeromedical transfer, and there is ongoing difficulty in most of the studies with providing appropriate control groups for comparison.  (Fact box D lists contra-indications for obstetric aeromedical transportation.)

The impact of aeromedical retrieval on perinatal mortality.

The perinatal interval is defined by the World Health Organisation as the interval from 24 weeks gestation (or 500g) to 28 days neonatal life.  In other countries, such as South Africa, the perinatal interval commences with foetal viability (28 weeks or 1000 g) and ends at the end of the seventh day after delivery.  Perinatal deaths are the sum of stillbirths plus early neonatal deaths occurring within this interval.  The perinatal mortality rate (PNMR) is expressed as the number of deaths per 1000 births. The PNMR is the most sensitive indicator of obstetric care 36 . For developed countries the rate for babies over 1000g is usually less than 6/1000 births, whereas for developing countries PNMR ranges from 30-200 36 .  The first generation of rotary wing aeromedical retrieval services commenced in the 1970’s.  The second generation was developed and refined in the 1980’s.  Many of these services originally commenced with the intention of transferring critically ill neonates.  The aeromedical transfer of the in-utero foetus and neonate (in an incubator), remains commonplace.  Aeromedical transfers are resource intensive and require considerable organisation – consuming the time of nursing and medical staff 37 .  It would be intuitive to hypothesise that these transfers should lower mortality rates.

Studies on perinatal mortality following aeromedical retrieval

Acute antenatal transfer to specialist centres is relatively commonplace; however there is a paucity of data on the pregnancy outcome 17 .  Several studies have claimed that infants of high risk patients born after the mother has been transported via aeromedical services (to a tertiary neonatal centre) have lower mortality rates 26,28,38 .  A large study over a one year interval in the UK, involving 120 transfers, concluded that neonatal survival (and hence mortality) following local delivery with or without postnatal transfer was the same as that following antenatal transfer (to a specialist centre) 37 .  Another very large study involving 800 transfers highlighted that many neonatal transfers were being performed from one area to another as there were bed shortages at the originating medical facility.  In a significant number of cases, neonates were transported from similar secondary and tertiary level centres to another – so called “capacity transfers” 37 .  This study highlighted the lack of capacity within the region’s neonatal service.  The performance of multiple elective perinatal aeromedical retrievals for capacity reasons alone will dilute any data that may support the notion that perinatal retrieval actually lowers mortality rates.

There is a paucity of studies that precisely analyse whether aeromedical retrieval services influence perinatal mortality rates.  A confounding factor in any study of regional perinatal mortality rates was highlighted in one study from northern Australia which correctly pointed out that local perinatal mortality rates were probably improved as the result of aeromedical transfer of the high risk mothers and premature or sick neonates 39 .  The corollary of this statement is that perinatal mortality is likely to be increased in the tertiary centre receiving the aeromedical transfer.  Again it would be correct to state that it is difficult, if not impossible to design studies that have appropriate controls for these circumstances.

Air travel during pregnancy is accepted as being safe.  There are caveats which apply to the acceptance of pregnant women for regular air services, and these are summarised in position statements from several sources.  There appears to be a consensus that in-utero aeromedical transfer is preferred to transfer of the newborn neonate in an incubator.  This policy has probably resulted in increased maternal and neonatal survival with an accompanying decrease in morbidity.  Whilst this policy would appear to be sound, it is correct to point out that there are studies which conflict with this assertion.  In addition, the aeromedical transportation comes at a considerable financial cost and is labour intensive.  Some studies have highlighted that many aeromedical transfers are being performed for reasons of bed capacity, rather than for clinical reasons.  The success of in-utero transport is difficult to assess due to problems in designing appropriately controlled studies.  This same problem with study design is further highlighted when evidence for the lowering of perinatal mortality via aeromedical transfer is sought.  With time further studies will help to clarify this situation.

The views, opinions, and / or findings in this report are those of the author and should not be construed as an official policy of the Royal Australian Air Force or the Australian Defence Force.

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Flying During Pregnancy: 10 Essentials You Need

So you got those two pink lines? Congrats! When I found out I was pregnant, I was literally booked on a flight that same day. While I wasn’t feeling the effects quite yet, flying during pregnancy was something I wondered about as I looked ahead to the next 8 months of my life.

Pregnancy If you’re a traveler like me (and I’m guessing you are because you are reading this article), you will probably be wondering about how your traveling style and needs will change, especially relating to flying during pregnancy. I planned to take both short-haul and long-haul flights and didn’t know how my pregnancy would factor into these plans.

Have no fear though! I have put together a list of the 10 essentials you will need for flying while pregnant so you can be the most prepared and most comfortable on your flight with your newly added carry on.

Table of Contents

Comfortable Clothing

This may seem like a no brainer, but even early pregnancy brings on fun symptoms like bloating and extra gas. The last thing you want is tight jeans or uncomfortable pants digging into your waistline! To be honest, I think this is a good protocol even non-pregnant, as I always like being comfortable on the plane.

My standard go-to is a uniform of comfy leggings , flat breathable shoes, and a stretchy or loose-fitting shirt . Also, I would advise dressing in layers. Not only can the temperatures on an airplane fluctuate frequently during the flight, but pregnancy raises your basal body temperature about 0.4 degrees above the normal. Prepare for hot flashes by wearing a tank or short sleeve shirt under a long-sleeved layer in case it does get chilly.

Priority Boarding (And an Aisle Seat!)

Did you know that when you are flying during pregnancy that most airlines will give you priority boarding? Definitely take advantage of this to give yourself extra time to get settled. This really comes in handy when you are flying Southwest Airlines, which has a first-come-first-serve seating policy based on your boarding number.

Which brings me to the second part of this: make sure you get an aisle seat! As your pregnancy progresses, you will start having to pee much more frequently and also get increasingly uncomfortable. Having an aisle seat gives you easy access for when you need to get up and use the restroom or stretch your legs. Getting up and walking frequently is important especially on a long-haul flight because pregnant women are more susceptible to blood clots.

Compression Socks

When you are pregnant, your body is producing all kinds of extra hormones including in increased supply of progesterone. This overload makes your veins swell more than normal, which can be exacerbated by sitting for long periods of time on a flight. This can lead to painful swelling, varicose veins and, even scarier, deep vein thrombosis (blood clots).

Wearing compression socks can help alleviate this risk by putting pressure on your veins so the blood doesn’t pool in your lower legs and feet. Luckily nowadays there are a lot of cute and stylish options for compression socks, so they won’t be a drag to wear. Doing this, combined with taking baby aspirin (see below) before and after the flight can help reduce your risk of a blood clot. Always ask your doctor or midwife before taking any medication.

Travel Pillow

Another symptom of pregnancy (especially in the first trimester)? You are tired…all. the. freaking. time. It takes a lot of metabolic energy to grow a human, so even if you don’t feel like you are doing a lot, your body is working in overtime, It was amazing to me how I could sleep a full 8 hours and still be ready for a mid-day nap. What better time to get in some extra sleep than when you are stuck sitting on a plane?

Of course, a great travel pillow will make this a lot easier for you. You can buy self-inflating pillows which are a lot easier to carry on. This memory foam pillow adjusts so you can use it as a body pillow, back pillow or for neck support.

Water Bottle

Staying hydrated while traveling is always important, but when flying during pregnancy, it’s even more essential. Because your body is working extra hard to grow a baby, your water output is often greater than your water intake. This can lead to dehydration, which is no good for a mom-to-be. Add this to the dry air on the plane and trust me, water will be your best friend during the flight. (Again, make sure you have an aisle seat for frequent potty breaks!)

The best and most eco way to tackle the water situation on your flight (and throughout your travels) is to carry on a stainless steel water bottle that you can fill at the airport. This saves you from buying an overpriced plastic bottle and is more durable (and eco/health-friendly) for reuse. I love my Swell bottle and would definitely recommend investing in one or something like it for your trip.

Snacks & Hard Candies

Pregnancy nausea is a beast. I’ve read some women don’t get morning sickness, and I don’t know any of those women but all I have to say is that they are very lucky! My nausea reared it’s ugly head around 7 weeks and lasted pretty full force to the end of my first trimester.

Even within the second trimester, nausea tends to come back if I let myself get too hungry. Hence, the importance of SNACKS when you’re flying during pregnancy! Depending on what you can tolerate, I’ve found saltine crackers to be a pretty standard no fail to help curb nausea. During the first trimester, I would never leave home without a sleeve of those babies in my purse. Granola bars are also a good go-to and easy to pack, try to get some with protein as the carb/protein combo is helpful in combatting nausea as well and will help you feel more full.

Another thing that helped a lot was hard candies, specifically sour ones. I went through a few bags of Jolly Ranchers (sorry dentist!) as they usually did the trick to at least temporarily make the queasiness subside. I also invested in some Preggo Pop drops , which are a more natural option that also contain essential oils and vitamins.

Sea Bands are another nausea remedy, working to keep constant pressure on your P6 acupressure point that relieves nausea and vomiting. I will say that these take some getting used to, as at first the bands can feel tight and the plastic knob pressure can be a bit uncomfortable.

However, I did find them to be helpful, at least for a few weeks. I have a theory that I started to develop a tolerance for them so they stopped being as effective, but who knows? Regardless, I would recommend that you give them a try because a lot of people have had success with them, especially when combined with keeping a full stomach and sour or ginger candies.

Dry eyes are another symptom of pregnancy, brought on by, you guessed it, HORMONES! Your body doesn’t produce as many tears, making your eyes feel scratchy and uncomfortable. My eyes always get dry on an airplane anyway, so having this added change did not help.

You can help alleviate this by bringing along eye drops in your carry-on, whether you wear contact lenses or not . If you do wear contacts, you can always remove them during the flight as well, especially if you plan to sleep on the flight.

Baby Aspirin

My doctor recommended I take baby (low dose) aspirin for 3 days leading up to and 3 days after my long-haul flight to help prevent blood clots. You can find this over the counter in your pharmacy in 81 mg tablets. This helps keep the blood thinner and reduce the risk of blood clots and deep vein thrombosis.

My doctor said that this is safe, but please consult your own doctor or midwife before taking any medications, as recommendations can vary.

Unisom (Doxylamine) + B6

During the first trimester, this was my go-to combo for nausea relief, especially at night. Unisom is an over the counter sleep aid that has shown to provide nausea relief when combined with Vitamin B6 . It’s very important that you use the Unisom sleep TABLETS and not the gel caps, as the ingredient that is helpful is doxylamine which is not the ingredient for the gel caps.

Generally, the recommended dosage is 25mg by mouth 3 times a day of Vitamin B6, accompanied by 12.5mg of Unisom (half a pill) at night. I found this to be helpful. If you just have trouble sleeping on the plane, aside from any nausea, my doctor did say it was okay to take the Unisom alone.

Again, please consult your own doctor or midwife before taking any medications, as recommendations can vary.

So there you have it, my 10 essentials for flying while pregnant! I hope this helps you prepare for an experience a more comfortable flight, leaving you rested and refreshed to enjoy your destination. Safe travels!

Want to access all my essentials in one place? Check out my Pregnancy Travel Essentials list on Amazon !

Allie Marie Travels is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com

Also, don’t forget to PIN this post for future reference.

Allie Marie

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How to Make Long Flights More Comfortable When You're Pregnant

By Joanna Carrigan

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Preparing for a newborn can feel like an exhilarating task; on the one hand, there’s a long-anticipated, already much-loved new arrival making an entrance into your life. On the other, getting yourself into a birthing headspace can feel like a marathon. I’ve already lost count of the amount of  stroller reviews , hypno-birthing manuals, crib catalogs, and paint samples I’ve flicked through in my quest for newborn nirvana. 

With that in mind, many couples are now opting to take a break from the organizational overload in the form of a  long-haul babymoon —a pre-birth couples vacation—as a way of spending those last special moments together as a family of two. And in fact, air travel can generally be considered  safe for most expectant mothers , with advice from your doctor recommended. 

“All pregnancies and mums have individual needs and varying circumstances,” says Marie Louise, midwife and author of  The Modern Midwife’s Guide To Pregnancy . “If mums have any health complications or are close to giving birth, travel should be very carefully considered. Otherwise, mums need a break—it’s good to enjoy and relax on your travels.”

Pregnancy can often feel like a long-haul adventure in itself, and whilst the thought of an extensive flight may not jump out at the top of your to-do list, there are ways to make that coveted trip—and any other air travel during pregnancy that comes up—more comfortable.

Below, I’ve curated an essential list for what to pack in your carry-on for air travel during pregnancy, based in part on my own experience traveling to Europe whilst expecting. 

Strategic carry-ons

A great place to start is your carry-on itself, as the right style can help not only to make your essentials more accessible, but the correct product can be re-used as a diaper bag once your pre-baby vacation is a distant happy memory. The key to  choosing the perfect carry-on is not only to be mindful of the airline guidelines set out around dimensions and weight restrictions, but to think from your own perspective about what will be easiest for you to carry. If back issues prevail—a common complaint during pregnancy—a stylish rucksack may be more suitable than a tote. And if you’re looking for post-pregnancy practicality, a duffel can tick that cross-functional box. 

Pregnancy support bands

Glamour takes a back seat with this essential, but your posture and ligaments will thank me later. If you’re flying internationally or just maneuvering your way through a large airport, you may face long walks between terminals, which can place strain on the lower back. Bump support bands are designed to help relieve the pressure that the additional weight of your bump is putting on your back, and therefore can make a sensible addition to your carry-on packing list. 

Anti-nausea pregnancy methods 

Not every foray into the world of parenthood is a smooth one, and unfortunately  nausea and sickness can play a starring role in pregnancy, especially in the early stages. My first 16 weeks of pregnancy were punctuated with frequent trips to the restroom, and with many flights taken during this time, I became accustomed to having to rely on a few tricks to see me through those difficult moments. 

Travel bands can be an excellent way to relieve pregnancy related nausea, and they’ve taken a high-tech turn in recent years. Hypnotherapy podcasts can also be a calming way to reduce feelings of sickness, and are best listened to with noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask . 

Hydrating skincare for expectant mothers 

Pregnancy can present some interesting  skincare dilemmas , with many people experiencing a change at some point across their nine months. Dry patches, oily T-zones, and acne outbreaks are all common complaints. To help skin stay hydrated when flying, there are many pregnancy-safe products out there which can help replenish and restore your skin's natural barrier. La Mer The Mist Facial Spray is a particular favorite of mine—easy to apply, super lightweight, and long-lasting. 

Travel pillows

During pregnancy, ligaments in the hips and back loosen in preparation for birth and this can often cause secondary strain across the top of the shoulders and neck which can be very uncomfortable for expectant mothers. If you’re traveling whilst pregnant, I recommend investing in a travel neck pillow , and packing your pregnancy pillow if you’re flying in a seat with a lie-flat bed. 

Compression socks

“During pregnancy, you are at an increased risk of developing a blood clot,” Louise says. “That’s why compression socks , hydration, and movement—walking, stretching, and circling ankles—is recommended.”

Again, it’s not the most glamorous addition to your carry-on, but this footwear is important nonetheless. Try to stretch your legs every hour or so if possible, with a walk down the aisle or some lower leg exercises. 

While packing a well-stocked carry-on will undoubtedly enhance your flying experience, there are other ways to ensure that you’re prepared for a relaxing trip. Here are my top three tips for flying while pregnant:

Food and beverage choices 

Whilst it’s unlikely you’ll be able to see the full on-board menu in advance, it’s often a good idea to pre-select your meal genre if you’re having  aversions or preferences during your pregnancy. Being able to rule out meat, dairy, or even opt for a lighter option may be preferable for some mothers-to-be. It could be worth packing a couple of extra snacks in your carry-on, just in case. I’ve been stashing ginger tea bags and plenty of dried fruit and nuts ( dried banana chips are a particular craving of mine) to see me through. 

The airport experience

Lounge access can not only be an enjoyable way to kick-off your vacation, it can also be a lifesaver for tired feet. Having access to a clean and comfortable restroom can also often be advantageous, so if your travel tickets don’t include a lounge as standard, it could be worth a  pay-for-access option to give you peace of mind that you’ll be spending time in a calm and restful environment before or in between flights. 

Your travel outfit

While a stylish airport look is always desirable, comfort should definitely reign supreme during this important period, since your body is already coping with so much. Activewear can provide comfort and support during long-haul travel, and there are  plenty of options out there. I look to brands like  Alo Yoga and  Lululemon for pieces that satisfy both the style and comfort stakes. 

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What to Know If You're Traveling While Pregnant

Your guide to cruising, road tripping, and flying when pregnant, including how to prepare, what to pack, when to go, and more.

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

You might think you have travel all figured out — you can pack your carry-on like a pro and have a knack for finding deals on everything from rental cars to train tickets — but add pregnancy into the mix and you could be thrown for a loop. With a literal baby on board, your awareness of things like Zika, long-haul flights , and food poisoning are heightened. You want to get out there, but you also know you need to do it safely.

So, where do you draw the line? What constitutes safe travel and when is it OK to hit the road, skies, and waters? To answer these sensitive questions, we spoke with Pamela Berens, MD, professor of OB-GYN with McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, for a dose of expert advice.

When You Should and Shouldn't Travel

Just because you're pregnant doesn't mean you need to hide out in your house for nine months, but it does mean you should keep a few things in mind. "Traveling in the first trimester could be uncomfortable if you are experiencing nausea and vomiting (morning sickness)," Berens noted. On the flip side, she explained, "Traveling during the third trimester may be a bit physically uncomfortable, especially if the trip is long." In short, your sweet spot in terms of comfort might be the second trimester, although every pregnancy is different. And you should probably stop traveling (at least by air) once you hit 37 weeks.

"Most airlines will allow travel until 37 weeks of pregnancy, but you may need a note from your healthcare provider. Check with the airlines you'll be traveling with for specifics," said Berens.

What to Do Before You Go

Before booking a flight or hop aboard a cruise ship, talk to your doctor or midwife. They know you and your pregnancy experience so far and will be able to give you personalized advice on what sort of travel is and isn't a good idea.

"If you have a complicated pregnancy, speaking with your prenatal provider is even more important. If something happens while you're traveling, it's important for the health providers to know the details of your complications and specific plans related to your delivery or any special care needs you might have for your baby," advised Berens.

Either way, you'll need to ask yourself a few questions before traveling internationally. "The big consideration here is what would happen if you experienced a complication while traveling to a foreign country. Can you speak the language? How good is the medical care? What insurance coverage do you have while traveling abroad? I have, unfortunately, had patients who delivered a preterm infant in a foreign country. They had to stay there for quite some time until the baby could be discharged and had communication difficulties," said Berens.

What to Pack

There are plenty of things pregnant women might want to bring along on a trip — from anti-nausea medicine and compression socks to plenty of water and snacks. But one thing many women don't think about is their prenatal records.

"Always have access to your prenatal records when traveling, just in case," said Berens. That way, if you end up laboring while you are away from home, the new hospital or doctor will be able to access your history and come prepared. If you're traveling close to your due date, you'll also need to bring a note from your healthcare provider. On American Airlines, for example, you must provide a doctor's certificate stating that you've been examined and are fit to fly if your due date is within four weeks of your flight.

What to Watch Out For

If you're used to eating street food and drinking local water when traveling internationally, you may need to adjust your habits. Berens suggests sticking to bottled water, noting, "It's very unpleasant to experience a diarrheal food borne illness while pregnant."

