NHS guidelines to flying during pregnancy

Flying during early pregnancy

Current NHS guidelines state that there’s no reason why you shouldn’t fly during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy ‘if you feel well and have discussed it with your GP’.

Many women prefer not to travel during this time however because of the increased likelihood of feeling tired and sick. Research suggests that around 80% of miscarriages occur during the first trimester of pregnancy too, which may account for more women preferring to stay close to home until after week 12.

Flying during the second stage of pregnancy

The NHS guidelines to flying during pregnancy offer no specific cautions about flying during the second trimester of pregnancy (13 to 28 weeks). Consequently most women consider this the safest time to fly.

The guidelines do advise women to drink plenty of water, avoid sitting still for long periods of time and do regular calf exercises to minimise risks of deep vein thrombosis and wear their seatbelt below their bump for comfort and safety however.

Flying after 28 weeks of pregnancy

Once you enter the third trimester of pregnancy (28 weeks +), your airline may require a letter from your GP or midwife confirming that ‘you’re in good health’, ‘you have a normal pregnancy’ and the ‘expected date of delivery’.

Once you reach 35 weeks of pregnancy some airlines will not accept you as a passenger - with or without a note - because of the risk of you going into labour during the flight. It’s vital that you check in advance with the airline you intend to book with however, as the regulations can vary from carrier to carrier.

The rules stated by some common carriers are listed below:

• easyJet - you can travel up to the end of your 34^th week
• British Airways - you can travel up to the end of your 36^th week
• BMI Baby - you can travel up to the end of your 36^th week
• Air France - you’re loosely advised not to travel in your last month
• Lufthansa - you can travel up to the end of your 36^th week.