People are now travelling more than ever before – both for pleasure and business. Many women, therefore, need to know where and how they can travel if they\’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

In most cases, pregnant women can travel safely – even to exotic destinations. But it\’s important to be aware of a number of factors, particularly relating to insurance, vaccination and medicines. In addition, there are a number of special rules for pregnant women who wish to travel by air.

Finally, there\’s a need to be careful with a number of activities – such as diving, hiking and water sports, which make particular demands on a woman\’s body during pregnancy. Although a pregnancy that progresses normally is not an illness, it will often mean that you have consulted a doctor or been referred for examination in a hospital within the last two months prior to departure.

If this is the case, you might not be covered under the conditions of your travel insurance. Insurance companies vary in their requirements, so it\’s advisable to check with your travel agent about whether you need a written \’pre-travel health statement\’ prior to departure. This would usually be provided by your GP.Medical assistance and maternity care are generally not covered by insurance from the beginning of the ninth month of pregnancy.

Most airlines allow pregnant women to fly up to and including the 36th week, provided the pregnancy has been straightforward. Under IATA guidelines, pregnant women can be allowed to fly depending on their past history, number of foetuses carried and weeks of gestation. For example, an uncomplicated single pregnancy may be accepted in weeks 36 to 38, if the flying time doesn\’t exceed four hours.

But a complicated multiple pregnancy may not be accepted beyond 32 weeks (aircrew are not midwives and there\’s no paediatric intensive care on the plane). But many airlines will not carry pregnant women after 36 weeks – make sure you check with the airline before booking. Airlines normally refuse to fly pregnant women who have previously given birth prematurely (pre-term) or have had blood clots in the veins of their legs.

These factors also apply to the journey home. If you travelled out during the seventh month of pregnancy, there\’s a risk that you may not be allowed to board the return flight if you\’re in the eighth or ninth month of your pregnancy at the time of your return journey.

If you’re finding that you’re getting confused with the issues, you’re going to want to consult with your OB/GYN. They are going to be able to guide you more on what the process is going to be like, and if it’s going to be safe for you when you’re ready to fly. While it can be stressful, they are more than likely going to recommend that you fly if you have to. If you’re just going for a vacation, you will probably just want to consider waiting until the child arrives, or better yet, you may want to consider driving instead.

Author Bio: If you want to know more flying pregnant rules, see what other people are doing, and what you should avoid.

Category: Travel
Keywords: flying pregnant, rules, pregnant rules