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At what month of pregnancy can you not travel?

Generally, women are not allowed to travel by air after 36 weeks for domestic travel, and after 28 to 35 weeks for international travel. The decision on whether to travel and how far to travel at any time during pregnancy should be a joint decision between you and your healthcare provider or midwife.



Most airlines have a "cutoff" for travel during pregnancy, generally occurring at the start of the 9th month (36 weeks) for single pregnancies and earlier (often 32 weeks) for multiple pregnancies like twins. For domestic flights, many U.S. carriers allow travel up until the end of the 36th week, provided there are no complications. For international travel, the rules are stricter; many international airlines require a "Fit to Fly" certificate from a doctor for any travel after 28 weeks. By the time you reach 37 weeks, almost all airlines will prohibit you from boarding to avoid the risk of an in-flight delivery. This is not just for the mother’s comfort; it is a safety measure because aircraft are not equipped for neonatal emergencies. In 2026, if you must travel late in your pregnancy, it is vital to carry a medical letter stating your due date and confirmation of a low-risk pregnancy. Always check the specific carrier's "Expectant Mothers" policy before booking, as some budget airlines have even stricter limits starting as early as the 34th week to minimize liability.

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Generally, women are not allowed to travel by air after 36 weeks for domestic travel, and after 28 to 35 weeks for international travel. The decision on whether to travel and how far to travel at any time during pregnancy should be a joint decision between you and your healthcare provider or midwife.

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In most cases, pregnant women can travel safely until close to their due dates. But travel may not be recommended if you have pregnancy complications. If you are planning a trip, talk with your obstetrician–gynecologist (ob-gyn). And no matter how you choose to travel, think ahead about your comfort and safety.

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Some airlines require written documentation from your practice nurse, midwife or obstetrician. This is to confirm you are in good health, that your pregnancy is uncomplicated and your due date. Flying during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy may be considered risky as miscarriage is more common during this early stage.

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Examples include a history of miscarriage or vaginal bleeding, severe anemia, and high blood pressure or diabetes that's not well controlled. If you had preeclampsia during a previous pregnancy — a condition that causes high blood pressure and extra protein in urine — flying may not be advised.

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Occasional air travel during pregnancy is generally safe. Recent cohort studies suggest no increase in adverse pregnancy outcomes for occasional air travelers 1 2. Most commercial airlines allow pregnant women to fly up to 36 weeks of gestation.

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Yes, airport security and scanners are safe for women who are pregnant and they do not use X-rays to produce an image.

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But one woman was pregnant for 375 days. When Beulah Hunter's baby girl, Penny Diana, was finally born on the 21st of February in 1945, she was almost 100 days overdue. Although this is the longest pregnancy ever recorded, pregnancies of 42 weeks, which is around ten months, are relatively common.

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Woman sets Guinness World Record with 17-month-long pregnancy. Beijing, 18 August (BelTA - People's Daily) A woman from China's central Hunan province recently set a Guinness World Record with her 17-month-long and counting pregnancy, local media reported. The woman, named Wang Shi, became pregnant last February.

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Thus, you need to wear compression socks or compression stockings. If you have health insurance, it may cover these elements of your outfit. Don't forget about flexible and comfortable shoes. Slip on shoes will make it easy to remove them if your feet start swelling.

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