In addition to paying extra attention to food and water, you'll also need to keep an eye on the health situation in the country you're visiting. The Zika virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, is particularly dangerous to your unborn baby. "In areas of mosquito borne illnesses, wear long sleeves and pants. Keep covered. Use an insect repellent," said Berens. It's always a good idea to check for travel advisories before booking your trip.

In addition, all pregnant travelers — domestic and international — will need keep a close eye on their health and bodily functions while traveling. "Notify your care provider for bleeding, change in discharge, increased contractions, or a decrease in your baby's movements if you are over around 24 weeks of pregnancy," said Berens.

Flying While Pregnant

Air travel is usually safe for pregnant women, but you won't want to pop in your headphones and settle in for the duration of your long-haul flight .

"Pregnancy itself causes an increased risk of blood clots. Air travel and prolonged immobility can also increase your risk of blood clots," said Berens, suggesting that pregnant women "stay well hydrated, move around every few hours , and make sure to keep good circulation in [their] legs."

Chances are, when you get up to stretch your legs, you'll also need to use the bathroom. "There is often more pelvic pressure and pressure on your bladder in the third trimester, so you may need to stop and use the restroom more frequently," said Berens.

Because you'll be getting up and walking around more than most travelers, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) suggests booking an aisle seat and moving your feet, toes, and legs often. For your comfort, you'll want to skip carbonated drinks and wear your seat belt low on your hip bones, below your belly.

Traveling by Car or Train While Pregnant

Just like air travel, long-haul road trips and train journeys mean a lot of sitting and not a lot of moving. To avoid problems with blood clots, Berens suggests walking around every few hours.

For road trips, you'll also want to plan out stops along the way where you can stretch your legs and use the bathroom.

Traveling by Cruise Ship While Pregnant

Many women experience nausea and vomiting in the first trimester of pregnancy, two conditions that might be increased when you hop aboard that luxe cruise. "If you are not familiar with boat or cruise ship travel , you may want to try this first when you are not pregnant. You may need additional medication for nausea and vomiting," warned Berens.

What to Keep in Mind With COVID-19

COVID-19 has made travel complicated for everyone, but pregnant women are at an increased risk for severe illness . Berens recommends that pregnant women finish their vaccinations before traveling, also adding, "Mask up! Stay six feet apart, and maintain good hand hygiene."

Tips for travelling while pregnant

Dec 16, 2019 • 8 min read

With a few pragmatic adjustments, pregnancy needn't clip your travelling wings © Tim Robberts / Digital Vision / Getty Images

Being a guidebook author and a journalist, I travel a lot for work. And for leisure; I didn’t get this job by accident. So when I became pregnant, I thought I’d make some adjustments but it never crossed my mind to stop travelling altogether.  During my first pregnancy, I travelled to Côte d’Ivoire , Brazil and France , the latter on numerous occasions, including two extended research trips for Lonely Planet’s France guidebook. And it was all a breeze. In fact, with hindsight, travelling with a bump turned out to be much easier than with babies and toddlers, so my advice to future parents is make the most of it!

Disclaimer: I am fit, healthy and enjoyed a (single) trouble-free pregnancy. Were it not the case, I wouldn’t have been able to do as much. But provided you are well too, there is no reason why you should hang up your rucksack and put your passport on sabbatical until baby is old enough to fly. Overall, I found that a little planning and some minor concessions (many of which I had to make at home anyway) were all that was needed for a great trip.

Formalities

Health check: Every woman and pregnancy is different so check with your doctor or midwife that they’re happy for you to travel (mine were very supportive). They’ll also be able to advise on medications you can or can’t take and what to do about immunisations and other disease prevention (more on that in a moment).

Insurance:  Policy provisions can vary depending on where you live, so it's important to check the fine print. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) recommends that you shop around to find the policy best suited to your needs and has an online tool to help you choose. Broadly speaking however, if you're European travelling in Europe, most policies will cover you if you’re enjoying a trouble-free pregnancy (as with every condition, you’ll be covered for unexpected events, not routine appointments). Just take your medical notes with you, should anything happen. But in Australia, for example, no insurance provider will cover a pregnant woman past 32 weeks (19 weeks for multiple pregnancies). Contact your insurer before you set off; travelling without insurance could be extremely costly if you were to go into labour early while abroad.

Flying: Many airlines put restrictions on pregnant women in their third trimester and the restrictions vary depending on whether you are flying long or short haul. Check the requirements before you book. In Europe, as a rule, the cut-off point is 36 weeks for a single pregnancy, 32 for twins/triplets. Once you’re past 28 weeks, some carriers ask for a letter from your doctor or midwife confirming your due date and that there are no complications with the pregnancy. Otherwise, the usual advice applies – drink plenty of fluids, move often and wear compression socks (pregnant women have a slightly higher risk of DVT, especially on long-haul flights).

Ferries and cruises:  Ferry companies tend to be fairly accommodating, usually allowing pregnant women to travel well into their third trimester (restrictions vary but 32 to 38 weeks is common, sometimes with a letter from your doctor or your midwife). Cruise companies are much more restrictive however, due to lengthy periods at sea: the cut-off point is 24 weeks. Some river cruise operators lift these restrictions due to the proximity to land but this isn’t universal. Make sure you check with the operator before booking.

Malaria, zika and dengue fever prevention

This is the most delicate topic I had to deal with. Health professionals advise pregnant women not to travel to malaria-prevalent areas because pregnancy reduces the body’s immunity to the disease. If you must go, your options for prophylaxis will be more limited than usual: some drugs cannot be taken at all during pregnancy; others can only be prescribed during the last six months; others still only work on some strains of the disease (and therefore only in certain areas/countries).

As a rule, I take prophylaxis if travelling to a malaria-prevalent area such as Côte d’Ivoire (I know some travellers don’t, but that’s a debate for another article). Unfortunately, there was nothing I could take last time around, so I decided instead to go all out on prevention.

The powerful insect repellent DEET is not recommended in the first three months of pregnancy; talk to a trained medical professional about other options. Covering yourself up is key: I wore long sleeves, long trousers and closed shoes and decided to have dinner indoors in the evening rather than on balmy terraces. I also slept in an air-conditioned room; even better would have been a mosquito net on the bed, although these were surprisingly scarce in Abidjan ’s mid-range hotels. I also bought Avon Skin So Soft, having heard that it worked wonders (it is actually a moisturiser). Its properties are not scientifically proven but anecdotal evidence is plentiful, so I thought I’d give it a try. The strategy worked for me: I left Côte d’Ivoire after four days without a single bite.

In Brazil, it was dengue, not malaria, I had to think about. This was before a zika virus outbreak swept through the Americas in 2015; travellers to central and south America (and a number of other countries) will now have to worry about both, but zika in particular because of the birth defects it can cause. The US Center for Disease Control (CDC) has comprehensive information on zika, including travel advice and a map of zika prevalence and outbreaks. The CDC’s recommendation is that pregnant women and couples looking to conceive should consult a healthcare professional about the risks of travelling to areas that have reported zika transmission in the past. The ABI notes that travel insurance is likely to pay a claim if you had booked a trip to a zika-prevalent area before finding out you are pregnant or if you’d booked a trip somewhere that was subsequently declared at risk with zika.

Dengue and zika are transmitted by the same species of mosquito, the Aedes, which bites during the day as well as at night. Zika can also be sexually transmitted. There is no vaccine or prophylaxis available for either disease so prevention is key. In Brazil, I applied the same bite prevention strategy as in Côte d’Ivoire for malaria. I did get a few bites over our two-week holiday, but then I’m not sure they were mosquitoes…

There are other diseases or health concerns you may have to think about before travelling, including immunisation - whatever the issue, do speak to your doctor about it so that you can make an informed decision.

Food and drink

I’ve found the food and drink restrictions of pregnancy to be my biggest frustration (if this were Twitter, I would add #firstworldproblems). I am a real foodie and cocktails are my guiltiest pleasure – having to forego unpasteurised cheese and charcuterie (cured meats) in France and caipirinhas in Brazil was akin to punishment.

On the plus side, I found people to be endlessly accommodating. In Corsica , I had waiters running back to their kitchens to check which, if any, of their cheeses were made with pasteurised milk; in Brazil, friends plied me with plates of specially well-cooked barbecued meat; and in the south of France, a restaurant made a fuss of preparing me a non-alcoholic aperitif.

Apart from these few restrictions, I followed the same precautions as usual to minimise the risks of food poisoning: filtered or bottled water if tap water is unsafe; piping hot food; salads from places you trust. I also carried snacks (cereal bars, dried fruit or bananas) to stave off the munchies (a pregnancy novelty).

OK, so perhaps you’ll have to swap canyoning for a trek and postpone your diving course until after the baby is born, but on the whole, I found that being pregnant did not stop me from enjoying an active trip. During my research for the France guidebook, I did several hikes in Corsica and the Riviera, cycled around Nice and kayaked off Île Rousse. In Brazil, swimming, snorkelling and hiking on Ilha Grande were among the highlights of my holiday.

The only time I felt uncomfortable was on a dreadful road in Parque Nacional do Itatiaia in Brazil. Knowing we’d have to do the same in reverse the next day, I decided to walk the worst stretch instead. As with health precautions, check with your doctor or midwife if in doubt about any activity.

It may be stating the obvious but wearing comfortable clothes is essential. I wore all my usual clothes until I was about three months pregnant and regretted not having invested in a pair of maternity trousers somewhere into the 2000km I drove for my France research (plan B was unbutton and unzip the jeans while driving – not terribly glamorous).

I got it right in Brazil, however: one pair of maternity jeans, a pair of linen cropped maternity trousers, baggy low-waist shorts and plenty of dresses. Maxi/long dresses were a dream; the short dress-cum-leggings combo also worked a treat (a thicker version of the latter would be perfect for winter/colder climes).

