Is flying safe during pregnancy?
In a healthy, uncomplicated pregnancy, occasional air travel is usually safe. Lower cabin pressure slightly reduces blood oxygen, but a healthy body normally adapts. Radiation exposure from occasional flights is also not generally considered a concern.
The decision depends on gestational age, complications, flight length, and access to medical care at the destination.
Until which week can you fly?
Airline policies differ. Many allow travel in an uncomplicated singleton pregnancy until around 36 weeks, while international routes or multiple pregnancy may have an earlier cutoff. Later in pregnancy, a letter confirming the due date and fitness to fly may be required.
Check the exact policy before booking and consider the gestational age on the return date.
When is flying not recommended?
Flying is unsuitable when a medical or obstetric condition may worsen or require emergency care, including active bleeding, pre-eclampsia, ruptured membranes, preterm labour, severe anaemia, major heart/lung disease, or high thrombosis risk. Your obstetric clinician should make the decision.
How can blood-clot risk be reduced?
- Choose an aisle seat if possible;
- Walk when safe, usually every 1–2 hours on a long flight;
- Move your ankles, feet, and legs while seated;
- Drink water and avoid dehydration;
- Wear loose clothing;
- Use properly fitted compression stockings only when advised.
Do not start aspirin or anticoagulant medication on your own for a flight.
How should the seat belt be worn?
Keep it fastened whenever seated because turbulence can occur without warning. Place the lap belt low across the hip bones, under—not over—the abdomen.
What should you carry?
Keep pregnancy records, prescribed medicines, your clinician's contact details, insurance information, and any airline letter in hand luggage. Identify medical care at the destination before departure.
When should you ask for urgent help?
Alert cabin crew and seek care for bleeding, severe abdominal pain, regular contractions, fluid leakage, chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, or one-sided leg pain/swelling.
Ultrasound before flying with Lana Ezieshvili
Fitness-to-fly clearance is provided by the obstetric clinician. When they request assessment of gestational age, fetal growth, placenta, amniotic fluid, or cervical length, radiologist Lana Ezieshvili can provide the relevant ultrasound examination.
Book an appointment with Lana Ezieshvili in advance. For wider planning advice, see Travel during pregnancy.