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. Anyone who flies is exposed to a slight increase in radiation. Occasional flights are not considered to present a risk to you or your baby.

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When you are pregnant, the safest time to fly is before 37 weeks, if you are carrying one baby. From 37 weeks of pregnancy you could go into labour at any time, which is why many women choose not to fly after this time. Before 32 weeks, if you are carrying an uncomplicated twin pregnancy

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A medical condition or health problem can complicate your pregnancy and put you and your baby at risk.

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For this reason, if any of the following apply, you may be advised not to fly:

• You are at increased risk of going into labour before your due date.

• You have severe anaemia. This is when the level of red blood cells in your blood is lower than normal. Red blood cells contain the iron-rich pigment haemoglobin, which carries oxygen around your body.

• You have sickle cell disease (a condition which affects red blood cells) and you have recently had a sickle crisis.

• You have recently had significant vaginal bleeding.

• You have a serious condition affecting your lungs or heart that makes it very difficult for you to breathe.

 

To minimise the risk of a DVT (a blood clot in the legs or pelvis, which can travel to your lungs and become harmful) on a medium or a long haul flight (over four hours), you should:

• Wear loose clothing and comfortable shoes

• Try to get an aisle seat and take regular walks around the plane

• Do in-seat exercises every 30 minutes or so – the airline should give you information on these

• Have cups of water at regular intervals throughout your flight

• Cut down on drinks that contain alcohol or caffeine (coffee, fizzy drinks)

• Wear graduated elastic compression stockings – your midwife or doctor will need to provide the

• Correct size and type for you as they are different from standard flight socks.

 

You will have to go through the normal security checks before flying. This is not considered to be a risk to you or your baby. You must wear a seatbelt. You should ensure the strap of your seatbelt is reasonably tightly fastened across the top of your thighs and then under your bump. Ask the cabin crew if you need a seatbelt extension. ENJOY A HAPPY AND SAFE JOURNEY

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