For swimwear, think about how comfortable you will be showing your bump: ‘tankinis’ and one-piece swimming suits are great alternatives to bikinis. And if you're going somewhere cold, make sure that whatever coat you take zips over the bump – no one wants a draughty tummy.

Cultural issues

If you are showing, be prepared for people touching your bump, even strangers, especially in Mediterranean or Latin cultures. You may also encounter some disapproval about you travelling. On the other hand, you’re likely to be shown unexpected kindness and attention: we received our first baby presents in Brazil from people we had only just met.

You might also like:

Baby travel: why and where you should head afield with your infant   How to pack for travel with kids   Family adventure destinations 

Article first published in July 2014, and last updated by Emilie Filou in December 2019

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This article was first published July 2014 and updated December 2019

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Travel Advice

The ultimate guide to flying pregnant.

Helping you plan a safe and comfortable flight when you have your own passenger on board

Following on from our hugely popular Ultimate Guide to Airplane Baby Bassinets, we have put together our ultimate guide to help mums pre-arrival tackle the airways with confidence.

In this post we will cover:

Safety precautions for flying while pregnant

How far along can i fly, what is a doctors letter for flying pregnant.

• Comfort products for flying pregnant
• Rules on flying with a newborn
• Airline comparison chart for expectant mothers
• What’s the worst that could happen? Giving birth in the air

This post is part of our Flying with Kids series.  We have detailed guides on everything from your first baby flight to how to travel with multiple children , what to pack for the flight and much, much more!

This page contains affiliate links to many products that we recommend for flying pregnant. As Amazon Associates, we earn a commission if a qualifying purchase is made.

In a normal, healthy pregnancy there is no reason not to travel by air, in a pressurised cabin.  Healthcare professionals will recommend you take extra precautions such as;

• staying well hydrated
• moving around the cabin
• avoiding salty or gas-producing foods
• keep the seat belt low on the hipbone

For more general pregnancy travel advice see our pregnancy travel advice home page.

A note on pressurised cabins

One big air travel consideration is whether the cabin is pressurised.  Not an issue at all on large, commercially operated airlines. However, if you need to catch a light aircraft (say to that remote tropical island retreat for your Babymoon, right?) then you need to understand the impact of cabin pressure on your body while pregnant. You can read more on this topic here .

Important Note: Whilst we are experienced travellers, we are not medical experts. Any health concerns during pregnancy should always be discussed with a qualified medical practitioner. Use any health information you find on the web as advisory only!!

This will really depend on your individual pregnancy and airline.  In a multiple pregnancy (where earlier arrival is common) most airlines have a different set of rules, usually restricting flight 4 weeks earlier than single pregnancies. Most airlines will start restricting air travel during your final trimester – around 28 weeks.

See more below on what to do if you do go into labour mid-flight.

Women who suffer badly with morning sickness might find it too much during the first trimester. Consider this too when planning air travel – as someone who has travelled with HG I can tell you it’s among the most unpleasant feelings in life and best avoided if possible!  This post goes into a lot more depth on flying with morning sickness .

The exact name of this document varies by airline, but a doctor’s note (or could be a midwife, health care professional) is a statement of your health and ability to fly while pregnant.

As you’ll see in the comparison chart below, most airlines do not require you to fly with one until the later part of your pregnancy – usually after 28 weeks.  However, better safe than sorry, we recommend from 20 weeks onwards you always travel with one in case you are stopped and questioned.

When you are provided with this letter, REQUEST THAT THE DATES ARE WRITTEN OUT IN FULL.  Remember that 10/12/18 and 12/10/18  can make a very big difference in your due date! Have important dates written in the format “10 December 2018” to prevent any international confusion.

Also, check in the table below if your airline has a specific form that needs filling in and submitting in advance (usually referred to as a MEDIF) or whether a signed and stamped doctors letter presented to ground staff will suffice. English is usually recognised internationally, but if you are flying a foreign airline do check if they have any specific language or translation requirements.

Related Reading: What should travel-loving parents-to-be add to their baby registry?

Pregnancy comfort while flying long-haul.

There are a few items I have used flying over three pregnancies and discussed with many other flying mums what they would recommend.  Here are our top 5 items we recommend you look into to improve your comfort travelling pregnant.

Coccyx pillow – help your bottom on those longer flights. I suffered back pain through all my pregnancies and found this really helpful for long journeys.

Compression Socks  – No matter what cabin you’re in on the plane, we strongly recommend using compression socks when flying pregnant.  They help promote blood circulation and oxygen flow to avoid blood clots (DVT).

Jill and Joey pregnancy wedge pillow – I’m not a fan of packing more than you need but I know how uncomfortable sleeping can be when pregnant.  Although long-haul flights will come with airline issued cushions, you will find these aren’t thick enough.  We like this one as it comes with a travel bag but there are other equivalent products, best of all you can still use it at your destination too.

Plane leg pillow – we talk about these a lot with children’s flying comfort but there’s no reason some of these products can’t be used for grown-ups too (Note some airlines have banned the use of leg devices; Where these airlines are known we have included in this post ).

Collapsible water bottle – good no spill, no pressure bottle, fill this in the airport once you’re past security so you’re not hanging out for the crew to offer you a pathetic little cup every few hours.

Most importantly, I recommend treating yourself.  Especially if this is your first, why not use some points or pay a little extra to upgrade to premium economy or business?  That little extra wiggle room can make a lot of difference to your comfort especially on an ultra long haul.

Rules flying with a newborn

As a general rule of thumb, most airlines set a restriction of 7-8 days after birth for safe flying.  This is largely due to babies lung development, but also a general health precaution for both mother and baby – those first few days after birth are critical for both mum and babes recovery.

If you fly before this age most airlines will require some form of release letter from your paediatrician, and for the new mum.

Don’t forget yourself as well when planning postnatal flights .  Whether it’s a natural birth or caesarean, it can be rather painful in those first few weeks  ‘downstairs’ so you won’t want to be seated for any lengthy period of time.

Flying internationally you will also have that small issue of needing to get your child a passport.  An emergency passport is only issued in exceptional circumstances, going through all the right channels can take you at least a week or two – if not months depending on your circumstances and if you live near a consulate or embassy able to issue passports.

At a minimum, if you’re an expat I’d suggest waiting 6 weeks after birth (we got ours for Baby J in under a month which we thought was really fast!).

FURTHER READING: Travelling with a newborn (and the new post-natal you!)

Flying while pregnant; expectant mothers policy by airline.

Here we share with you the expectant mother/pregnancy policy as well as newborn infant policy of 40 airlines, taken from our review of international long-haul carriers.

NB: These rules may have changed since we collated this information (June 2018), so please always double check the information with your airline. The relevant section of their website has been linked where possible.

What happens if the worst happens? Giving birth mid-air

The ultimate worst case scenario for most expecting mums is what happens if I do go into labour mid-air?  What will the airline do? What is my legal standing for an overseas birth?

This is obviously all very circumstantial, we cannot give you a one-size-fits-all answer to this question as its hugely variable.  Here are links to some articles that may help you understand what has happened in the past and how it might affect you.

• Paris to New York Birth
• Calgary to Tokyo

Where are they legally born?

Legal citizenship has two elements – where you are from and where you are born.  So this will depend on the “home” country of your airline.  On US airlines, for example, you may immediately be granted US citizenship but flying a British airline you would still need to apply for UK citizenship. It’s a messy area we won’t attempt to answer, get a lawyer!

• What Nationality are babies born mid-air

Will my child get free flights for life? 

This is entirely up to the airline!  There’s no fixed policy on this but some airlines are known to have offered this in the past as a goodwill gesture.

Remember your flight crew will only have basic first aid training.  They will, of course, page for medical professionals on board to help if you do suffer any unexpected complications mid-air but its safest to assume if you have any concerns of complications pre-flight, do NOT board!

Does insurance cover you for mid-air emergencies?

You will need to read the fine print of your policy, but generally speaking, as giving birth is considered to be an “expected event” you would not be covered while travelling for an ordinary labour and birth (hence why they don’t want you flying by the point you’re actually due!).  Going into premature labour, however, is classified as a complication of labour which is typically covered under medical insurance plans.

• Here’s an example of travel insurance coverage for pregnancy 

You will see that pregnancy coverage cuts out for residents of most countries quite far before your due date making late-term pregnancy travel a risky proposition for all concerned.

Have you flown pregnant, or have any updates to the policies mentioned here from recent experience? We’d love to hear from you! Comment below and let us know who are the best and worst airlines when it comes to pregnant flying! 

Bookmark this page or pin for later

Past the pregnant stage or want to know what you’re in for next?  Our top Baby Travel and Toddler Travel advice are next!

Disclaimer: We reiterate that the advice given here is not professional medical advice.  We have thoroughly researched the topic along with personal experience and have provided the latest available information at the time of publishing.  All airline policy facts should be checked with your airline and medical advice sought if you have concerns.

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6 thoughts on “ The Ultimate Guide to Flying Pregnant ”

Wow, quite the comprehensive write-up. Well done.

Thanks I hope there were some tips in there that you could use

I liked that you pointed out that you will need your doctor’s permission to fly after the 28th week of pregnancy. That is good to know if you need to travel after that point. It seems like you should talk to your OBGYN about traveling while you are late into your pregnancy.

It never came to my mind there’re any restrictions! Probably the reason is that I’ve never been pregnant yet.

Great article. Very interesting!

Hello Keri, thank you for sharing this blog with us. It will help a lot to all the pregnant ladies. Keep posting!

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Flying when pregnant: what you need to know

Read time 6 minutes

If you’re feeling unsure about whether you can hop on that plane when you’re expecting, here’s the info.

Can I fly at one, two or three months pregnant (first trimester)?

