Ahead of the travelling season, let’s explore things to know about flying when pregnant. Maybe you have booked a holiday before you knew that you were pregnant? Now, do you need to cancel? Or is it okay to fly while pregnant?
The good news:
Flying isn’t harmful to you or your baby, […]
NHS.
but it is always a good idea to discuss any concerns with your midwife and/or team of healthcare professionals.
It is worth taking into consideration:
- how far along you are in your pregnancy at the time of travel
- whether you have any health concerns
- where you are travelling to
- is it long-distance?
- are vaccinations recommended for your destination?
- which airline you are flying with
Flying when pregnant infographic and top tips!
- For long-distance flights (longer than 4 hours), drink plenty of water and move about regularly, or do in-seat exercises. This helps to minimise the small risk of blood clots (1-2 women in 1000). You can buy a pair of graduated compression or flight stockings from the pharmacy, which will help reduce leg swelling.
- Some airlines won’t let you fly towards the end of your pregnancy. Remember to check with the airline for their policy on this.
- Make sure you have your maternity notes, travel insurance and health insurance documents with you and know about maternity care/hospitals at your destination.
- You can listen to your hypnobirthing tracks while you are flying to help with comfort, confidence and nausea.
- Ask the cabin crew for a seatbelt extension if needed, and wear your seatbelt under your bump.
- Avoid gassy foods before the journey to increase your comfort during the flight!
- Carry medication in your hand-luggage!
References and further reading:
- NCT (National Childbirth Trust). 2022. Flying when pregnant: what you need to know. [online] Available at: <https://www.nct.org.uk/pregnancy/travelling-when-pregnant/flying-when-pregnant-what-you-need-know> [Accessed 1 June 2022].
- nhs.uk. 2022. Travelling in pregnancy. [online] Available at: <https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/travelling/> [Accessed 1 June 2022].
- Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists. 2022. Air travel and pregnancy patient information leaflet. [online] Available at: <https://www.rcog.org.uk/for-the-public/browse-all-patient-information-leaflets/air-travel-and-pregnancy-patient-information-leaflet/> [Accessed 1 June 2022].