MANY women want to fly while pregnant but is it safe and how late in your pregnancy can you travel on a plane?
Here’s everything you need to know about what experts say and what rules airlines have.
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Is it safe for pregnant women to fly?
Most experts agree that so long as it is a low-risk, normal pregnancy, it is safe for expectant mums to fly.
They say there is no evidence that increased radiation and changes in air pressure can cause miscarriage, early labour or the waters to break.
However, if a woman has been suffering problems during her pregnancy, experts say it might be better to avoid travelling by plane.
They say you should always consult your GP or midwife before leaving for your trip.
How late in pregnancy can expectant mums travel on a plane?
All airlines have their own policy when it comes to accepting pregnant passengers for travel.
However, most experts say that pregnant women should not fly after 36 weeks or 32 weeks if they are expecting twins.
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After 28 weeks, most airlines require pregnant passengers to get a letter from your GP or midwife confirming your due date and that you are fit to fly.
In addition, many pregnant women chose not to fly in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, when there is a higher risk of miscarriage and are likely to be suffering sickness and exhaustion.
What are different UK airlines’ policies on pregnant passengers?
Every airline has a different policy when it comes to pregnant passengers.
Anybody expecting a baby should check with their carrier before their departure to see if they will be allowed to travel.
Here are some airlines’ policies:
British Airways
BA won’t accept any pregnant passengers once they have passed 36 weeks or 32 weeks if they are expecting more than one baby.
After 28 weeks of pregnancy, they require to see a letter from a doctor or midwife stating approximate due date, that you’re fit to travel and that there are no complications with your pregnancy.
This should be written seven to 10 days before travel.
Virgin Atlantic
Before 28 weeks, pregnant passengers can fly on Virgin Atlantic so long as there have been no complications.
After then they require a doctor’s note, the same as British Airways, to say you are fit to travel up to 36 weeks for one baby or 32 weeks for two or more.
After the 36 week cut off, some expectant mums may be accepted for travel but only for urgent medical or compassionate reasons, and only on approval from the airline’s medical advisers.
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Ryanair
On Ryanair, expectant mums are free to fly up to 28 weeks of pregnancy.
Once they reach 28 weeks, they must fill out the airline’s “fit to fly” form alongside their doctor of midwife.
If approved, they can travel with Ryanair until their 36 week cut off or 32 week if they are expecting more than one baby.
Easyjet
According to their website, Easyjet say pregnant women can travel up until the end of their 35th week of pregnancy.
This cut off is 32 weeks for expectant mums who are carrying twins.
However, the airline say you should consult your doctor or midwife before travelling.
Thomson
Thomson accept pregnant passengers up until their 36th week providing they are fit and well.
This limit is 32 weeks if you are expecting more than one baby.
If you want to fly between 28 and 36 weeks on Thomson, you will need a medical note from you doctor or midwife that says you are fit to fly.
The letter must be obtained no later than two weeks before departure.
