How Far Along In Your Pregnancy Can You Take A Plane Trip?

Air travel before 36 weeks of pregnancy is generally safe for uncomplicated pregnant women, but it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before flying. If you need to fly earlier or later in your pregnancy, it is likely safe up to 36 weeks if you are carrying a single baby, or up to 32 weeks if you are carrying multiple babies. The chance of going into labor is naturally higher after 37 weeks (around 32 weeks if you are carrying twins), and some airlines won’t let you fly towards the end of your pregnancy.

Pregnant women can travel safely until close to their due dates, but travel may not be recommended if you have pregnancy complications. Some signs of potential miscarriage, cervical insufficiency, preeclampsia, or vaginal issues can make flying while pregnant unsafe. Most commercial airlines allow pregnant women to fly up to 36 weeks of gestation, with some restrictions on international flights. ACOG does not recommend air travel for pregnant women with medical or obstetric conditions that may be exacerbated by flight or require emergency care.

For healthy pregnant women, occasional air travel is almost always safe. The middle three months of pregnancy are considered the safest months to fly, as the risks of miscarriage have diminished and complications, such as premature birth, have diminished. However, some doctors advise avoiding international air travel between 32 to 34 weeks.

Airlines usually allow pregnant people to fly up to week 36 of pregnancy, as long as there are no complications. For pregnant women with one baby, the safest time to fly during pregnancy is before 37 weeks, and for those with twins, the safest time is before 32 weeks. Most airlines allow domestic flights until about 36 weeks of pregnancy, and your ob-gyn can provide proof of your due date if needed.

Can I fly at 7 months pregnant?

Flying during the third trimester of pregnancy is acceptable, but it is advised to do so before 37 weeks or 32 weeks in an uncomplicated twin pregnancy, as you may go into labor after those dates. There is no evidence that flying causes miscarriage during the first trimester, but it is the riskiest time for miscarriage. If you plan to fly during the second trimester, it is considered the safest time to do so, as the risk of pregnancy-related complications, including miscarriage, is lower during this time compared to the first and third trimesters. It is important to consider the potential risks and potential side effects of flying during these periods.

Can you fly under 12 weeks pregnant?

Most commercial airlines accept pregnant travelers up to 36 weeks for single pregnancy and up to 32 weeks for multiple pregnancy, as labour is more likely after 37 weeks. Some airlines require written documentation from a practice nurse, midwife, or obstetrician to confirm good health, pregnancy uncomplicatedness, and due date. Flying during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy may be risky due to increased miscarriage and nausea and fatigue. Pregnant women may also be at greater risk of deep vein thrombosis during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has produced an advice leaflet for pregnant women planning air travel. Pregnancy does not prevent the need for vaccinations to protect the health of both the mother and the baby.

How many months pregnant is too late to fly?

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that a woman’s safest time to travel is during the second trimester of pregnancy, from 14 to 28 weeks, as it is the time when the fetus is at its best and at the lowest risk for spontaneous abortion or premature labor. Healthcare providers and midwives advise staying within a 300-mile radius during the third trimester to avoid potential issues like high blood pressure, phlebitis, and false or preterm labor.

Air travel is generally not allowed after 36 weeks for domestic travel and 28 to 35 weeks for international travel. Pregnant women with certain conditions may be advised against traveling to countries that require pretravel vaccines, and it is important to discuss their health history with their healthcare provider before planning travel.

Can you fly after 37 weeks pregnant?

Obstetric emergencies typically occur in the first and third trimester. Airlines typically restrict women from flying after 37 weeks, making it crucial to check with your airline before travel. Travel insurance may be more difficult to obtain after 37 weeks. Pregnant women may experience discomfort during flying, including leg swelling due to fluid retention, nasal congestion, ear problems, and pregnancy sickness. It is essential to check with your airline before flying and consider any potential complications.

Can I travel while 3 months pregnant?

Air travel during a healthy pregnancy is generally safe, with most airlines allowing domestic flights until around 36 weeks. Your ob-gyn can provide proof of your due date if needed. International flights may have earlier cut-offs. If you have further questions, contact your ob-gyn. If you don’t have an ob-gyn, find a doctor near you. This information is an educational aid for the public, offering current information and opinions related to women’s health. It is not a statement of the standard of care, does not explain all proper treatments or methods, and is not a substitute for physician advice.

Why can’t you fly at 36 weeks pregnant?

The likelihood of labor increases after 37 weeks, especially if carrying twins. Some airlines may not allow flying towards the end of pregnancy. After week 28, airlines may request a letter from a doctor or midwife confirming the due date, but may require payment and wait several weeks. Long-distance travel carries a small risk of blood clots, so it’s important to drink plenty of water, move regularly, and buy graduated compression or support stockings to reduce leg swelling.

Can I fly at 13 weeks pregnant?

Flying during the first trimester is acceptable if your pregnancy is healthy and your midwife or doctor approves it. However, this stage can be challenging due to exhaustion and increased risk of travel sickness, especially if you have pregnancy nausea. To avoid this, secure an aisle seat for extra leg room and easier toileting. Despite this, frequent nipping is a common side effect. Flying in the second trimester (14-27 weeks) is not recommended.

Does flying increase the risk of miscarriage?

Travel during the first trimester is generally safe, but the risk of miscarriage is highest during this period. If a woman miscarriages, she may attribute it to air travel. Dr. Rebecca C. Brightman, an OB-GYN and assistant clinical professor at Mount Sinai, warns that the risk is highest during this time. Dr. Salli Tazuke, co-founder and co-medical director of Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, explains that there is speculation about whether flying can cause miscarriage due to lower oxygen tension or exposure to atmospheric radiation. However, she states that if the pregnancy is straightforward, flying is not considered harmful.

Can you fly at 38 weeks pregnant?

After 36 weeks of pregnancy, some airlines may advise against flying, and airlines may require a letter from the healthcare provider stating the pregnancy’s progress and the advised flying time. If the healthcare provider approves, the best time to fly is during the second trimester, as it has the lowest risk of pregnancy emergencies. During the trip, ensure your seatbelt is fastened and secure under your belly, drink plenty of fluids, avoid gassy foods and drinks, and plan for obstetric care during your trip. Bring copies of your medical information in case of care needs while away. Remember to buckle up, drink plenty of fluids, and consider medical care options during your trip.

At what month of pregnancy should you not travel?

Air travel during a healthy pregnancy is generally safe, with most airlines allowing domestic flights until around 36 weeks. Your ob-gyn can provide proof of your due date if needed. International flights may have earlier cut-offs. If you have further questions, contact your ob-gyn. If you don’t have an ob-gyn, find a doctor near you. This information is an educational aid for the public, offering current information and opinions related to women’s health. It is not a statement of the standard of care, does not explain all proper treatments or methods, and is not a substitute for physician advice.

Should I fly at 7 weeks pregnant?

It is generally accepted that air travel is safe for uncomplicated pregnancies. However, in the event of complications, it is advisable to consult with a midwife or general practitioner to ascertain whether there are any medical reasons that would contraindicate flying. The majority of airlines prohibit travel within one month of the estimated date of delivery. Some airlines require a medical certificate from a general practitioner or midwife attesting to the patient’s fitness to fly at seven months of gestation.