Yes, there is no evidence that flying causes miscarriage (RCOG, 2015) . Yet as this is the riskiest time for miscarriage , just be aware that no medical help will be available if that does happen. You also might feel nauseous and exhausted, so that’s something to think about too.

Can I fly at four, five or six months pregnant (second trimester)?

Good news if you’re thinking of going away in the second trimester: it’s considered the safest time to fly (Hezelgrave et al, 2011) . That’s mainly because the risk of pregnancy-related complications, including miscarriage, is lower during the second trimester than in the first and third (Hezelgrave et al, 2011) .

Can I fly at seven, eight or nine months pregnant (third trimester)?

It’s fine to fly in the third trimester but you’re advised to do it before 37 weeks, or before 32 weeks in an uncomplicated twin pregnancy . That’s because you could go into labour any time after those dates (RCOG, 2015) .

Do still check with your specific airline before you fly though. Many airlines have restrictions on travel in advanced pregnancy (Hezelgrave et al, 2011) .

Flying when pregnant: the worries and concerns

First of all, you should know that flying is not considered harmful to you or your baby if you’re having a straightforward pregnancy.

You might feel a bit uncomfortable flying at certain stages of pregnancy. For example, you might have swollen legs, pregnancy sickness , nasal congestion (more common during pregnancy) or ear problems during pressure changes due to this congestion (RCOG, 2015) .

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 (RCOG, 2015) . If you have any health issues or pregnancy complications, discuss it with your GP or midwife before you decide to fly. They might advise you not to fly if you have:

• severe anaemia
• sickle cell disease
• significant vaginal bleeding
• a serious heart or lung condition that makes it difficult to breathe
• increased risk of going into labour before the due date
• increased chance of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy  (request an ultrasound before flying)
• previous history of ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility and documented tubal pathology.

(Hezelgrave et al, 2011; RCOG, 2015)

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) when pregnant and flying

A DVT  is a blood clot that develops in a deep vein in your leg or pelvis. It’s dangerous if a DVT travels to your lungs and causes a pulmonary embolism.

The risk of DVT increases when you’re flying and with longer flights because you are sitting down for a long time. You’re also at a higher risk of developing a DVT when you are pregnant and for up to six weeks after you give birth (RCOG, 2015) . Risk factors like a previous history of DVT and a high BMI can further increase your chance of developing a DVT.

Your doctor or midwife will be able to check your risk of developing DVT and advise you about flying.

How to reduce your risk of DVT

You can reduce your risk of DVT by:

• wearing loose clothing and comfy shoes
• getting an aisle seat and going for regular walks around the plane
• doing in-seat exercises every 30 minutes (ask your GP about how to do these)
• drinking plenty of water
• avoiding drinks containing alcohol and caffeine
• wearing graduated elastic compression stockings to help reduce leg swelling.

(RCOG, 2015; NHS Choices, 2016)

Flying when pregnant: general tips

• Take your hand-held pregnancy notes.
• Carry any medication in your hand luggage.
• Carry any documents confirming your due date and (if needed) that you are fit to travel. If you are 28 weeks pregnant or more, the airline you are travelling with might ask for a letter from your midwife or doctor stating your due date, that you’re in good health, have no complications and have a straightforward pregnancy.
• Carry your travel insurance documents with you too or make sure you have access to them if they’re on email.
• Carry your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you if you are travelling to Europe. You can apply online for one for free .
• Seatbelt wise, it’s recommended that you strap your seatbelt reasonably tightly across the top of your thighs and then under your bump. If you need a seatbelt extension, ask cabin crew.

Travel vaccinations when pregnant – are they safe?

There’s no evidence of risk from vaccinations that contain inactivated virus, bacterial vaccines or toxoids when you’re pregnant (CDC, 2017) . However, avoid live vaccines like yellow fever because of the risk of contracting a disease that might harm your developing baby (Hezelgrave et al, 2011) .

If you need advice on specific travel vaccinations, contact your doctor or midwife. Some anti-malarial tablets are not safe to be taken during pregnancy, so consult your GP or midwife about those too (NHS Choices, 2016) .

This page was last reviewed in May 2018.

Further information

Our support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers: 0300 330 0700.

We also offer antenatal courses which are a great way to find out more about birth, labour and life with a new baby.

CDC. (2017) Guidelines for vaccinating pregnant women. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pregnancy/hcp/guidelines.html [Accessed 11th May 2018]

Hezelgrave NL, Shennan AH, Chappell LC. (2011) Advising on travel during pregnancy. BMJ.342. Available from: https://www.bmj.com/content/342/bmj.d2506.long [Accessed 11th May 2018]

NHS Choices. (2016) Travelling in pregnancy. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/travel-pregnant/#car-travel-in-pregnancy [Accessed 11th May 2018]

RCOG. (2015) Air travel and pregnancy. Available from: https://www.rcog.org.uk/globalassets/documents/patients/patient-information-leaflets/pregnancy/air-travel-pregnancy.pdf [Accessed 11th May 2018]

Rodger MA, Walker M, Wells PS. (2003) Diagnosis and treatment of venous thromboembolism in pregnancy. Best Pract Res Clin Haematol. 16:279-296. Available from:  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12763492 [Accessed 11th May 2018]

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Travelling in pregnancy

With the proper precautions such as travel insurance, most women can travel safely well into their pregnancy.

Wherever you go, find out what healthcare facilities are at your destination in case you need urgent medical attention. It's a good idea to take your maternity medical records (sometimes called handheld notes) with you so you can give doctors the relevant information if necessary.

Find out more about getting healthcare abroad .

Make sure your travel insurance covers you for any eventuality, such as pregnancy-related medical care during labour, premature birth and the cost of changing the date of your return trip if you go into labour .

When to travel in pregnancy

Some women prefer not to travel in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy because of  nausea and vomiting and feeling very tired during these early stages. The risk of  miscarriage is also higher in the first 3 months, whether you're travelling or not.

Travelling in the final months of pregnancy can be tiring and uncomfortable. So, many women find the best time to travel or take a holiday is in mid-pregnancy, between 4 and 6 months.

Flying in pregnancy

Flying isn't harmful to you or your baby, but discuss any health issues or pregnancy complications with your midwife or doctor before you fly.

The chance of going into labour is naturally higher after  37 weeks (around 32 weeks if you're carrying twins), and some airlines won't let you fly towards the end of your pregnancy. Check with the airline for their policy on this.

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.

Long-distance travel (longer than 4 hours) carries a small risk of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis (DVT)) . If you fly, drink plenty of water and move about regularly – every 30 minutes or so. You can buy a pair of graduated compression or support stockings from the pharmacy, which will help reduce leg swelling.

Travel vaccinations when you're pregnant

Most vaccines that use live bacteria or viruses aren't recommended during pregnancy because of concerns that they could harm the baby in the womb.

However, some live travel vaccines may be considered during pregnancy if the risk of infection outweighs the risk of live vaccination. Ask your GP or midwife for advice about specific travel vaccinations. Non-live (inactivated) vaccines are safe to use in pregnancy.

Malaria tablets

Some anti-malaria tablets aren't safe to take in pregnancy so ask your GP for advice.

Zika virus is mainly spread by mosquitoes found in some parts of the world. For most people it's mild and not harmful, but can cause problems if you're pregnant.

If you are pregnant, it is not recommended to travel to parts of the world where the Zika virus is present, such as parts of:

• South and Central America
• the Caribbean
• the Pacific islands

Check before you travel

It's important to check the risk for the country you're going to before you travel.

Find out more about the Zika virus risk in specific countries on the Travel Health Pro website

Car travel in pregnancy

It's best to avoid long car journeys if you're pregnant. However, if it can't be avoided, make sure you stop regularly and get out of the car to stretch and move around.

You can also do some exercises in the car (when you're not driving), such as flexing and rotating your feet and wiggling your toes. This will keep the blood flowing through your legs and reduce any stiffness and discomfort. Wearing compression stockings while on long car journeys (more than 4 hours) can also increase the blood flow in your legs and help prevent blood clots.

Tiredness and dizziness are common during pregnancy so it's important on car journeys to drink regularly and eat natural, energy-giving foods, such as fruit and nuts.

Keep the air circulating in the car and wear your seatbelt with the cross strap between your breasts and the lap strap across your pelvis under your bump, not across your bump.

Road accidents are among the most common causes of injury in pregnant women. If you have to make a long trip, don't travel on your own. You could also share the driving with your companion.

Sailing in pregnancy

Ferry companies have their own restrictions and may refuse to carry heavily pregnant women (often beyond 32 weeks on standard crossings and 28 weeks on high-speed crossings ). Check the ferry company's policy before you book.

For longer boat trips, such as cruises, find out if there are onboard facilities to deal with pregnancy and medical services at the docking ports.

Food and drink abroad in pregnancy

Take care to avoid food- and water-borne conditions, such as stomach upsets and travellers' diarrhoea . Some medicines for treating stomach upsets and travellers' diarrhoea aren't suitable during pregnancy.

Always check if tap water is safe to drink. If in doubt, drink bottled water. If you get ill, keep hydrated and continue eating for the health of your baby, even if you're not hungry.

Find out about a healthy diet in pregnancy , and foods to avoid in pregnancy .

Page last reviewed: 17 August 2022 Next review due: 17 August 2025

Traveling when pregnant: tips and stories by travel bloggers

First of all, congratulations ! Whether you are already pregnant, or you are starting to plan your family, this is an important milestone that is worth celebrating.

Now, let’s get to the point: traveling when pregnant requires a whole other level of organization, spontaneity, and awareness. There is so much to learn and consider, while keeping in mind that each of us is different and will experience the pregnancy in a different way!

