Answer From Mary Marnach, M.D. Generally, air travel before 36 weeks of pregnancy is considered safe for people who aren't dealing with any pregnancy problems.
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Generally, air travel before 36 weeks of pregnancy is considered safe for people who aren't dealing with any pregnancy problems.
Pregnant women can fly safely, observing the same precautions for air travel as the general population. Because severe air turbulence cannot be predicted and the subsequent risk for trauma is significant should this occur, pregnant women should be instructed to use their seat belts continuously while seated.
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.
During a healthy pregnancy, occasional air travel is almost always safe. Most airlines allow you to fly domestically until about 36 weeks of pregnancy. Your ob-gyn can provide proof of your due date if you need it. If you are planning an international flight, the cut-off for traveling may be earlier.
Flying or any other mode of transportation has not been shown to have any adverse effects on embryo transfer. For long-haul flights, we advise you to take the normal precautions to prevent the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), such as keeping you well hydrated and exercising your legs from time to time.
Effect on ConceptionThere is no reason for concern regarding a possible effect on fertility of radiation from a few airplane flights. Because there is a threshold dose for radiation effects on fertility, when we are below the threshold, the risk becomes clinically insignificant.
Some women prefer not to travel in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy because of nausea and vomiting and feeling very tired during these early stages. The risk of miscarriage is also higher in the first 3 months, whether you're travelling or not. Travelling in the final months of pregnancy can be tiring and uncomfortable.
The airline also may require a letter from your health care provider that states how far along in your pregnancy you are and whether flying is advised. If your health care provider says it's okay for you to fly, and your plans are flexible, the best time to travel by air might be during the second trimester.
If you have a single pregnancy, travel is not permitted beyond the end of the 36th week of your pregnancy; For a twin/triplet pregnancy, a 'fit to fly' letter is required between 28-32 weeks, and travel is not permitted beyond the end of the 32nd week of pregnancy.
Can I fly at one, two or three months pregnant (first trimester)? Yes, there is no evidence that flying causes miscarriage . Yet as this is the riskiest time for miscarriage, just be aware that no medical help will be available if that does happen.
High Elevation TravelPregnant people should avoid activities at high elevation unless they have trained for and are accustomed to such activities; those not acclimated to high elevation might experience breathlessness and palpitations.
Most miscarriages - 8 out of 10 (80 percent) - happen in the first trimester before the 12th week of pregnancy. Miscarriage in the second trimester (between 13 and 19 weeks) happens in 1 to 5 in 100 (1 to 5 percent) pregnancies. Pregnancy loss that happens after 20 weeks is called stillbirth.