Can I Fly While Pregnant?

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If you are having what your doctor considers to be a normal healthy pregnancy, the answer is yes up to a certain point. Once you hit 36-37 weeks, you are considered full term and the chances of you going into labor increase significantly. Basically, the baby can come any time and this is the worst time to be stuck in a flying tube in the sky. Many airlines have a rule about how pregnant a passenger can be. It can vary between airlines so it is a good idea to find out this information before buying tickets or planning a trip.

Don’t forget to consider how many weeks along you will be on your return flight as well.

Talk to your doctor before flying, especially if you have had any problems during pregnancy like bleeding, anemia, or previous early births.

Flying during the second trimester (14-27 weeks) is usually the easiest time to travel because your body has adjusted to the pregnancy so stuff like morning sickness should be over or much improved. Your energy levels should also be higher while your bump isn’t uncomfortably large yet.

Airlines may require a letter from your doctor for travel. This letter needs to confirm your due date, the health of the pregnancy, and that you are also healthy enough for travel. Talk to your doctor about this letter before making plans to travel.

If you have a letter from your doctor, keep it handy in your carry-on bag. Staff may ask to see it when you check in or board.

Is There Any Risk When Flying While Pregnant?

Flying while pregnant does come with an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This is when a blood clot forms in a vein deep under the skin such as in your legs or pelvis. Symptoms of this include pain, tenderness, and swelling in either leg, redness or skin color changes, bulging leg veins, or lower abdominal pain.

There are several things you can do to reduce the risk of DVT. Getting up and walking around for a few minutes every hour can help, along with some light stretching if possible. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water will also help. Your doctor may also recommend compression socks to keep your blood circulating properly, especially on long flights.

If there is any chance that the baby may come while you are away, check with your insurance before the trip to see what you should do if you go into labor while away.

One last thing- although they are not common, avoid traveling on any airplanes that are not pressurized as they do not protect you or your baby from lower oxygen levels of high altitudes.