Travel and Pregnancy

Being pregnant or a new mum doesn’t mean that you cannot travel or have a much deserved holiday but it may help to follow some simple guidelines:

Make plenty of stops:

If you can to relieve your bladder, holding on too long can cause problems as pregnancy increase the risk of urinary tract infections. If you're flying or travelling by train or bus try to get an aisle seat so you can get to the toilet easily.

Keep as mobile as possible, doing as many gentle, stretching exercises as possible to increase circulation and prevent cramp. Be careful if you take off your shoes as your feet and ankles may swell during the journey, thereby making it impossible to put them back on again at the end!

Take comfortable shoes or trainers and have an extra pair to change into if needed. If you are in advanced pregnancy, bending over can be difficult and you may need to wear slip-on shoes or sandals for comfort and ease.

Be comfortable:

Avoid thrush by wearing loose comfy clothing, avoid wearing tights or tight clothing that may make you hot and sweaty.
You may find it helpful to take extra pillows to support your head neck and back.

Complementary Therapies:

There are many different treatments and therapies that can successfully help to fight nausea and prevent travel sickness. These include acupressure/acupuncture, aromatherapy, reflexology and homeopathy

It is always important to check that your therapist is registered with their official council.

Wear Maternity Travel & Support Socks

Clinical studies have shown that long periods of immobility during travel can increase the risk of Deep Vein thrombosis or DVT. During pregnancy and after the birth of a baby women are at a higher than average risk of developing DVT.

Maternity Travel & Support socks have been designed to increase the circulation in the leg thereby helping to decrease the risk of DVT (as recommended by the Aviation Health Company)

Eat Well

When travelling, it is easier for many women to eat 5 or 6 small meals a day rather than three which can stabilise your blood glucose levels. Always carry bottled water with you! Drinking extra fluids can help to prevent many complications and it is especially important to help produce breast milk when feeding your baby.

It may also be helpful to carry healthy snacks with you in case you are waiting for a delayed flight or are likely to get stuck in a traffic jam.

As long periods of travel can induce nausea, motion sickness and dizziness you could try alternative therapies such as hypnotherapy techniques, acupuncture or acupressure, reflexology and homeopathy remedies such as nux vomica.

You should always seek advice from a qualified therapist who should be registered with their chosen, appropriate council.

Get advice on vaccinations

The ideal situation would be to avoid being vaccinated during pregnancy. Travelling to countries where vaccinations are required should be discussed with your obstetrician, GP or midwife as certain vaccines, especially live vaccines such as MMR, varicella (chicken pox) and yellow fever can be very harmful to a developing baby.

If you are trying to conceive and know you will be travelling soon, try to get vaccinated as soon as possible. For the latest immunization advice visit www.masta.org

Car/coach travel during pregnancy

Car/coach travel is a great alternative to flying if you're in the later stages of pregnancy. It's a good idea to always ensure someone knows where you are going and when you're due to arrive. Plan your journey to avoid rush hour and make sure you stop regularly for toilet breaks. If you start to develop backache or cramp, pull over so that you can stretch your legs.

Try to avoid travelling alone as driving with a companion means you can relax and take a break if you're tired. Remember to take a small pillow or rolled-up towel with you. Placing it in the small of your back will help reduce the discomfort that comes from sitting in one position for prolonged periods of time. Before you head off, it's a good idea to join a breakdown organization (if you're not already a member) and always carry a mobile phone.

Never travel in a car without wearing a seat belt, even on short journeys. A seatbelt will help protect you and your baby in the event of an accident. Some women worry that wearing a seatbelt could harm their baby but this isn't the case if the seatbelt is worn correctly.

Flying during pregnancy

Check with your airline when booking what their policy is for travelling when pregnant. They will require a letter from your doctor or midwife, stating that you are fit to fly from the 28th week of pregnancy. Many airlines will allow you to fly until 34 weeks however others stop at after 32 completed weeks of pregnancy.

