Learn about the restrictions that airlines impose on passengers who are pregnant, and then read our advice to make travelling as comfortable as possible for you and your growing baby bump.
medication on flying being pregnant
Learn about the restrictions that airlines impose on passengers who are pregnant, and then read our advice to make travelling as comfortable as possible for you and your growing baby bump.
Flying being pregnant
According to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, there is no basis for the belief that flying while pregnant can cause harm to either you or your unborn child. [Citation needed] (RCOG). Before making any plans to travel internationally while pregnant, there are, however, a few precautions and restrictions that must be taken into consideration. There is no evidence that flying on either long-haul or short-haul journeys will cause you to miscarry, bring on early labour, or cause your waters to break if your pregnancy is straightforward. This holds true for both long-haul and short-haul flights.
However, beginning at 37 weeks, the likelihood that you will go into labour increases naturally; if you are expecting twins or multiples, this risk increases to 32 weeks; consequently, flying is not recommended beginning at this point onwards, and the majority of airlines do not permit pregnant women to travel at this late stage in their pregnancies. If you have any complications during your pregnancy or are considered to be at a higher risk of going into labour before your due date, then you should talk to your doctor or midwife before travelling to determine whether or not it is safe for you to fly. They will be able to tell you if flying is an option for you.
When will I be able to fly while I’m pregnant?
You should be able to fly with the majority of airlines without any problems until you reach 28 weeks of pregnancy, which is the end of your second trimester. After 28 weeks, you might be asked by your airline to provide a letter from your doctor stating that you are healthy enough to fly. Even if you are not having any complications with your pregnancy, only a select few airlines will let pregnant women fly after the 36th week of their pregnancy. This restriction typically begins to take effect at the 32-week mark if you are carrying more than one child. You should check with your airline (preferably before booking a flight, but at the very least before you travel) to ensure that you have any documentation they require – the last thing you want is to be denied boarding at the check-in counter.
What kinds of information do I require from my physician?
Form providing information about the pregnancy or a letter from the physician
Talk to your primary care physician or midwife before departing on your trip. They can either fill out a pregnancy information form or write you a letter that includes the following information: whether or not you are carrying a single or multiple babies; whether or not the pregnancy is progressing normally; and whether or not there are any complications. your estimated date of delivery, which is the latest date by which you are anticipated to be healthy enough to travel, provided that they are aware of no reason that would prevent you from flying before that date. When making an appointment, you should inquire about the possibility of being charged for this service because different general practitioner practises have different policies regarding how much they can charge for it. It is also a good idea to bring your maternity notes with you when you travel. This will serve as additional proof of how many weeks pregnant you are, and it will also come in handy in the event that you for some reason need to see a doctor while you are away from home.
What kinds of travel insurance should I purchase?
Check the fine print of your standard travel insurance policy to make sure you are adequately covered if you are travelling early on in your pregnancy. However, this coverage may be sufficient. On the application for health insurance, pregnancy is not one of the “medical conditions” that you are required to disclose. However, if you have any other health conditions that are related to pregnancy, it is possible that these will need to be noted. Checking the terms of your policy to determine exactly what kind of coverage you will have is another thing that should not be overlooked. In particular: Is there a cutoff point after which you will no longer be eligible for coverage under the insurance plan? This could last as long as 36 weeks or end as early as 26 weeks in some cases. Which costs associated with medical care are covered? If you or a family member needs medical attention while you are travelling outside of the country, what kinds of treatments are covered and how much do they cost? Are you protected in the event that you have to call off the trip at the last minute or come home earlier than expected?
Travel insurance being pregnant
Here are some helpful hints for a pleasant and risk-free flight:
when carrying a child You have an increased risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or blood clots during pregnancy; therefore, it is important that you move around as much as possible on the aeroplane (especially on longer flights), and that you perform leg exercises in your seat when you are required to be buckled up.
Make sure you have enough room by requesting an aisle seat, which will make it much simpler for you to get up and move around the cabin whenever you please. Choose a seat that provides additional space for your legs if you can.
Put on compression stockings If you want to reduce the amount of fluid that is retained in your legs and further prevent blood clots, put on a pair of compression stockings that fit properly. This will also help you fight swelling.
Dress in baggy garments: Wearing a number of thin layers that do not constrict movement and that you can add or remove as needed will allow you to better control your temperature and keep you comfortable throughout the trip.
Consume a lot of water: Maintaining proper hydration is especially crucial when you’re expecting a child, and it’s even more essential when you’re flying. You can either ask the staff for regular refills or stock up on bottled water once you’ve passed through security at the airport.
