It is important that you discuss any health issues or pregnancy complications with your midwife or doctor before you fly.

You have a serious condition affecting your lungs or heart that makes it very difficult for you to breathe.

You have recently had significant vaginal bleeding.

You have sickle cell disease (a condition which affects red blood cells) and you have recently had a sickle crisis.

Red blood cells contain the iron-rich pigment haemoglobin, which carries oxygen around your body. This is when the level of red blood cells in your blood is lower than normal.

You are at increased risk of going into labour before your due date.

For this reason, if any of the following apply, you may be advised not to fly:

Low-dose aspirin does not appear to reduce the risk of a DVT but you should continue to take it if it has been prescribed for another reason.Ī medical condition or health problem can complicate your pregnancy and put you and your baby at risk. For security reasons, you will need a letter from your doctor to enable you to carry these injections onto the plane. A heparin injection should be taken on the day of the flight and daily for a few days afterward. These will thin your blood and help prevent a DVT. If you have other risk factors for a DVT, regardless of the length of your flight, you may be advised to have heparin injections. wear graduated elastic compression stockings – your midwife or doctor will need to provide the correct size and type for you as they are different from standard flight socks.cut down on drinks that contain alcohol or caffeine (coffee, fizzy drinks).have cups of water at regular intervals throughout your flight.do in-seat exercises every 30 minutes or so – the airline should give you information on these.try to get an aisle seat and take regular walks around the plane.wear loose clothing and comfortable shoes.To minimise the risk of a DVT on a medium or a long haul flight (over four hours), you should: Your midwife or doctor should give you an individual risk assessment for venous thrombosis and advice for your own situation. If you are taking a short haul flight (less than four hours), it is unlikely that you will need to take any special measures. It is important to check the healthcare facilities that are available at your destination, in case you need any emergency care.There are things you can do to reduce your chance of this happening. Long flights may increase your chance of developing a blood clot.Occasional air travel during pregnancy is not harmful for you or your baby as long as you are having an uncomplicated pregnancy.Your care should be personalised, inclusive and sensitive to your needs whatever your gender identity.Ī glossary of all medical terms is available on the RCOG website at: However, it is not only people who identify as women who may want to access this leaflet. Within this leaflet we may use the terms ‘woman’ and ‘women’. If you are a member of a flight crew or you fly frequently as part of your work, you should seek additional advice from your occupational health department concerning your own situation.

The information is relevant for short haul (under four hours), medium and long haul (over four hours) flights.

This information is for you if you are pregnant and are thinking of travelling by air.

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