The best time to fly is after 14 weeks gestation, when the early risk of miscarriage has passed. If you have a past history of high blood pressure or any metabolic diseases like thyroid or diabetes or if you have suffered a previous miscarriage or bleeding, book a pre-flight check and discussion with your midwife or doctor.

Airlines have their own guidelines about travelling whilst pregnant, so check with them before you fly – they may want a photocopy of your travel insurance. Always take your antenatal records with you – or a photocopy of them.

Tips for Comfort:

  • Regular strolls up and down the aisle will keep your blood circulating
  • Simple stretches will prevent cramp
  • Rotate your ankles to help reduce any swelling
  • Drink mineral water to avoid becoming dehydrated
  • Avoid fizzy drinks as they can make you feel bloated and uncomfortable
  • Request an aisle seat so you'll have more room
  • Wear flight compression socks or stockings
  • Take a small cushion or pillow

What are the major Airline's policies and guidelines?

Emirates

You are required to produce a medical certificate or letter after 28 weeks of gestation, signed by an appropriately qualified doctor or midwife, stating your due date and confirming that you are fit to fly for your booked flights. For single pregnancies, you will require prior clearance from our medical department for travel after the 36th week of gestation for any flight. For multiple pregnancies, such as twins or triplets, air travel is only permitted up until the end of the 32nd week of gestation.

British Airways

British Airways is happy to accept pregnant ladies on flights.
In order to ensure the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby, the following policy is in place:

  • For uncomplicated single pregnancies, BA restrict travel beyond the end of the 36th week, and for twins, triplets etc., beyond the end of the 32nd week.
  • After your pregnancy has entered the 28th week. BA ask that you carry with you a letter from your doctor or midwife, stating the pregnancy is uncomplicated and confirming the expected date of delivery. This letter/certificate should state that you are in good health, that they are happy for you to fly, and that (in their opinion) there is no reason why you cannot fly.

Seatbelt extensions are carried on all British Airways flights for use, if required, by pregnant passengers.

Virgin Atlantic

Providing your pregnancy has been uncomplicated and you are not experiencing a related medical condition there is no problem flying until your 28th week.

After your 28th week Virgin needs to receive a signed certificate from your Doctor, Obstetrician or Midwife stating that you have had an uncomplicated pregnancy, are fit to travel and confirming your date of delivery.

After your 34th week, Virgin may only carry you for urgent medical or compassionate reasons and only on approval of the Virgin Atlantic Company Doctor. You will also need to be accompanied by a suitable medical escort.

Quantas

Medical clearance is only required if you are having complications of pregnancy. International travel is not permitted after the 36th week for routine pregnancies or the 32nd week for routine multiple pregnancies. Some countries place limitations on the entry of non-national pregnant women. It is best to check with the local embassy or consulate if in any doubt.

For domestic travel, there is no restriction for a normal uncomplicated pregnancy but medical clearance is required if you wish to travel past the 36th week for uncomplicated multiple pregnancy.

Thomson

For uncomplicated single pregnancies, return travel must be completed by: Short-haul: 36 weeks Long-haul: 34 weeks Multiple pregnancy: 32 weeks. From the 28th week we require you to carry a medical certificate from your doctor or midwife, stating your date of confinement pregnancy is uncomplicated and you are fit to fly.

KLM

Will allow women to fly until 34 weeks with twins and 36 weeks with a single, uncomplicated pregnancy a fit to fly letter or certificate is required

BMI Baby

Pregnant passengers must have completed their journey by the 36th week of pregnancy. Flying is not permitted following the 36th week. A doctor's certificate is required between 30 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. Passengers should notify the BMI Baby call centre (0871 224 0224) if their travel dates fall within this period of gestation.

Monarch

You cannot fly with monarch after your 34th week of pregnancy and will need a medical certificate after week 27 which must be signed by either a midwife or a doctor.

Easy Jet

Pregnant passengers cannot be accepted for travel on or after week 36, and therefore all return sectors must be completed no later than week 36. All medical certification must be supplied by a doctor - medical certificates completed by a registered midwife cannot be accepted.