Flying While Pregnant: What Expecting Parents Should Know

You're staring at a flight confirmation email, one hand on your growing belly, wondering: "Is this safe?" Maybe it's that family wedding you can't miss, a work commitment, or the last chance for a peaceful vacation before your baby arrives. Whatever brings you to book that ticket, you're not alone in asking questions.

The truth is that flying during pregnancy is generally safe for most expecting parents. But "generally safe" comes with some important ifs, whens, and hows that every pregnant traveler needs to know.

For most people with healthy, uncomplicated pregnancies, air travel is considered safe and won't harm you or your baby. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), flying before 36 weeks of pregnancy is generally safe for those without complications.

That said, pregnancy is different for everyone. Before booking any flight, talk to your doctor about your specific situation and travel plans.

Think of your pregnancy in three stages when it comes to flying:

While flying is safe during early pregnancy, morning sickness, nausea, and fatigue can make travel uncomfortable. If you're dealing with these symptoms, you might want to wait a bit longer.

This is your sweet spot for travel. Most women find that morning sickness has improved, they can still move around easily, and the risk of miscarriage or preterm labor is lower during this time. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the second trimester is considered the safest time for travel.

During the third trimester, many healthcare providers advise staying within a 300-mile radius of home because of potential complications. The chance of going into labor naturally increases after 37 weeks (or around 32 weeks with twins).

Most airlines discourage travel after 36 weeks, and some restrict international travel even earlier, between 28 to 35 weeks. After week 28, airlines may ask for a letter from your doctor confirming your due date and that you're not at risk of complications.

Always check with your specific airline before booking. If you're carrying twins or multiples, these restrictions may apply even earlier.

Your doctor will likely advise against flying if you have:

If this is your first pregnancy and you're 35 or older, or if you're carrying more than one baby, extra caution is needed for international flights.

This is probably the most important health concern when flying during pregnancy.

Research shows that any type of travel lasting 4 hours or more, whether by car, train, bus, or plane, approximately doubles the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). A meta-analysis found that air travel increases VTE risk about threefold, with a 26% higher risk for every 2 hours of flying.

However, compression stockings, staying hydrated, and moving frequently help greatly reduce this risk.

Here are some practical steps to stay safe and comfortable:

According to the Transportation Security Administration, body scan technology at airports is safe during pregnancy. If you prefer, you can request a manual screening instead.

For occasional flights, radiation exposure doesn't pose a problem for most pregnant women. However, if you fly frequently for work, like pilots or flight attendants, talk to your doctor about cumulative radiation exposure.

International travel during pregnancy requires extra planning, especially regarding medical facilities at your destination. If you're in your last trimester, research hospitals that can handle pregnancy complications and cesarean sections.

Check whether safe food, bottled water, and pasteurized milk are available where you're going. Know your blood type and verify that blood is screened for HIV and hepatitis B in the areas you'll visit.

Above all, trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right or you're experiencing unusual symptoms like vaginal bleeding, severe headaches, or vision changes, seek medical help immediately.

Flying during pregnancy doesn't have to be stressful. With proper planning, medical clearance, and the right precautions, you can travel safely and comfortably. The key is staying informed, preparing well, and keeping open communication with your healthcare provider throughout your journey.

Remember, every pregnancy is unique. What works for one person might not work for another, so always prioritize what's best for you and your baby.