I joined forces with fellow travel bloggers Katalin from Our Life Our Travels , and Tori from Tori Leigh , to summarize some of our best experiences and tips for travels during the first, second and third trimester. Let us know in the comments if you find them useful!

Travelling during the first trimester

Planning our family certainly did not stop us from planning our travels. If anything, knowing that travelling would become more complicated very soon, gave us even more motivation to visit nearby cities, travel on city breaks in Europe, and even visit Darek’s favourite countries, Japan and Australia.

Short and easy trips during the first trimester

Well, guess where we went on our first trip after finding out I was pregnant? To a wine festival! Oh, the irony!

The town of Szeged is a beautiful destination for a weekend away from Budapest. Located in the South of Hungary, near the border with Serbia, it is a melting pot of history, religions, and architecture styles. We really enjoyed strolling around the downtown: Dom Church is absolutely majestic, there are countless beautiful Art Nouveau buildings, and the New Synagogue is a gem.

Obviously, the first rule the doctor said was: very very little alcohol is allowed! So, unfortunately, only Darek got to taste a few Hungarian wines from the stalls in the main square Dóm Tér, while I tried the non-alcoholic grape must.

Pregnancy tip: Take it easy! Your body is adjusting to the new, major task of creating a new human. You may feel tired, nauseous, excited, nervous, confused… So be kind to yourself.

Be efficient: take notes of important information and new stuff you have to keep in mind, especially when it comes to new food restrictions. It may not be easy to remember what you cannot eat when pregnant. We created a shared notebook on OneNote, one of our favourite travel apps .

Be spontaneous: Follow your inspiration for day-trips and short trips that do not require planning in advance.

Katalin’s tip: Have a flexible itinerary

While I was pregnant, relaxing vacations were even more essential than ever. All I wanted to was a peaceful fun time with my husband without any rush.

We’ve spent the first two trimesters of my first pregnancy in Canada , and despite the undeniable fact that we wanted to explore and see as much as we could from the country in this limited time, flexibility was a key requirement for all our trips. Due to work constraints, the majority of our trips were short weekend trips including one-day hikes near Vancouver .

So how did we implement flexibility to a tight schedule?

Firstly, all of our itineraries included plenty of free time . If it was a day trip, we made sure it wouldn’t occupy literally our whole day. In the case of a weekend or multi-day trip, we added ‘lazy mornings or day(s)’ with no physically exhausting activities. We could still enjoy a stroll in a nearby park or eat something yummy in a fancier restaurant.

Secondly, we took the liberty to modify the program at any time . Especially in the early stages of the pregnancies, I felt extremely exhausted and became sleepy so suddenly – probably you already know what I mean. Not to mention when the morning sickness kicked in, we couldn’t set our plans in stone. 

We juggled with all of these, changed plans whenever needed: explored new places or enjoyed an easy hike when I was up for them and rested when my body protested against going out of the house.

It was an excellent warm-up for the upcoming years. Plan ahead but be flexible to make the most out of the trips.

Travel overseas during the first trimester

My doctor wasn’t too happy about it, but we did not want to postpone our 2-weeks epic trip to Japan and Australia for Darek’s 50th birthday. It is not advisable to take long flights during the first trimester because it increases the chance of miscarriage and blood clots; also, it means that if anything happens and you need medical attention, you are far away from home and from your doctor.

However, our trip was planned for the very last two weeks of the first trimester. We decided to take some precautions and travel anyway : we bought travel insurance, packed extra medication and vitamins, and kept digital copies of my medical documents on the cloud and on 2 devices.

The trip was wonderful and luckily everything went well. We travelled to Tokyo and to Yamagata prefecture in Japan, and to Melbourne and Sydney in Australia; we visited friends, went to Darek’s favourite places, restaurants and cafés. Life and travel with a baby is a giant question mark, so it was really important to enjoy this last, major trip together as a couple.

Pregnancy tip : Your body can change anytime and without warning. For example, suddenly I started to feel very hungry or very sleepy all of a sudden. We learned quickly to have a couple of snacks ready in my handbag, and we adjusted our itinerary on the go to allow me to take a nap.

Be efficient : Plan your trip in short, exchangeable blocks that can be moved according to how you feel.  Keep food and medical recommendations on your phone. Pack lightly!

Be spontaneous : Instead of committing to a certain itinerary or destination, use the occasion to discover unexpected neighbourhoods or attractions. Follow your body and your instinct!

Travelling during the second trimester

Just 2 days after coming back from Australia, the 13th-week scan confirmed that our baby was healthy. The first trimester was over! We could finally announce to all our friends and family that we were having a baby! Gosh, just this brought such a sense of relief. Even planning our next trips became much easier.

Tori’s tip: Long haul flying during pregnancy

Long haul flying during pregnancy can sound uncomfortable and even scary.

While sitting on an airplane for eight or more hours with joint pain and constant bathroom breaks sounds less than ideal, it’s absolutely possible. Here are a few tips for flying overseas during pregnancy.

Ideally, fly during the second trimester . It’s called the good one for a reason since morning sickness typically subsides and there’s often a period of increased energy. Most doctors will okay a long haul trip during this window if your pregnancy is typical and complication-free.

When flying pregnant, aisle seats are ideal . First, the aisle comes in pretty handy with the double-digit bathroom breaks you’ll need on a long flight. The aisle also lets you stretch out a little bit more. While sleeping on a long flight may prove difficult, any extra room helps, especially since you’re flying for two.

Sitting for an extended period of time can cause swelling ; in addition to getting up about every hour, compression socks are great for long haul flights. Drinking plenty is necessary, too. Bring an empty water bottle through security, and fill it up before boarding your flight. Ask for it to be refilled as necessary during the flight.

Lastly, look into travel insurance that specifically covers pregnancy or pregnancy-related complications. Finding a company to cover pregnancy as a reason to cancel is difficult, if not impossible. However, some policies cover cancellation if a complication arises. For example, if a patient with a typical pregnancy who would be approved for travel is suddenly diagnosed with a serious complication, like pre-eclampsia, and is no longer deemed fir for travel, cancellation could be covered. It’s always wise to read the fine print in this case.

Tori shares here more tips about traveling when pregnant .

City-breaks during the second semester

As you enter the second trimester, your body will start changing even more : for example, just during the 4th month, I became more sensitive to some foods, I felt tired quickly when standing still, and my belly suddenly started to grow (this I did not expect for one more month! I outgrew all my pants in a couple of weeks 😀 )

We still managed to squeeze in two short trips : one at the end of the 4th month to visit friends in Rotterdam (Netherlands), and one half-way through the 5th month to my Italian hometown of Cortina d’Ampezzo for Christmas.

Rotterdam is perfect for a city break . The city centre is small, easy to visit on foot, and packed with attractions: pretty historical streets strike a contrast against the modern Market Hall, the Rotterdam skyscrapers and the yellow Cube Houses. We spent three days in Rotterdam, but we did some serious sightseeing for only one day.

And then, Christmas in Cortina ! We got to see my family and friends, show off my growing belly, and browse through the baby clothes and equipment my mom used for my sister and I. Over 5 days, our main focus was taking easy walks, relaxing on the sofa, and eating delicious local food. Next time we would be in Cortina during the winter, we would have a baby to take into consideration!

Pregnancy tip : At this point, you should have learned how to take care of your body. Especially food-wise, research in advance and keep notes of any unusual food or ingredient you may come across.

Be efficient : If you have a busy calendar of scans, blood tests and whatnot, book your flights and hotel stays with flexible conditions. You never know if you may have to cancel last-minute.

Be spontaneous : Website like Skyscanner and Google Flights help you find cheap flights with very short notice! When you’re feeling inspired, pack your bag and go 🙂

Travelling during the third trimester

Unfortunately, we did not manage to go anywhere during the third trimester. We planned to go back to Italy again at the beginning of the 8th month, as soon as my maternity leave started, to visit friends and family in multiple cities. Instead, the coronavirus outbreak obliged us to self-isolation.

To be honest, looking back at the 8th month, it would have been very hard to enjoy the trip. I felt huge, it was uncomfortable to sleep and sit and stand and walk, I needed a 2-hour nap every afternoon… Considering my usual obsession for not wasting a single minute of travelling, I would have felt very frustrated and moody!

Katalin’s tip: Road tripping while pregnant

After carrying a baby already two times in my rapidly growing belly, I can confidently say, my favorite type of trips during the pregnancies were road trips.

We drove a couple of thousands of kilometers in total across Canada, the United States and two years later in Northern Europe. I really enjoyed road-tripping, as I could just sit comfortably in our vehicle with a pillow and observe the slowly changing landscapes before visiting a new city or attraction.

During the 7th month of my second pregnancy, we went on an amazing 3-week long road trip to Norway from northern Finland, by our own motorhome and with our then two-year-old boy.

Nothing is better than exploring at your own pace, crafting your own itinerary and spending as much time at each place as you want to.

Another thing we love in road tripping is that we aren’t surrounded by other people all the time – which is a gift when your stomach is unwell and you want to limit weird smells reaching your nostrils as much as I did. Norway is anyway famous for its stunning nature, and even the cities weren’t crowded.

There are a couple of important things you should pay attention to.

First of all, drink enough and eat healthy during the long drives too. It’s easy to forget about them. Prepare healthy snacks and plenty of water for each day in the car.

If you drive multiple hours a day, add a lot of short breaks to move a little and breathe fresh air. In Norway it was easy, every route is full of spectacular viewpoints either over the fjords or to the mountains.

Tori’s tip: Babymoon in Paris

Pregnant and looking to take a pre-baby trip before the newborn days and sleepless nights blur together? Nothing is more romantic and relaxing than the City of Lights!

Before our second son was born, as I was 7 months pregnant, we snuck in a four-day baby moon to Paris . With nothing and no-one to worry about, we completely immersed ourselves in the stop and stroll culture of Paris, France.

