In general, doctors prefer that pregnant women stop air travel at 36 weeks in case of early labor.
According to a new committee opinion issued by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, occasional air travel is safe for healthy pregnant women. When traveling is really necessary (for example, emergencies in the family), women should follow medical advice to be on the safer side:
1. Exercise normal precautions: drink lots of water, get up and walk, wear support stockings and keep your seat belt fastened while seated on the plane.
2. Take an anti-nausea pill before getting on a plane and avoid consuming foods or drinks that can cause gas.
3. Some airlines require a note from a doctor if a pregnant woman wants to travel up to a month before her due date. So make sure you have that.
4. Air travel in mid-pregnancy (14 to 28 weeks) is preferable because that's when the risks of miscarriage and premature labor are lowest (according to Mayo Clinic).
5. Women with other medical issues such as heart disease or lung disease should be more restrictive of air travel when pregnant.
6. Take note: air travel isn't recommended AT ALL for women who are at risk of premature labor or have other obstetric complications such as pregnancy-induced hypertension.
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