Flying while pregnant: rules, trimesters and useful tips
You've finally booked that longed-for trip, perhaps a beach vacation or a weekend trip to a European capital. I [...]
You've finally booked that long-desired trip, perhaps a beach vacation or a weekend in a European capital. The tickets are bought, the hotel booked, your excitement skyrocketing. And then, surprise: you find out you're pregnant. The first question on your mind? "Can I still go or should I give up?"
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The good news is that yes, in most cases. you can safely fly in pregnancy. But as with any aspect of gestation, there are some rules to know, some times better than others, and some precautions to take.
Can you fly during pregnancy? What science says
Let's start with the basic question: is flying by air safe for you and your child? The answer is reassuring. According to the guidelines of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and theAmerican College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists., there is no scientific evidence to show that changes in cabin pressure, changes in humidity, or cosmic radiation during occasional flights have negative consequences on the course of a healthy pregnancy.
The studies conducted so far Have found no links between air travel and miscarriages, premature births, or other urgent gynecological complications. Even exposure to cosmic radiation during occasional flights is biologically irrelevant and not a significant risk factor. In short, from a purely medical and scientific point of view, the airplane is not bad for you or the baby.
But beware: this applies to pregnancies that proceed normally, without complications. The key word here is "physiological." If your pregnancy has special problems or risk factors, things change and it is absolutely necessary to consult your gynecologist before booking any flights. Every pregnancy is unique, and only your doctor, who knows your medical history and gestational progress, can give you the final go-ahead.
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Another important element: the travel time. Short flights, under four hours, generally present no particular problems. Longer flights, on the other hand, require some extra care, as we will see later in the section on practical tips.
The three quarters: when is the best time to fly
Not all times of pregnancy are equal when it comes to air travel. Let's see trimester by trimester what things to know.
The first quarter, ranging from thebeginning of pregnancy until the 13th week, is medically safe to fly. There are no specific contraindications, and the airlines do not place any limitations. The problem, if you want to call it that, is more related to your personal well-being. This is the time when many women experience nausea, extreme fatigue, drowsiness and general malaise. Imagine facing a flight of several hours with morning sickness at its peak-not exactly the most fun. Also, the first trimester is statistically the most sensitive for the risk of miscarriage, so many women prefer to avoid travel and stress until the pregnancy is well established. But from the standpoint of air rules, you are free to fly.
The second quarter, from the 14th to 27th week, is universally recognized as the golden period for air travel. Nausea is generally gone, energy levels are back up, the belly is there but not yet bulky enough to create difficulty moving, and the risks of complications are at a minimum. If you are planning a vacation and want to enjoy the trip without too much worry, this is the ideal time. Airlines still have no special restrictions and do not ask you for medical certificates. You can simply show up at the airport and fly as you normally would.
The third quarter is the time when things get complicated, or rather, when the rules get stricter. Starting from the 28th week, many airlines are starting to require medical certificates attesting to your fitness to fly. And when you get to the 36th week for single pregnancies or to the 32 for twin pregnancies, most companies just don't allow you to board anymore. Why all this rigidity? Simple: the airlines want to avoid at all costs a passenger going into labor during the flight. As we recounted in our article on babies born on airplanes, managing a birth at ten thousand meters above sea level is a medical emergency that requires complex procedures and can even result in the flight being diverted. Better safe than sorry, then.
Airline rules and medical certificates
Each airline has its own specific rules for pregnant women, and it is essential to inform yourself before booking to avoid nasty surprises at the airport. Here's what you need to know about the major airlines operating in Italy and Europe.
ITA Airways allows pregnant women to fly normally until the 28th week. During the ninth month of pregnancy, or in the case of high-risk pregnancies or twins, you can fly only if you present the MEDIF, a medical clearance that can be downloaded from the airline's website that your doctor must fill out and sign, along with a medical certificate with the expected date of delivery.
Ryanair allows you to fly up to the thirty-sixth week of pregnancy for single pregnancies and up to the thirty-second week for multiple pregnancies. From the 28th week on, however, you must submit a letter of fitness to fly, which can be downloaded from the airline's website, and which your doctor must complete no later than two weeks before your departure date. This letter should confirm that you are in good health and fit to fly.
EasyJet proves slightly more flexible: if your pregnancy proceeds without complications, you can fly until the end of the 35th week for single pregnancies and until the 32nd week for twin pregnancies. The company does not require a compulsory medical certificate, but it is always advisable to consult your doctor before travel and bring along any documentation.
Wizz Air is more restrictive: it does not allow flying after the thirty-fourth week of pregnancy. It does not, however, require any special documents for admission to board before this date, although of course common sense always suggests consulting the gynecologist first.
Lufthansa allows flying up to the thirty-sixth week by presenting medical clearance from the twenty-eighth week onward. After the thirty-sixth week, flying is no longer permitted.
British Airways and KLM have similar policies and generally allow flying up to the 36th week for single pregnancies. KLM in particular does not require mandatory certificates but strongly recommends that you consult your doctor and inform the cabin crew of your pregnancy and expected date of delivery.
