Before your flight - Pregnancy

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Before your flight

Flying abroad?

Preparing to travel

If you want to travel make sure you speak to your GP or midwife before booking your tickets! It is essential that you discuss your entire pregnancy beforehand. Think of it as a checklist, your midwife needs to doublecheck:

  • You are healthy
  • What your expected delivery date is
  • That you are experiencing a normal, low-risk pregnancy

Some airlines may require your GP or midwife to fill out an assessment of your pregnancy, especially if you are travelling after week 28 of your pregnancy.

When to travel?

Most women prefer not to fly before they are 12 weeks pregnant, as they do not want to risk exhaustion or stress. Stress and exhaustion can lead to a miscarriage, therefore it is vital for you to stay relaxed during the first 3 months. Remember, the risk of miscarriage is highest during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Flying limit

Most airlines will let you fly up to 28 weeks with no hassle, but you must still warn the airline you are flying with that you are pregnant, just in case anything happens. It is always better to be safe than sorry! Once you have past the 28 week mark you will need to get a letter from your GP, as your airline must be sure that you’re having a healthy pregnancy. You are not allowed to travel after 36 weeks on any airline as it is considered unsafe and risky due to the chances of early labour.

Multiple births?

If you are expecting  a multiples (twins or triplets) then your time limit for flying is earlier, as multiple births have higher risks. You will not be able to fly past the 32 week mark, even if you have a letter from your GP.

Avoiding Flight Risks

If you are going on holiday, avoid long haul trips and try to stick to shorter ones. A short haul flight is less than 5 hours, if you pass that time limit, you are increasing your chances of getting blood clots, which can be dangerous for you and your baby’s health. Don’t forget to get your hands on some circulation tights and socks, they will help make your journey easier and reduce the potential risks.

Find out tips that will help during your flight.

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