Pregnant women are safe to fly until their 37th week of pregnancy, according to updated advice issued by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
Changes to the guidelines leaflet on air travel during pregnancy advise regular movement during long-haul flights to minimise the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Experts say that, provided the pregnancy is straightforward, it is safe for expectant mothers to fly closer to their due date than previously thought.
On routes between Ireland and the UK, Aer Lingus allows women to travel up to week 32 of pregnancy with a doctor’s written permission. Between weeks 32-35 the passenger’s doctor must complete an Expectant Mother Travel Advice Form and the airline will not carry any passengers over 36 weeks for any part of their journey, outbound or return. On all other routes, passengers may travel up to week 33 of pregnancy with their doctor’s written permission.
Ryanair reserves the right to refuse travel of an expectant mother over 28 weeks pregnant who does not present a completed “fit to fly” letter from their midwife or doctor. For an uncomplicated single pregnancy, the airline does not permit travel beyond the end of the 36th week of pregnancy. For passengers expecting twins or triplets, travel is not permitted beyond the end of the 32nd week of pregnancy.
New mums who have had a Caesarean section or surgery must wait a minimum period of 10 days before travelling with Ryanair.
The revised leaflet warns that any pregnant woman has a small chance of going into labour early: “If this happens to you on a flight, there is no guarantee that other passengers or crew members will be trained and experienced to help you give birth safely.” it says. “As a result, the pilot may have to divert the flight to get help for you.”