We wandered the cobblestone streets of Montmartre , listening to accordion renditions of La Vie en Rose. We strolled leisurely through gardens, stopping for a cup of coffee or pastry at a stand or nearby café. When you’re pregnant, all the food is fair game.

And Paris doesn’t disappoint when it comes to eating . Everything from baguettes to crepes to world-class dinners is at your disposal. You deserve it, since boxed Mac and cheese is about to become the new norm. Plus, reconnecting with your significant other over a fine French meal provide the moments you’ll want to hold onto when you become a family of three, instead of two.

Of course, we made time for the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower at night . We walked the Champs Elysee and even visited the Paris Catacombs. When walking got tough on those pregnant ankles, the Paris Metro was easy to navigate and quick. For even more seamlessness, guided tours and skip the line tickets are available at almost every major Paris attraction. For us, Paris provided the balance of culture and fun and leisurely relaxation.

Paris is more than ideal for any expecting couple. It’s romantic, easy to navigate, safe, and very pregnancy-friendly. Our babymoon in Paris provided us with a closeness that I didn’t know, at the time, we’d need before becoming parents of two.

As you already knew, it is absolutely possible to travel during your pregnancy. Listening and paying attention to your body’s needs will allow you to enjoy your travels and create unique memories with your loved ones.

What is your experience travelling during your pregnancy? Let us know in the comments below!

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How to travel safely during pregnancy

Peer reviewed by Dr Hayley Willacy, FRCGP Last updated by Abi Millar Last updated 10 Apr 2018

Over the last few years, a new term has cropped up on travel websites, namely the 'babymoon'. Referring to the last holiday you take while pregnant, the babymoon ideally has little to do with babies. On the contrary, it's a chance for some much needed 'you' time before the baby arrives and child-free activities become a distant memory.

In this article :

Flying while pregnant, special considerations, where to go.

It is hard to say how many couples end up taking babymoons (a 2016 survey by OnePoll placed the figure at 28% of expectant British parents) but it's clear they have become something of a trend. Some travel agents even offer designated babymoon packages.

In principle, a babymoon is time for a last hurrah - indulging yourself, spending time with your partner or friends, and doing all the things that won't be so easy a few months down the line.

Of course, there are a few caveats in place. Given that you will be pregnant, certain types of holidays are probably out of bounds. This may not be the best time, for instance, for a tropical getaway at the other side of the world. Similarly, you may want to steer clear of fast-paced activity holidays or gastronomic getaways, and you'll definitely want to nix anything involving booze.

So for parents-to-be planning their dream holiday, how can you ensure you're travelling safely, and what kind of breaks might be best?

Continue reading below

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists , the best time to take a babymoon is in the second trimester - they recommend travelling between week 14 and week 28. As their reasoning goes, most of the common pregnancy problems occur in the first and third trimesters, making the middle period - with its much vaunted energy boost - the easiest time to get away.

It's also worth mentioning that most travel insurers don't cover childbirth , which means holidaying too close to your due date can carry a big financial risk. (Always check the terms before you book!)

While most airlines don't allow women to fly after 36 weeks (because of the risk of going into labour mid-air), you can be reassured it's generally safe to fly.

"If the pregnancy is uncomplicated, flying is not harmful to pregnant women or their babies," says Dr Vanessa Mackay, spokesperson for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG).

"There is no evidence that the changes in air pressure or the decrease in humidity have a harmful effect, or that flying will cause miscarriage , early labour or waters to break."

She points out, however, that long-haul flights (longer than five hours) do carry a small risk of deep vein thrombosis .

"If pregnant women are taking a long flight, they are advised to drink plenty of liquids, move about every 60 minutes, do leg exercises in the seat every 30 minutes, and wear compression or support stockings to help reduce leg swelling and improve circulation," she says.

It is worth bearing in mind that some airline companies have different regulations about how late in pregnancy they'll allow you to fly. They may also require you to take a letter from your GP (your GP will charge for this) confirming you're fit to fly. Again, the stage of pregnancy at which different airlines want this may vary. Always check with your airline or tour operator before you book, and don't leave contacting your GP about a letter until the last minute.

If you're expecting twins or triplets, the time window for flying is a little shorter - the advice is not to fly after week 32. On top of that, some airlines may ask for a letter from your doctor or midwife confirming your due date, and that you're not at any increased risk of complications. (This applies from 28 weeks onwards.) Check with your airline first, as their individual policies can vary.

Elizabeth Duff, senior policy advisor at NCT , says women may also worry about the safety of airline security procedures.

"These are stated to be safe - even the full body scan, if you are required to have one, but it is always best to tell the staff you are pregnant," she says. "Don't assume it is obvious, even if you have a big bump."

If you do have any medical complications, it may be best not to fly at all and to plan a UK-based break.

"A medical condition or health problem can complicate pregnancies and put women and their babies at risk," says Dr Mackay. "For this reason, women may be advised not to fly if they are at risk of going into labour before their due date, have severe anaemia , sickle cell disease or a serious condition affecting the lungs or heart that makes it very difficult to breathe, or have recently had significant vaginal bleeding. Women should discuss any health issues or pregnancy complications with their midwife or doctor before flying."

As Duff explains, the important thing is to get personal advice from your doctor or midwife, tailored to your particular situation.

"We still want women in those situations to enjoy their holiday, but it's important to be super careful," she says. "I don't want to give any blanket advice about that because there may be women at much greater risk and others who only have a very mild condition."

Assuming you take the appropriate precautions, there are no hard and fast rules about destination - it all depends on your personal preferences. However, some holiday spots may carry risks you don't encounter closer to home.

In general, pregnant women are advised avoid visiting countries where vaccinations are required, or failing that, to speak to their midwife or GP.

"Most women wouldn't want to have a really long trip, and they wouldn't want go to regions with a higher prevalence of serious infections," says Duff. "You do need to get proper health advice about vaccinations, because while some of them may not be recommended during pregnancy, there may be alternatives that are safer. So if you do want to go to some fairly far-flung place, it's about doing the research."

To use a high-profile example, during the 2016 Rio Olympics there was a lot of worry about the Zika virus , which was prevalent in Latin American countries at that time. Since the virus is associated with birth defects, pregnant women were advised not to travel to the Olympics.

Duff recommends checking the Foreign Office website for general information about staying safe in different countries.

"Think everything through, think about things that are more likely to be prevalent there that are not seen as risks here, behave on the cautious side and try to enjoy the holiday!" she says.

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The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

10 Apr 2018 | Latest version

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Is it safe to fly while pregnant? Your complete guide

What you should – and shouldn’t – do on the plane and how late in your pregnancy you can fly: we answer the key questions.

Is flying while pregnant safe?

T he short answer to this question is yes, says Dr Victoria Wakefield , a paediatric registrar with an interest in family medicine, who also works for Hello Juno , an app offering specialist healthcare advice for pregnant women and parents. “However, many women feel uncomfortable flying in their first trimester because they’re nauseous or tired — and because the risk of miscarriage is higher during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy,” she says.

You’ll also want to give thought to the standard of healthcare on offer in the country you’re travelling to, in the event that you need urgent medical attention. “Similarly, in your third trimester it’s worth considering the possibility of going into labour on your flight,” says Dr Wakefield. “And if you’re going somewhere exotic — is that a place you’d feel comfortable having your baby? If the answer is no, then don’t go.” The best time to travel tends to be in mid-pregnancy, from four to six months.

Main photo: with consideration, it’s safe to fly abroad while you’re pregnant (Alamy)

How many weeks pregnant can you be to travel on a plane?

There’s no medical line on this topic, so it’s up to the carrier you’re travelling with. Typically, the majority of airlines (and ferry operators) will say up to 32 or 36 weeks — at 37 weeks you’re full-term, so giving birth becomes a very real possibility. “Most airlines will want a letter from your doctor, obstetrician or midwife after 28 weeks, confirming your due date and saying that you’re fit to fly and haven’t got a high chance of going into early labour,” says Dr Wakefield. Be sure to check the policy of the company you’re booking with, before you buy your tickets.

Does it make a difference if I’m carrying twins?

Those expecting twins have a higher risk of going into early labour after 32 weeks, but the same guidelines apply as for those carrying one child — you’ll need something in writing from your midwife or doctor after 28 weeks, and to check the policy of your airline. “It’s all about your own preference and risk-benefit ratio,” says Dr Wakefield. “You may not have had any issues or pregnancy complications so far, but you need to think about where you’re going, whether you need to go there and — if you do, and go into early labour — how that is going to affect you and your plans.” Those expecting more than one child should also read their travel insurance policy carefully, to ensure they’ll be covered if holidaying after a certain number of weeks gestation.

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Should i go on long-haul holidays when pregnant.

Anyone taking a long-haul flight — four hours or more — has a slightly higher risk of deep vein thrombosis or DVT: a blood clot in a vein, usually the leg. If you’re in the second or third trimester you need to add that to the small additional risk of blood clots that comes with pregnancy. “If you’re pregnant you’ve basically got a massive watermelon sat on the blood vessels that drain your legs, so it’s important to make a real effort to minimise your risk of developing DVT,” says Dr Wakefield. Happily, this can be done with a few simple precautions during your journey (see below).

Is there anything I should do/not do on the plane?

The NHS advises moving frequently — every 30 minutes or so — and making sure you’re drinking plenty of water. You can also buy a pair of graduated compression or support stockings, to help keep your blood flow moving. “During my second pregnancy I went to Ibiza for a babymoon at 30 weeks,” says Dr Wakefield. “Even though it wasn’t a long flight I took two 2 litre bottles of water with me on the plane and kept jiggling about and doing stretches, just for my peace of mind.” You should also pack your maternity notes in your hand luggage — they contain essential medical information that could make all the difference if you require emergency treatment, and if they’re in the hold there’s always a chance your luggage might go astray.

