Is it safe for me to fly when I’m expecting?

The safety of flying during pregnancy for those who are expecting yet love to travel. Now there’s not just your own safety to consider, but also that of the life – or lives – you’re carrying.

The good news is, if you’re in good health, flying should pose no risks to your unborn child, even travelling long haul.

Most airlines will let you travel up to 28 weeks without a letter from your doctor or midwife. If you’re going to be more advanced in your pregnancy when you travel, most companies will allow up to but not after 36 weeks for single pregnancy. For twins or multiple pregnancies, it’s usually 32 weeks and most airlines require a certificate that confirms everything is proceeding normally, with no complications, and the expected delivery date (source: NHS).

Many people prefer to travel after the first trimester, or 12 weeks into their pregnancy. This is when any effects from morning sickness should have passed, and you’ll feel more comfortable to fly.

Reducing the risk of deep vein thrombosis 

Flying for more than four hours when you’re pregnant carries a very small risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). A DVT is a blood clot that develops in a deep vein in your leg or pelvis. It’s dangerous if a DVT travels to your lungs and causes a pulmonary embolism.

A DVT is more likely to happen when you have been sitting down for long periods of time. There’s also a higher risk of developing a DVT during pregnancy, and up to six weeks after giving birth. 

If you have previous history of DVT or a high body mass index (BMI), you may be at more risk. Always talk to your doctor or midwife if you have any concerns about DVT, and they will be able to advise you about flying.

How to reduce the risk of DVT

  • Wear loose clothing and comfortable shoes
  • Drink plenty of water to keep hydrated
  • Avoid caffeine which can be especially dehydrating when flying
  • If possible, choose an aisle seat so that you can easily get up and move around during the flight
  • If you don’t have an aisle seat, you can do leg and ankle exercises in your seat. Aim for every 30 minutes or so
  • Compression travel socks can help to reduce swelling and improve your lower leg circulation

Health issues and diseases to consider before travelling

Depending on where you’re planning your holiday to, you may need to consider vaccinations and even anti-malarial medication.

There are two types of vaccination – those using inactive viruses, and others have live virus elements. Inactivated vaccines are considered safe to have during pregnancy, but always talk to your midwife or doctor about their suitability.

If you need to travel to a destination where a live vaccination is the best option, your healthcare consultant is best placed to give you the latest advice and information.

Malaria, dengue fever, Zika and other mosquito-borne diseases

Some malaria tablets are not safe to take during pregnancy, so always get a medical recommendation and prescription for suitable tablets.

Currently there are no treatments for dengue fever and Zika virus, so mosquito bite-prevention is key. If possible, try to avoid travelling to countries where these diseases are found, including:

  • South and Central America
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • the Caribbean
  • The Pacific islands

Both diseases are more commonly found in urban areas than rural ones. You can find current Zika risk information on the Travel Health Pro website.

Travel insurance and pregnancy

Check your cover is still suitable 

Once you’re pregnant, it’s even more important to be up to date with your travel insurance. 

Read your policy documents and check with your insurer if you’ll be fully covered during your pregnancy. If you give birth unexpectedly while away, will your newborn be covered too?

Don’t assume all providers and policies offer the same cover for pregnancy. The pregnancy term they’ll cover you within, their due date restrictions and other conditions may vary. 

With Post Office Travel Insurance, you’re covered for any medical issues that arise from your pregnancy if your trip begins before the 28 week mark. The limit is 24 weeks if you’re expecting more than one baby. You’ll also need to be signed off as fit to travel by your midwife or doctor. 

Shop around online to find the right cover for your individual needs. Consider any optional add-ons that can give you extra peace of mind when you’re away. And look for value-added services that will look out for you while you’re away, like free support for outpatient healthcare if you need it. 

Here are a few more suggestions to make sure your trip goes smoothly:

  • Take your handheld pregnancy notes in your carry-on luggage
  • If you’re taking medications, carry photocopies of your prescriptions (not the real things). And keep your medications in your hand luggage
  • It’s a good idea to have written confirmation from your midwife or doctor of your due date and that you’re fit to travel. Include their phone number or email address so they can be contacted if needed
  • Carry your travel insurance documents in your hand luggage
  • If you don’t have one already, apply for a Global Health Insurance Card (Ghic). If you already have a Ehic (European Health Insurance Card), check to make sure it’s still in date, and replace with a Ghic if it’s expired. It’s free, and you can apply for one on the NHS website

Helpful information

Here are a few websites that can help you plan for your trip: