Flights and pregnancy: tips for female travelers

When can pregnant women fly?

When planning a trip, take into account your health condition and the trimester of your pregnancy.

From 1 to 13 weeks, for example, it is recommended to refrain from flying. But if you really need to, go on a trip in the 7th or 8th week. This period in the first trimester is considered the safest.

The second trimester (14-27 weeks) is the most favorable for flights. But at the same time, some experts do not advise traveling from 18 to 22 weeks because of the possible risk of late miscarriage. But if there are no complications, you can plan a vacation.

With traveling during the third trimester (from 28 to 40 weeks) is not so simple.Women in the late term, most airlines allow women to board the plane only in the presence of an appropriate certificate from a doctor, and some carriers request a document from the medical center of the airline.

They also ask to fill out a document confirming that the pregnant woman is aware of all the risks and that the airline is not responsible for the possible consequences.

The doctor's note must contain the following information:

• gestational age;
• the number of fetuses (singleton or twin (multiple pregnancy);
• confirmation that the pregnancy is progressing without complications;
• confirmation from a gynecologist that the flight will not harm the future mother and baby.

What are the airline requirements for pregnant women?

Before buying an airline ticket, read the rules of the airline you plan to fly with. Each carrier has its own requirements and conditions.

Wizz Air

With the Hungarian low-cost carrier, for example, you can fly up to 34 weeks of pregnancy (up to 32 weeks in case of multiple pregnancies).

If the pregnancy is more than 28 weeks, a medical certificate is required. Wizz Air accepts a doctor's certificate issued no earlier than 6 days prior to the date of departure.

Ryanair

No medical certificate is required up to 28 weeks. If the period is longer, a doctor's document (signed no more than two weeks before the flight) must be shown.

With Ryanair pregnant women can travel up to the end of the 36th week (pregnant with twins or triplets - up to the end of the 32nd week).

UIA

International Ukrainian Airlines requests a doctor's certificate from a woman whose pregnancy exceeds 28 weeks. It must be dated a maximum of 7 days before the date of departure from the airport of departure. The UIA form to be completed by a doctor can be downloaded here.

Women with more than 35 weeks' gestation (or more than 32 weeks in case of multiple pregnancies) are not allowed to board UIA.

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Turkish Airlines

Passengers under 28 weeks of pregnancy may travel without a medical certificate. Those expecting one child and planning to fly between the beginning of the 28th and the end of the 35th week of pregnancy must provide a certificate confirming the absence of contraindications. The same certificate must be presented by those pregnant with twins or triplets who plan to fly between the beginning of the 28th and the end of the 31st week of pregnancy.

Regardless of medical indications, passengers who are 36 weeks or more pregnant, expecting one child, or expecting two or more children and are 32 weeks or more pregnant are not allowed on board.

Lufthansa

You can travel with this airline until the completion of the 36th week (or four weeks before the expected date of delivery) without providing a certificate. After the 36th week, the pregnant woman must go to a Lufthansa medical center. In case of multiple pregnancies, it is not allowed to fly after the 28th week.

Alitalia

When checking in for an Alitalia flight, pregnant women after 36 weeks or in case of multiple pregnancies must show a completed special medical form (MEDIF) signed and stamped by the supervising doctor.

Air France

To fly with Air France, you don't need to get a doctor's official consent. "Nevertheless, it is recommended to ask your gynecologist's opinion before traveling," the carrier's website specifies.

Tips for pregnant women when flying

Before buying airline tickets, consult your doctor. Severe toxemia, anemia, hypertension - definitely not the best companions of the trip. If you feel great, the doctor gave the okay for air travel and tickets are in the mail, start preparing for the trip. Here are tips that will help minimize the risks of complications, and simply make the flight more comfortable.

• Get travel insurance for pregnant women.
• If possible, fly business class. There the seats are wider and the distance between the seats is greater.
• In economy class, sit in the first row or in the aisle (your legs will be grateful and it is more convenient to go to the toilet). Of course, book seats in advance, while buying an air ticket.
• Wear supportive tights, which promote normal blood circulation.
• Fasten seat belts under your stomach.
• Do not forget an orthopedic pillow for your back and neck.
• During the flight, recline your seat back to give your back some relief.
• Get out of your seat regularly and walk around the cabin.
• Do not overeat.
• Drink about half a liter of fluid per hour (avoid sodas, tea and coffee).
• Travel with an escort and give your travel companion your doctor's contact information.
• Translate all documents provided by your gynecologist into English and take them with you. Before traveling, find the nearest medical center to your hotel and write down its contact information.