Wednesday, October 22, 2008

When am I Too Pregnant to Fly?

According to medical professionals it is generally safe for a pregnant woman to fly in her first and second trimesters, although it is advisable to check with your GP before travelling especially if your pregnancy has been complicated and you are travelling overseas.

You may find that your second trimester is a perfect time to travel. With morning sickness behind you and a little more energy you can enjoy the luxury of relaxing, sleeping in and dining late with your partner.

Airlines have different policies on pregnant women travelling. Some have strict policy where they will not allow you to fly 30 days before the due date, others allow women to travel up to a week before the due date. Check that you are safe to fly! It is advisable to get written permission from your doctor stating that you have been examined and it is unlikely that you will go into labour within the next 72 hours.

What about in August this year when at 29-year-old woman gave birth on a flight from Hong Kong to Adelaide.....she was six weeks early!

When planning your travel take into consideration how long you will be away from home, how long you will be in the air and what medical facilities are available at the destination you are travelling too. Also check your travel insurance policy thoroughly and ensure you have adequate cover - read the fine print!

After doing a little research on the subject, I found some very helpful websites with up to date information on this topic which you may find helpful:

The Individual Airline you are planning to use eg: Singapore Airlines, Qantas....
www.bellybelly.com.au
www.thetraveldoctor.com.au
www.bubhub.com.au
www.birth.com.au


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