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.
People Also Ask
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.
Flying while pregnantAir travel is generally safe if you're having an uncomplicated pregnancy. If you have any pregnancy complications, check with your midwife or GP that there's no medical reason to stop you flying, such as high blood pressure or a risk of deep vein thrombosis.
If you have a straightforward pregnancy and are healthy, there is no evidence that the changes in air pressure and/or the decrease in humidity have a harmful effect on you or your baby. There is no evidence that flying will cause miscarriage, early labour or your waters to break.
A change in air pressure or a decrease in humidity won't cause your baby any harm. There is also no evidence to suggest that flying causes miscarriages, early labour or waters to break . If you have any health issues or pregnancy complications, discuss it with your GP or midwife before you decide to fly.
All screening equipment at the airport security checkpoint is safe for all travelers, including women who are pregnant. Watch this travel tips video if you have questions about the security screening process when traveling while pregnant.
Pregnant women can fly in most cases. Travel during first and second trimesters is generally safe. Third trimester travel may require medical clearance. Pregnant women should stay hydrated and move regularly.
There is no evidence that airline flying, or being in a pressurized cabin, is harmful to an unborn baby. In general though, it is best not to fly in a small plane that doesn't have cabin pressure. The air is significantly thinner at high altitudes.
Malaria is another serious disease carried by mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, and nausea and vomiting. While you are pregnant, you should not travel to areas where there is risk of malaria, including Africa, Asia, and Central and South America.
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're pregnant and traveling before your 36th week, you can travel on a United flight without medical documentation. If you've reached your 36th week or after, you'll need an obstetrician's certificate — the original and two copies — stating that you're fit for air travel.