What do I need to know about travelling while pregnant during Covid?

“In the wake of the pandemic, health is much more on everyone’s radar,” says Dr Wakefield. “We all automatically ask ourselves ‘what would happen if I get sick?’.” Health anxieties are often at the forefront of our minds when expecting a baby, but pregnant women should feel reassured that — if double-vaccinated — the risk of contracting Covid while travelling is significantly reduced, as is your chance of becoming seriously ill if you do catch it. “There is a concern that if you’re on a flight and they’re recirculating air, your risk of catching it is a bit higher,” says Dr Wakefield. “However, the evidence shows that there weren’t big increases of people catching it on planes, because passengers were wearing masks.”

If you’re worried, invest in a good-quality face covering to wear during the flight — but it’s important to think about the destination, too. “If, God forbid, you did catch Covid while pregnant and became poorly, you’d want to be in a place that offered the best medical care,” says Dr Wakefield. “A system similar to that available through the NHS at home.” Those with or without health issues or pregnancy to consider should always take sensible precautions when visiting a developing country — drinking bottled water, not eating salad or taking ice in your drinks — to minimise the chance of catching a stomach bug.

Can I have travel vaccinations if I’m pregnant?

You can — but vaccines that contain live bacteria or viruses aren’t recommended during pregnancy because of concerns they might harm your baby. Examples include the MMR, oral polio or typhoid and yellow fever vaccines. That said — if, for whatever reason, you have to go to a country where you’re at risk from one of these diseases “it’s better for you to have the vaccine than take the chance of contracting the illness,” says Dr Wakefield. “So again, it’s a personal thing, but if you want to go to Mexico to sit on the beach and going there requires a live vaccination, you might want to reconsider your travel plans.”

Where’s the best place to sit on a plane when pregnant?

You may wish to think about paying extra for a seat with more legroom, to give you space to move around and stretch during the flight — especially if flying long-haul. Requesting an aisle seat or bulkhead seat is cheaper and will help you stick to a DVT-preventing regime of regular walks. It’ll also give you unfettered access to the loos — generally non-negotiable during pregnancy. Maintaining stable blood sugar can also really help with early pregnancy nausea, so in this phase perhaps position yourself near the galley, where cabin crew generally keep a ready supply of snacks.

Could airport scanners be harmful to my baby?

No, they’re perfectly safe. X-rays are not recommended during pregnancy, but whole-body airport scanners use different technology (millimetre wave imaging), to detect potentially dangerous objects that you might have concealed under your clothing. The level of radiation people are exposed to during this process is very low — less than you’d get from your smartphone — so they’re considered safe for all. You needn’t worry about the hand-held scanners sometimes used by security teams, either. X-Rays are used to scan luggage, but these machines have thick walls and lead curtains to prevent passengers being exposed to radiation.

What should I do about travel insurance — am I covered?

Getting cover for health insurance should be straightforward during the first two trimesters of pregnancy, so long as your doctor or midwife agrees that you’re medically fit to travel and your trip falls within your carrier’s specific guidelines. “Travel insurance is primarily there to cover the cost of emergency overseas medical treatment for unexpected events when you are on holiday,” said a spokesperson from the Association of British Insurers . “While pregnancy is not classed as a pre-existing condition, travellers should disclose any other existing conditions to their insurer. Normally childbirth would not be seen as an unforeseen event and would therefore not usually be covered by your travel insurance.” That said, medical treatment required after a premature birth or unforeseen emergency would usually be covered, so long as the woman had followed medical advice about her journey and stuck to the rules outlined by the airline she travelled with.

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Flying when pregnant

Most women can travel safely while pregnant. Flying does not increase your risk of early labour or miscarriage.

Flying may not be recommended if you:

• have a condition affecting your blood cells, such as anaemia or sickle cell disease
• have any condition affecting your heart or lungs that makes it hard for you to breathe
• are at risk of premature labour , for example if you previously had a premature birth
• recently had a vaginal bleed

Long-haul flights (more than 4 hours) can be more uncomfortable than short haul flights. There is also a higher risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (clots in the legs) on long-haul flights.

Before you book

Things you should check before arranging flights:

When it is safe to fly

If you are pregnant with 1 baby, the safest time to fly during pregnancy is before 37 weeks. If you are pregnant with twins the safest time is before 32 weeks.

It is a good idea to speak to your GP, obstetrician or midwife before you take a flight.

Airline rules

After 28 weeks, the airline may ask for a letter from your doctor or midwife confirming your due date. This is to make sure you are not at risk of complications.

Many airlines do not allow women to fly after 37 weeks, so make sure you check with your airline before booking.

Medical facilities

Before you book, find out if there is a maternity hospital close to your destination. You should also know if there are facilities for premature babies in the event of premature labour .

Cost of medical care overseas

Check that your travel insurance covers you while pregnant. This includes if you need to be admitted to hospital abroad or have other associated costs.

For example, you may have to stay in hospital for several weeks if you develop ruptured membranes or threatened pre-term labour. You may also not be able to fly for a period of time after discharge from hospital.

If you’re travelling to Europe, get a European Health Insurance Card .

It is free and allows you to get free access to public health services in:

• European Union (EU) countries
• European Economic Area (EEA) countries
• Switzerland

The card entitles you to necessary healthcare if you become ill or injured while on a temporary stay. It does not cover private treatment.

Travel vaccines

Talk to your GP or obstetrician if you are travelling to a place which requires vaccinations. Make sure you get the correct vaccinations needed for risk areas.

What to pack

Make sure you bring:

• any medicines in your hand luggage, including folic acid
• a letter from your GP and medical notes, if you carry them

Common concerns while flying

Concerns you may have include:

Worsened pregnancy symptoms

Pregnancy symptoms may get worse when you fly. These include a blocked nose or ears, swollen legs and morning sickness.

Airport security

You will have to go through all of the usual security checks at the airport. Walking through the security scanner is not harmful for you or your baby.

You must wear a seat belt when flying. Ask the cabin crew for help with this if needed.

Anyone who flies is exposed to a slight increase in radiation. Occasional flights do not put you or your baby at risk.

Speak to your manager or occupational health department if you:

• are a member of a flight crew (like a pilot or flight attendant)
• fly regularly as part of your job

Deep vein thrombosis

Your risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is increased when pregnant.

DVT is a blood clot that can form in your leg and can be very dangerous.

This is more likely to happen in flights over 4 hours (long-haul flights).

To reduce your risk and help your circulation:

• wear loose clothing and comfortable shoes
• take regular walks and do in-seat exercises
• drink plenty of water
• wear graduated elastic compression stockings - your midwife, GP or pharmacist will need to measure you

If you have other risk factors, an injection of heparin (blood thinners) may be recommended.

Deep vein thrombosis in pregnancy

Going into labour on the plane

Going into labour or having your waters break on a plane can be a frightening experience.

There may be doctors or midwives among the passengers who can help you birth your baby safely. Cabin crew may have had some training in this. But this is not guaranteed.

The pilot may have to divert the plane to the nearest airport to get help for you.

Page last reviewed: 10 February 2023 Next review due: 10 February 2026

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Air travel during pregnancy

1 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Aschaffenburg, Germany

P Tsikouras

2 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece

Dear Editor,

Air travel does not seem to be harmful to pregnancy, and it is generally considered to be safe; thus most commercial airlines allow pregnant women to fly until the 36 th week of their gestational age. The data regarding the precise effect of air travel on thromboembolism, miscarriage, preterm labor rates, and pregnancy outcomes is limited 1 . Medium- to long-distance travelers have a 2- to 4-fold increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) compared to non-travelers due to immobilization for several hours, hypoxia associated with decreased cabin pressure, and dehydration because of low cabin humidity. An association between air travel and miscarriage is considered contradictory. In the future, studies concerning pregnant woman traveling by air should address personal and work-related risk factors in more detail and include a comparison with other occupational groups. Women with a higher risk of spontaneous miscarriage should be restricted from flying. According to literature, there is no sufficient data that relate preterm labor with air travel.  Freeman et al who addressed potential risk in late (≥ 20 weeks) pregnancy, found that air travel was not associated with increased risk of complications for birth weight, shorter gestation, rate of vaginal bleeding, preterm delivery, preeclampsia or neonatal intensive care admission 2 . Chibber et al presented conflicting results with larger sample size and showed that primigravid women who travel by air appear to be at a higher risk for preterm birth 3 . Such research results are vital, and multicentre large studies are required to confirm or refute these findings and to define new strategies for preventing adverse birth outcomes. Pregnant women suffering from serious medical or obstetric conditions need their management to be individualized. Women with preexisting cardiovascular illness demand special management. In pregnancy it is essential to evaluate the patient’s anamnesis considering cardiovascular, cardiac and pulmonary diseases, renal insufficiency, hypertension, diabetes or a recent VTE. Air travel during pregnancy nowadays is very common especially when international travel for work and pleasure is more commonplace. Despite the increasing number of reviews focussing on air-travel in different stages of pregnancy, our knowledge about the real effects of international flights is limited. The radiation dose to the fetus from exposure to cosmic radiation is negligible. Flights lasting more than 4 hour are associated with a small increase in the relative risk of VTE. Specific prevention methods, e.g., elastic compression stockings should be applied for women who fly medium or long-haul flights (> 4 hours), and low-molecular-weight heparin should be administered to those with significant risk factors such as previous thrombosis or morbid obesity. Low dose Aspirin is not indicated in pregnancy for thromboprophylaxis associated with air travel. A meticulous risk assessment should be completed to identify the main risks and special management strategies for avoiding complications while travelling 4 .

Conflict of interest

Banning short-haul flights?

Posted: April 16, 2024 | Last updated: April 16, 2024

Many European countries are banning short-distance flying. But a lot more needs to be done to curb emissions.

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