Can you fly while pregnant?

Are you thinking of flying while pregnant? Generally speaking, it’s safe for you to travel before you reach your 36th week, unless your doctor says that you or your baby have a health condition that will prevent you from flying. This is why it’s best to check in with your health care provider first before deciding to fly.

If you’re considering it, here's a few things to keep in mind so that you and your baby have a safe, smooth, and comfortable journey.

Is it dangerous to fly while pregnant?

No. If you’re healthy, strong, and not too far along in your pregnancy, flying is safe and unlikely to harm the baby. However, there are a few important factors to remember.

Risk of blood clots

One of the risks of flying while pregnant is that there is a small chance of developing blood clots, known medically as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This can be potentially life threatening if the clot travels to the lungs, which causes a condition called pulmonary embolism.

Luckily, you can reduce this risk even further by staying hydrated and by walking and stretching often, at least every 30 minutes or so.

Swelling

During pregnancy, many may experience swelling in their legs or feet, also known as edema. This is often caused by water retention and the growing womb affecting your blood flow, leading to fluid build up in the lower extremities.

Edema can also happen even if you’re not flying, but the cabin pressure and long hours of sitting can exacerbate it. Again, staying hydrated, walking around, and stretching often can reduce this risk.

Radiation at high altitudes

Traveling at high altitudes result in an increased exposure to cosmic radiation. But most travelers don’t have to worry, as the amount of radiation you’re exposed to is quite minimal and will not harm the baby. However, if you need to fly often during the duration of your pregnancy, say, because you’re a pilot or part of the flight crew, it’s best to check with your doctor first.

Limited access to medical care onboard

Of course, it’s important to remember that access to medical care is limited while flying. This risk increases on long-haul flights, particularly during stretches over the ocean or remote areas where emergency landings aren’t always possible.

When can you not fly when pregnant?

There are, of course, cases where it’s best to not fly at all. These include late stage pregnancy and if you have any preexisting medical conditions.

3rd trimester

At the third trimester of pregnancy, which is from 28 to 40 weeks, it’s generally advised that you stay close to your health care provider as there is an increased chance that you’d go into labor.

But does that mean you can’t fly at all? Can you fly at 8 months pregnant for example?

The answer is — it depends. Flying at 8 months can still be possible, but airlines have varying rules on how late you can fly while pregnant:

• How many weeks pregnant can you fly domestically? — You can fly if you’re less than 36 weeks pregnant (under 8 months), provided you can provide a medical certificate.

• How many weeks pregnant can you fly internationally? — You can usually fly between 28–35 weeks (about 6 to just under 8 months), depending on the airline. After 36 weeks, airlines don’t allow pregnant passengers to fly.

Of course, policies can vary greatly, so it’s always best to check with the airline first. Make sure to check if they also have special forms that you’ll need to fill out.

Preexisting health conditions

If you have any preexisting health conditions while pregnant, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, a history of miscarriage, or are carrying twins or more, it might be best to forego air travel completely, as it can put you or your pregnancy at risk.

This is by no means an exhaustive list, so if you’re unsure, check with your doctor first if it’s safe for you to travel.

So when is it safest to fly while pregnant?

The safest time is generally during the second trimester, between 14 and 28 weeks. This is because at this time, risks of complications are much lower compared to the first trimester. You are also less likely to experience preterm labor like in the third trimester.

In the second trimester, the common early pregnancy symptoms, such as nausea and fatigue, also tend to subside for most people, making it easier and more comfortable to travel.

Tips for flying while pregnant

So once you do decide to fly here are some tips to help make the journey safer and more comfortable.

Let the staff know about your condition

Before boarding, make sure you let the staff know you’re pregnant so that they can make adjustments and support you during the flight. Provide all the necessary medical clearances, and also have important documents such as prenatal records on hand in case you need medical assistance.

Choose an aisle seat

An aisle seat will give you a little extra room to stretch and move around, and easier access to the restroom. If you can afford it, you could also consider booking a higher class, which comes with roomier, more comfortable seats.

Buckle your seatbelt correctly

While pregnant, it’s important to fasten your seatbelt below the bump, to avoid putting pressure on your belly, especially during turbulence. If needed, ask for a seatbelt extender from the staff.

Wear comfortable clothing

Your comfort matters most, so make sure to wear comfortable, soft, and stretchy fabrics. Wear items that you can layer in case the cabin gets too cold or too warm. Consider wearing compression socks while flying while pregnant. They can help minimize pressure in your legs and feet and reduce any swelling you may have.

Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water before and during the flight to counter the dehydrating effects of cabin air.

Move around and stretch often

Get up and move around every 30 minutes or so, and do simple leg and ankle stretches from your seat to keep circulation flowing. This also helps minimize the risk of swelling and developing blood clots.

Take care and safe travels

Flying while pregnant is generally safe with the right precautions, but it's important to consider your health, the stage of your pregnancy, and what airline policies say. Always consult your doctor before flying, and follow our tips to ensure a comfortable and worry-free journey. Safe travels!

Did you also know that you can claim compensation for delayed, canceled, or overbooked flights from up to 3 years ago? AirHelp is here to help you check if your flight is eligible — it’s quick, easy, and totally risk-free!