Introduction
The topic of pregnancy and flies has not yet been sufficiently researched scientifically and there are hardly any studies that deal with the long-term consequences of flies in general and also not with the consequences during pregnancy. Many pregnant women use the airplane up to a certain point in time for short and long distances without getting any difficulties from it.
Is flying permitted during pregnancy?
Flying during pregnancy is generally permitted up to a certain time. In early pregnancy, most pregnant women are unlikely to worry about flying. As the pregnancy progresses, both gynaecologists and airlines advise against air travel.
The health effects of flying on the child play a rather minor role. Rather, warnings are issued with regard to a possible premature birth, which, if it were to take place in the air, would be a heavy burden for all concerned. Airlines are entitled to refuse carriage from a certain month of pregnancy onwards. A pregnant woman, in turn, is not obliged to disclose the exact month of pregnancy.
How long can you fly when pregnant?
Major airlines carry pregnant women up to the 36th week of pregnancy and point out that flying in this condition is safe. However, most airlines recommend a prior gynaecological consultation about the flying plans. Until the 36th week of pregnancy, the major airlines do not usually require a gynaecological certificate, but do recommend carrying one with you.
This should include the fact that the pregnancy has been uncomplicated so far, when the calculated date of delivery is and that the pregnant woman can go on the planned flight without hesitation. After the 36th week, a pregnant woman will only be carried with such a certificate. In general, however, it is not recommended to fly after the 36th week of pregnancy unless it is absolutely necessary.
The situation is somewhat different for multiple pregnancies. Pregnant women expecting several children should only fly until the 28th week of pregnancy. After this time, we generally advise against flying.
Flying increases the risk of thrombosis for expectant mothers. For this reason, it is advisable to wear support stockings during the entire flight to minimise the risk of thrombosis or even pulmonary embolism. The administration of anti-thrombosis injections (Clexane®) before a flight is controversial and should be discussed in detail with the treating gynaecologist.
Are there differences between the airlines?
The individual airlines sometimes have different conditions of carriage for pregnant women. While most national airlines carry pregnant women until the 36th week of pregnancy, foreign airlines sometimes have stricter rules. Although they also usually carry up to the 36th week of pregnancy, they require a certificate from the gynaecologist or midwife, who consider the risk of transport to be harmless. Here, too, the certificates must state that the pregnancy has so far been uncomplicated and that transport is possible without any risk. If the pregnant women cannot present such a certificate, the Airline can refuse the transport for safety reasons.
