Can Expected Mothers Fly?

Know about the rules & regulations for flying when you’re expecting a baby.

While pregnancy is not a medical condition until a known medical complication is present for either the mother or child, or both, there are still some safety regulations in place to protect the lives of both the mother and the child.

Traveling is generally safe for expecting mothers but during pregnancies, there are a lot of safety measures and precautions to take care of and fulfill to avoid any misfortunes. When you’re pregnant or know someone who is and planning to fly, we recommend going through these basic rules that hold true for most airlines. Let’s find them out now.

Normal Pregnancies

• Before you book plane tickets in airlines like IndiGo or SpiceJet, remember that expecting mothers can be permitted to fly till the end of 36 weeks of pregnancy, provided there are no prior complications.
• The treating obstetrician is required to provide a Fit to Fly certificate, dated not more than 7 days before the date of travel, only if the pregnancy is between the 33rd and 36th week.
• Before you book Air India flights, know that the airline mentions the rules on their website. It states that expecting mothers are allowed to fly until the end of 32 weeks of pregnancy. For advanced cases, they are only allowed to fly till the end of 35 weeks of pregnancy, provided that the ladies have a certificate from their obstetrician stating that she is fit for travel.

Multiple Pregnancies

• Mothers expecting twins, triplets, etc. are usually only permitted to fly till the end of 32 weeks of pregnancy, provided there are no prior complications.
• The treating obstetrician is required to provide a Fit to Fly certificate, dated not more than 3 days before the date of travel, only if the pregnancy is between the 28th and 32nd week.

Complicated Pregnancies

• Ladies with complicated pregnancies (cases where on previous occasions a mother has experienced difficult and complicated delivery) are usually only permitted to fly till the end of 32 weeks of pregnancy, provided there are no prior complications.
• The treating obstetrician is required to provide a Fit to Fly certificate, dated not more than 3 days before the date of travel, only if the pregnancy is between the 28th and 32nd week.
• As an added precaution, some airlines like IndiGo also need medical clearance provided by the company doctor who will either discuss the case on an individual basis with the passenger’s doctor or will check all the medical documents of thepregnant lady in case treating obstetrician is not contactable.

Tips for a Comfortable Flying Experience

• Avoid greasy food and/ or carbonated drinks before and during the journey. It may cause intestinal gas to expand, ending up in discomfort.
• If you’re prone to motion sickness, consult your doctor about the medications allowed and take some with you on the journey to avoid bouts of nausea.
• Wear relaxed maternity clothes and footwear with no heels.
• Leave prepared and earlier than needed to avoid hurry and rush. Travel stress, anxiety or worry is not good for either the baby or the mother.
• To avoid straining their back, it is not recommended for them to lift heavy luggage.
• Since more and frequent toilet breaks are needed for pregnant ladies, booking an aisle seat or one with more leg room is advised to ensure a comfortable journey.
• If onboard a long-haul flight, take a walk at intervals or flex and stretch your ankles for proper blood circulation.
• Drink water regularly to keep yourself hydrated at all times, no matter the duration of the flight.
• Most importantly, no regulations for airlines should be considered the same without checking. If you’re booking flights online yourself, check the rules of the airlines regarding pregnant ladies. It is usually present in the FAQ, or talk to a support executive. If you’re booking with a travel agency, don’t forget to mention your pregnancy to them. They will advise you on the necessary guidelines about the airline(s) you’re being booked with.