You can fly whilst pregnant, just remember it is just very inconvenient and unpleasant for everyone if a woman gives birth on an aircraft. And of course, pain-relieving medicines and emergency medical support are difficult to arrange in the kitchen of a jumbo jet !

If you are pregnant you should talk to both your doctor and if it's OK, then the airline. Most airlines will not carry you when you are at the end of your second trimester, i.e. over 28 weeks into your pregnancy. Remember to work out how many weeks you'll be by the time you fly home - it would be terrible to be somewhere and be unable to get back because of airline restrictions. Most airlines will ask that you provide a medical certificate if you will be more than 28 weeks into your pregnancy on your return flight. You can obtain this certificate from your GP or Midwife, without one airlines are very likely to refuse to carry you.

Even with a certificate airlines may well refuse to take you if you are more than 32+ weeks pregnant.

X-Ray machines at airports

For security reasons passengers walk through a metal detector at the airport, X-rays are only used on the baggage so there is no cause for concern.

Cosmic Radiation

There is exposure to radiation at the altitudes commercial aircraft normally fly at. Unless you are a pilot or flight attendant and exposed to these levels on a daily basis it's not considered a potential risk on short flights. However, as cosmic radiation is more than 100 times that at ground level many antenatal carers advise, especially during early pregnancy to avoid unnecessary long distance flights, i.e. a return trip from London to New York is equivalent to a single chest X-ray.

Cabin Pressure

Cabin pressure, particularly during long distance flights may cause fluid retention putting extra pressure on the abdomen and can worsen blood pressure problems.

Flights in small planes that do not have cabin pressure however, should be avoided as oxygen levels get significantly lower and it's much harder for your body to supply your baby with sufficient amounts.

Book an aisle seat

If your budget allows book an upgrade to a larger seat in business class with more leg room and make life easier for yourself by choosing an aisle seat so that you won't have to disturb other passengers on your trips to the toilet or for your regular walks around the aircraft. If booking a seat is not possible ask at check in if you can pre-board to avoid being jostled around and giving you the opportunity to stow your hand luggage conveniently above you - do not sit with luggage around your feet and try to remember not to sit with crossed legs.

Wear clothes that allow easy access to your underwear such as a loose top and leggings; you'll be glad you did when you've visited that cramped aircraft toilet more times than you thought humanly possible. Pregnancy puts a strain on your circulatory system that can leave you susceptible to thrombosis (See DVT Below) and varicose veins and flying increases your risk further. So wear support stockings under your leggings not support tights to assist your circulation and relieve swollen veins.

Dehydration

Now that you know you can use the toilet easily please drink plenty of water or fruit juices, you are particularly susceptible to dehydration whilst flying due to the dry atmosphere on board. Drinking extra fluids will prevent your kidneys trying to conserve fluid and will help prevent swollen feet and ankles too.

Swollen feet, ankles and leg cramps

If you're lucky enough to have a spare seat next to you on the aircraft put your feet up. Walking up and down the aisle will keep your blood circulating. Whilst sitting, rotate your ankles and wiggle your toes, or stretch your leg, heel first, and gently flex your foot to stretch your calf muscles. Wear comfortable, supportive shoes on the aircraft and throughout your travels.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

We would like to assure you that, for most people, the risk of developing thrombosis is quite low. However, there are some very basic precautions that everyone should take when flying. The following list of points may therefore be useful to you.

What is DVT?

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) involves the formation of a blood clot in the leg. Sufferers are not always aware that a clot has formed and, on occasion, people have collapsed shortly after leaving the aircraft. This is because the clot can move from the leg to the lung, a condition known as pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism can be instantly fatal, whilst untreated DVT is extremely dangerous and may require a stay in hospital.

What causes it?

Primarily, lack of movement over a prolonged period is thought to be the main cause, leading to impaired blood circulation. On an aeroplane, this can be more likely on long flights. Dehydration, which is often made worse by the dry air circulated on aeroplanes, increases the risk - and alcohol, which is served on most flights, increases the risk of dehydration.

DVT can happen anywhere. Lack of movement on a long train trip or car journey could also bring it on. However, the length of some flights and the relatively cramped seat conditions can make flying a more likely cause for some people.

Warning signs

Signs can be slight and mistaken for numbness or cramp, but you may feel a hot, painful or swollen leg. If cramp does not resolve after movement, seek medical advice without delay.

Try to avoid flight-related DVT. Everyone should follow these points when flying:

Move around occasionally in the cabin and seat - don't let your legs get too cramped or immobile.

Whilst sitting, exercise calf muscles by flexing and rotating ankles every half hour.

Avoid excess alcohol and caffeinated drinks (coffee, tea, some soft drinks) before and during flight.

Drink water (for example, a glass each hour), or non-caffeinated drinks and juices.

Additional precautions for higher risk groups

The above precautions should be taken by all air passengers. However, the following three levels of higher risk groups need to take additional precautions, in addition to those listed above:

Minor: Age 40+; very tall/short/obese; previous/current leg swelling for any reason; recent minor leg injury or body surgery; extensive varicose veins. In addition to the normal precautions outlined above, people with any of these conditions should keep sleep breaks short (no pills), and possibly consider wearing support stockings.

Moderate: Pregnancy; on contraceptive pill; recent major leg injury or surgery; recent heart disease; hormone medication/HRT; family DVT history. These people should seek professional medical advice.


Substantial: Previous or current DVT; known clotting tendency; recent major surgery or stroke; current malignant disease or chemotherapy; paralysed lower limbs. These people should consider avoiding or postponing their flight and should seek medical advice. If they do travel, they should undertake all of the above precautions and should see a doctor about taking low molecular weight heparin instead of aspirin.

Airline Seat belts

You should always wear a seat belt correctly to prevent harming your baby. Always fasten the lap belt so that it lies snugly over your pelvis. Never wear the belt across your bump.

Holiday Insurance Cover for Pregnant Mums

Always, always go for Travel Insurance. Even where there is a reciprocal health agreement with the country you are travelling to. In some places it may be impossible to find a doctor who will treat you under the scheme, or will only treat you up to so many months of pregnancy etc etc.

Check very carefully the restrictions on the policy, some insurers will cover you only up to say 26 weeks, but offer no cover afterwards. Other insurers fail to provide cover for a condition relating to pregnancy or if you have a history of pre-existing or hereditary problems relating to pregnancy.

Annual policies will also need to be checked carefully, i.e. if your due date falls within 10 weeks of the end of your annual cover period you may be unable to claim for cancellation.