When is it not safe to fly when pregnant?
While many pregnant women experience uncomplicated pregnancies and can travel without problems, there are certain times and conditions when it is recommended to postpone or avoid air travel altogether. This blog post will guide you through when it's not advisable to fly while pregnant and give you insights into health risks, airline regulations and your rights as a passenger.
Here's what you need to be aware of if you're pregnant and flying
Being pregnant doesn't necessarily mean you can't travel - but there are important times when flying is discouraged, and in some cases not allowed at all. This is especially true if your pregnancy is complicated, you're expecting twins or you're approaching term.
High-risk situations
In general, it is recommended that pregnant women avoid air travel in the following situations:
Multiple pregnancies (twins or triplets): Airlines often set earlier limits on when you can fly. The risk of preterm labour is higher and you should always discuss travelling with your doctor.
Pregnancy complications: This includes pre-eclampsia, early labour, bleeding, placental abruption, or if you have had a miscarriage in the past.
If you are approaching your due date: Most airlines do not allow you to fly two weeks before your due date, and some set the limit as early as 36 weeks, as the risk of labour in flight increases. Flying late in pregnancy is not recommended, especially if the pregnancy has not progressed normally.
If you need special medical monitoring or treatment: For example, if you are on blood thinners or have a condition that requires close monitoring.
Current risk of infection
It is recommended that pregnant women postpone unnecessary travel to areas where infections such as Zika virus, malaria or yellow fever occur. This is especially true during an outbreak or current epidemic. Zika virus infection during pregnancy is particularly problematic as it can cause birth defects such as congenital microcephaly (underdevelopment of the brain and skull) and central nervous system damage in newborns.
Can I travel in the third trimester?
The third trimester starts in week 28 and lasts until birth. Pregnant women need to be extra careful here as there is an increased risk of complications:
There is a greater risk of complications such as premature labour and blood clots.
Many experience discomfort, fatigue and the need for frequent breaks, making travelling more stressful.
Most airlines restrict flying in the third trimester - especially after week 36.
If you're expecting twins, flights are typically restricted from weeks 28-32.
Airline rules on when not to fly when pregnant
Airlines have different policies regarding pregnant passengers and the rules often depend on which week of pregnancy you are in.
SAS
Pregnant women with one baby can fly up to 4 weeks before the due date without a medical certificate.
Between 4 and 2 weeks before the due date, a statement from your own doctor is required and the journey must not exceed 4 hours.
From 2 weeks before the due date, flying is not permitted, regardless of travelling time.
Multiple pregnancies: SAS recommends not flying after week 28.
Norwegian
Flying is allowed until 4 weeks before the birth without documentation.
Between 36th and 38th week: Medical certificate required and the flight must not exceed 4 hours.
After week 38: Flights are not permitted.
Ryanair
No documentation required before week 28.
From week 28 to 36 (for one child) or week 28 to 32 (twins) a 'Fit to fly' certificate is required.
After week 36 (or week 32 for twins) you are not allowed to travel.
Health risks - Is it dangerous to fly when pregnant?
Most uncomplicated pregnancies tolerate air travel well. The absolute risk of blood clots in the legs from flying during pregnancy is small, but a pregnant woman should always consult her doctor if there is any doubt about safety or specific risk factors. However, certain precautions should always be taken:
Blood clots
Pregnant women are at an increased risk of developing blood clots, especially during long flights where you are sitting still for long periods of time. To reduce the risk, it is recommended to:
Pregnant women wear well-fitting compression stockings during the flight.
Pregnant women get up and move around regularly - at least every two hours.
Pregnant women drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Pressure and oxygen
Cabin pressure in aircraft is lower than at sea level. This is rarely a problem in an uncomplicated pregnancy, but it can aggravate pre-existing complications. For example, if you are taking blood-thinning medication, air travel should always be based on medical advice.
Infections
Travelling to areas with a high risk of infections such as malaria and Zika virus should be avoided during pregnancy. There is no vaccine against Zika virus yet, and infection during pregnancy can lead to serious foetal damage.