Medical certificates for flying during pregnancy
Regarding medical certificates, there are mainly two types. The fit to fly certificate is a simple letter in which the doctor certifies that you are in good health, indicates the week of pregnancy you are in and the expected date of delivery, and confirms that there are no contraindications to flying. The MEDIF on the other hand, is a more structured, airline-specific form that requires more detailed medical information and is usually required for pregnancies beyond 32 weeks or for pregnancies with complications.
Whatever type of certificate you require, remember that the validity is generally limited: most companies accept certificates issued no more than seven to ten days before the date of the flight. This is because the situation in pregnancy can change rapidly, especially in the last weeks.
An important tip: Always check the specific rules of your airline before booking, and take into account your return flight as well. If you leave in week 34 for a ten-day vacation, you will be in week 36 when you return and may not be allowed on board. Plan carefully.
The real risks to know and when to avoid flying during pregnancy
We have said that flying while pregnant is generally safe, but there are some real risks that are worth knowing about, especially if you are facing long-duration flights.
The most significant risk concerns the deep vein thrombosis, that is, the formation of blood clots in the veins of the legs. One Study conducted in Canada based on the CanVECTOR registry. (Canadian Venous Thromboembolism Clinical Trials and Outcomes Research) has shown that for pregnant women, the risk of thromboembolic events in flights lasting longer than four hours is greater than one percent. This may seem like a low percentage, but it is still a risk that should not be underestimated. Pregnancy in itself already increases the tendency of blood to clot, and sitting still for hours makes it worse.
Other common annoyances you may experience during the flight include the swelling in the lower limbs, again related to circulation slowed by prolonged sitting, nasal congestion caused by dry cabin air, and the exacerbation of the nausea gravidarum If you are still in the first trimester or tend to be airsick.
But there are situations in which flying is definitely not recommended or even to be avoided altogether. If you have a high-risk pregnancy for any reason, air travel should be discussed carefully with your gynecologist. In particular, you should avoid flying if you have had or are having a threatened abortion, if you have the placenta previa, i.e., abnormally positioned placenta covering all or part of the internal uterine orifice, if you have pre-eclampsia or uncontrolled gestational hypertension, if you have the gestational diabetes inadequately compensated by therapy, or if you have severe anemia.
Even if you have had preterm deliveries in previous pregnancies, or if you are expecting twins and have already passed 32 weeks, flying is generally not recommended. In all these cases, however, the final decision rests with your gynecologist who knows your medical situation in detail and can assess the risk-benefit ratio of travel.
Practical tips for flying safely with a baby bump
If your gynecologist has given you the go-ahead and the airline allows you to fly, there are several practical steps that can make travel more comfortable and safe.
First of all, when you book your flight, try to choose direct flights whenever possible. Each takeoff and landing represents a little extra stress on the body, and multiple stopovers mean more total travel hours. If you can, opt for flights brevi or of medium duration, ideally under six hours. For more distant destinations consider whether travel is really necessary or can be postponed until after delivery.
Also inquire about the quality of health care at your destination. There is no need to be alarmist, but it is good to know where the nearest hospital is and whether there are adequate facilities to handle any obstetrical emergencies. Also consider. take out travel insurance that specifically covers pregnancy-related complications, because many standard policies exclude these types of events.
The choice of airplane seat makes a big difference. The ideal place is to the corridor, possibly in rows with more legroom. The aisle allows you to get up and move around easily without disturbing fellow passengers, which is critical for circulation. Instead, avoid places near emergency exits: even if they have more space, companies may not assign you these seats because those who sit there must be able to assist the crew in case of evacuation.
During the flight, the first golden rule is. move regularly. Get up and walk down the hallway at least once every thirty to sixty minutes. When you are sitting, do simple ankle and wrist exercises: rotations, flexion-extensions, any movement that helps circulation. The compression stockings are strongly recommended, especially for long flights: they apply controlled pressure on the legs that promotes venous return and reduces the risk of thrombosis and swelling.
L'hydration is critical. The air in the cabin is very dry, and dehydration can aggravate several discomforts of pregnancy. Drink water regularly throughout the flight, at least one glass every hour. Instead, avoid coffee and tea in excess because they have a diuretic effect and contribute to dehydration. If you tend to feel nauseous, carry dry snacks such as crackers or breadsticks that can help calm your stomach.
Clothing should be comfortable and practical. Choose soft clothes that don't tighten, especially at the waist and legs. Breathable fabrics are ideal because body temperature tends to rise during pregnancy and you may feel hotter than usual. Shoes should also be comfortable and easy to take off because feet tend to swell during flight.
An important point is the seat belt. It should absolutely be worn throughout the flight when you are seated, but it must be fastened correctly: the lower belt should be placed under the belly, low on the thighs, while possibly you can run the diagonal belt over the belly between the breasts. Never place the belt directly over the belly, because in case of sudden turbulence it could cause problems.
Traveling pregnant and serene with a baby bump
Flying while pregnant is not only possible, but with the right information and precautions Can be a peaceful and pleasant experience. Remember that every pregnancy is different and only you and your doctor can assess the specific situation. Don't let fear or anxiety keep you from important experiences, but at the same time never underestimate your body's signals. With the right balance of caution and serenity, you can continue to explore the world even with a baby bump.
