Flying during pregnancy

Pregnancy is not a reason to sit at home in front of the TV dreaming of warm countries. But for the trip to be safe, it's important to prepare properly. Everything you need to know about flying while pregnant is in this material.

Risks during flight

According to WHO recommendations, there are no reasons why pregnant women cannot fly, but there are various restrictions.

It is undesirable to fly during pregnancy if:

• the gestational age is 36 weeks (for multiple pregnancies – 32);

• there is a threat of miscarriage;

• you have complete placenta previa;

• pregnancy is complicated by pathologies;

• you have developed preeclampsia;

• you have severe anemia (III);

• you conceived through IVF.

It is safest to fly in the second trimester. However, before any trip, you should consult a doctor, have an ultrasound, and get tested.

How to prepare for a flight while pregnant

The first thing an airline will ask you for is a medical certificate. Expectant mothers who are more than 28–30 weeks pregnant must confirm the absence of contraindications for flying. A doctor's certificate is usually valid for 7 days for flights within Russia, but for international trips, it's better to get the certificate closer to the departure date. However, even in Russia, some carriers only accept documents issued no later than 1–2 days before departure. The certificate must state the flight date, type of pregnancy (single or multiple), and the estimated due date. If you are flying abroad, have the document translated into English.

Note that many airlines will not allow women who are due to give birth within 7 days or less to board. As a rule, pregnant women will not be able to fly in the following cases.

If the flight lasts more than 4 hours:

• for single pregnancies — after 38 weeks;

• for multiple pregnancies — after 32 weeks.

If the flight lasts less than 4 hours:

• for single pregnancies — after 38 weeks;

• for multiple pregnancies — after 36 weeks.

No matter what stage of pregnancy you are in, discuss the trip with your doctor: it's better to listen to a specialist's opinion than to risk flying on your own. Ideally, take your medical record with you on the flight and write down your doctor's contact information.

Flying while pregnant: rules of popular airlines

Aeroflot

Expectant mothers fly on general terms. Seats near emergency exits are not provided to pregnant women. A doctor's consultation is mandatory, especially if the trip falls in the third trimester or if the woman expects complications during childbirth, has a pathology, or is carrying multiple fetuses.

Before the flight, the airline insists on a specialist consultation if you:

• are in the last four weeks of pregnancy (last eight, if it's a multiple pregnancy);

• are flying within the first seven days after childbirth;

• are flying with a newborn within the first seven days of life.

S7

The airline allows pregnant women to fly provided that the doctor sees no contraindications for the flight. Closer to the travel date, you will need to obtain a medical certificate with the specified flight date. If the document does not have a date, it is valid for seven days after issuance. Without a certificate, you will be sent for a mandatory pre-flight examination at the airport's medical center.

When purchasing tickets or checking in, you can choose comfort seats where you can stretch your legs and get up from the seat more easily. At the check-in counter, you show the employee your medical certificate and fill out a declaration releasing the airline from liability for any consequences.

Ural Airlines

Flights are permitted if there is no risk of premature birth, and a doctor's certificate is mandatory. The medical certificate must be issued no earlier than 24 hours before the flight. In addition to the certificate, pregnant women must carry their exchange card – documents are checked before the flight. If it's not possible to provide a valid certificate, the woman signs a guarantee obligation, releasing the airline from liability for any consequences.

Pobeda

The airline will allow you to board up to 36 weeks for a single pregnancy, and up to 32 weeks for a multiple pregnancy. From 28 weeks onwards, flying is only permitted with a doctor's certificate issued no earlier than seven days before the travel date.

Smartavia

According to the airline's rules, a pregnant woman will be allowed to board up to the end of the 35th week: flying is not permitted at 36 weeks or later. For pregnancies over 28 weeks, a doctor's certificate will be required. It must state the gestational age and confirm the absence of contraindications for flying. A doctor's consent is mandatory if:

• childbirth is expected within the next four weeks;

• the pregnancy is complicated;

• the due date is uncertain or a complicated birth is expected.

Additionally, before departure, the company will ask the expectant mother to provide a guarantee obligation.

What documents are needed for flying during pregnancy

Typically, for such a flight, in addition to your passport and boarding pass, you will need:

• a certificate from your attending physician stating no medical contraindications and information on how much time is left until delivery;

• an exchange card for pregnant, laboring, and postpartum women — an individual medical record for a pregnant woman;

• a guarantee obligation (no need to write it in advance). Most likely, the airline will ask you to fill it out during check-in;

• a paper with the doctor's contacts.

What is the best time to fly for a vacation

In the first trimester (up to 13–14 weeks)

During this time, women suffer from morning sickness, so overloads can cause malaise and nausea. The baby's main organs have not yet formed, so such trips are also dangerous for the fetus.

In the second trimester (up to 27–28 weeks)

The ideal time for travel. The woman isn't nauseous — you can lean back in your seat and enjoy the view from the window without fear of having to rush to the restroom. And the belly is still compact and fits comfortably, even in regular seats without increased legroom. So if you're wondering if pregnant women can fly in the second trimester — of course, yes.

In the third trimester (up to 40 weeks)

In general, pregnant women can fly in the last trimester. However, due to the proximity of childbirth, it is still better to refrain from flying, and many airlines do not allow women in late pregnancy to board. The belly becomes heavy and large, so a woman quickly gets tired not only from trips but even from long walks. 

How to make flying easier during pregnancy

Clothing

Wear loose and comfortable clothing that is not tight or restrictive. A common problem for pregnant women is venous thrombosis, so we recommend wearing special compression stockings during the flight, and also periodically getting up and walking around.

Food

We recommend taking a small solid snack with you, like an apple or a sandwich, and if needed, order special meals when purchasing your ticket. Drink more water — you can buy a drink in the pre-flight area of the airport or bring your own special bottle and ask a flight attendant to fill it.

Medication

To carry health-critical medication on a plane, be sure to bring a doctor's prescription: this way you can put even liquid medications over 100 ml in your hand luggage.

Seat selection

Sit by the aisle: otherwise, you'll have to squeeze past your neighbors every time you want to go to the restroom. Squeezing past other passengers is not easy even under normal circumstances, and with a round belly in late pregnancy, it's even harder.

Frequently asked questions

Is it harmful for pregnant women to fly frequently?

Only a doctor familiar with your health condition and body specifics can answer this question. Opinions among doctors vary regarding whether pregnant women can fly and how often. It is usually recommended to consult a specialist in the first or last trimester, but in reality, we advise talking to a doctor before flying regardless of the term.

Do pregnant women have the privilege of taking a better seat on the plane?

Officially, pregnant women do not have a special right. And the best seat will be different for everyone: some like to look out the window, while others sit by the aisle for convenience. Some prefer to be at the back, some by the wing. During online check-in, you can choose the seat you want.

Expectant mothers cannot be seated near emergency exits, so if you need more legroom for a comfortable flight, ask to be seated in the first row.

How to choose compression stockings for a flight?

Medical stockings are selected by a phlebologist after assessing the condition of the veins; you should not choose them yourself.

How do security scanners affect a pregnant woman's body?

There are three types of scanners at the airport. These are usually:

• a standard metal detector, safe for people;

• an X-ray scanner — generally safe, but its effect on pregnant women has not yet been studied, so airport staff do not risk putting pregnant women through it;

• a microwave scanner, which uses non-ionizing radiation (radio, light, or heat waves), harmless to health.

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