Vaccinations and disease risk during pregnancy
Pregnant women should pay special attention to vaccinations. According to the Danish institutes Sundhed.dk and SSI:
Weakening vaccines (e.g. against yellow fever) should not be given to pregnant women unless travelling is unavoidable and the risk is high.
In certain cases, pregnant women can be vaccinated against e.g. hepatitis A and B, but the situation is assessed individually. In this case, the doctor will make a specific assessment, where the situation is assessed based on the risk of illness in relation to the risk of vaccination.
Is it recommended to protect against mosquito bites in areas where diseases such as malaria and Zika virus occur?
When is the best time to travel when pregnant?
The best time to travel during pregnancy is during the second trimester (weeks 14-27), when the risk of complications is lower and energy levels are often higher. However, it is always recommended to consult your doctor or midwife before planning a trip.
Benefits of travelling in the second trimester (weeks 14-27):
The risk of miscarriage (most common in the first trimester) is lower.
You're not yet as heavy and there are fewer discomforts like back pain and fatigue.
The risk of premature labour is lower than in the third trimester.
Nausea from the first trimester has often subsided.
Advice for pregnant travellers
When planning a trip when pregnant, many questions about safety, health and insurance often arise.
Consult your doctor or midwife before booking your trip - especially if you are in your third trimester.
Make sure your travel insurance covers pregnancy-related conditions and possible childbirth. Read about what travel insurances cover here.
Always have the contact details of your insurance company with you and research the health and insurance regulations of the country in question.
Avoid travelling to areas with current epidemics.
Travel with a medical certificate if travelling close to your due date - many airlines require this.
Bring contact details for your hospital's maternity ward.
Make sure you can get quick access to medical care at your destination.
Your rights in case of flight delays and cancellations - especially for pregnant women
When you're pregnant, waiting at the airport or unforeseen changes in travel plans can be particularly exhausting. Long queues, lack of seating, insufficient access to water, food and rest - all of these can make even short delays a physically and mentally taxing experience.
That's why it's important to know your rights in the event of an accident - and how Refundmore can help you claim the compensation you're entitled to.
What does EU law say about flight delays?
As an EU passenger, you are protected by EU Regulation 261/2004, which sets out clear rights for delayed, cancelled or overbooked flights. These rights apply whether you're pregnant or not - but knowing them can make a big difference, especially during pregnancy:
If your flight is delayed by more than 2 hours, you are entitled to:
Free meals and drinks in proportion to the length of the wait
Two free phone calls or emails
Hotel accommodation and transport if you have to wait until the next day
If the delay is more than 3 hours upon arrival, you may also be entitled to financial compensation.
In case of cancellation, you have the right to choose between:
Refund of the ticket
Rebooking to the next available departure
Rebooking to a later, preferred date
You may also be entitled to compensation unless you were informed at least 14 days in advance
If you are denied boarding against your will due to overbooking, you have:
The right to compensation equivalent to the cancellation compensation
Right to rebooking or refund
Entitlement to meals, transport and hotel accommodation if applicable
When you're pregnant and travelling, preparation is key. Knowing your rights can make a huge difference - both for your comfort and your safety. Should the worst happen, remember: You have the right to help and you have the right to compensation.
Conclusion
Traveling during pregnancy requires careful planning and attention to both health risks and airline regulations. Being well informed and taking the necessary precautions can ensure a safe and comfortable traveling experience for both you and your unborn child, but consider the situation carefully with your doctor. Every pregnancy is unique - and it's more important than ever to take your needs seriously.
FAQ
Can you fly when you are pregnant?
Yes, you can, but complications may arise if certain precautions are not taken. It is always a good idea to contact your doctor before flying while pregnant, especially if you are in your third trimester.
How long can you fly when you are pregnant?
It is generally not recommended to fly during the third trimester, but several airlines allow pregnant women to fly up to two weeks before their due date.
Is it dangerous to fly when pregnant?
There is a greater risk of complications during flights when you are pregnant, but in most pregnancies you can fly without any problems.
How late can you fly when pregnant?
Most airlines allow you to fly up to two weeks before your due date, but some require a medical certificate after week 36. Always check with your airline before purchasing your ticket.
