Pregnancy and flying

[HM]

We are planning to start trying for a baby after Christmas and are also planning to go on holiday for two weeks in June.  How pregnant can you be to still be allowed to fly?  I think it's seven months but wondered if any other answerbankers can back me up on this.  We're highly unlikely to fall pregnant straight away but in case we do we thought June would be ideal as the most I would be is 6 months.  Obviously if I were to fall pregnant I'd seek my doctors advice but we're looking to book our flights soon so any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

[Octavius]

Not having/or intending to be pregnant at any time ever, I would have thought that flying at 7 months is not ideal.  If you are abroad you would need to consider the level of care that country can offer you should (heaven forbid) something happen.  Would you really want to be far from the comforts of home at this time...?

[Clanad]

Octavius advice is certainly to be considered.  In the US there are no regulations concerning how "far along" the mother can be.  In fact, seat belt extenders are available if the one installed on the seat won't reach far enough.  As always, your physicians directions are the governing factor...

[Hgrove]

I went on a package holiday when I was around 24-26 weeks pregnant, and I seem to remember that I was advised at the time that 28 weeks was the latest - this was 6 years ago.  I had a bad pregnancy and did not enjoy either the flight or the holiday.  I have a feeling however, that nowadays things have changed and you may have to check with each individual airline, or perhaps a travel agent may advise you.  I would also not recommend a long flight (just in case you go into labour on a 12 hour flight).  Another point in favour of going earlier is that holidays should be cheaper before around 20th July (when school hols start) so on the whole, I would recommend going early-ish. 

[zgma]

I traveled when I was pregnant and was told that after 7.5 months is too late (*yes, there are restrictions in the US - but different airlines put the cutoff at different times).  I was supposed to travel for work at 7 months and just felt too vulnerable to do it, so I didn't.

[AB Editor]

For all medical questions, we strongly advise you to seek professional advice from your doctor or healthcare professional.  Please do not rely on or wait for advice from Answerbank users - AB Editor

[busy lizzie]

hi,

not to scare you or anything, thromboembolic disorders are the leading cause of maternal mortality in the UK (there is a report on these things). Pregnant women are more susceptibble to things such as DVT due to the natural changes in the blood at this time. We all know about "economy class syndrome", so you'd think it wasn't a great idea. if you do want to fly though you need to get some anti-embolism stockings, and a prophylactic dose of aspirin. also avoid caffeine and alcohol, drink lots of water and move around teh plane lots (if you drink lots of water you'll have to anyway). you have to check with individual airlines as to their limits. as tehother user said pick a country with a good standard of health care and buy good insurance (check if it covers pregnant women)