If you are pregnant, consult with both your obstetrician and a travel medicine doctor before making any travel decisions. Depending on your stage of pregnancy, preexisting medical conditions, and travel plans,
you may want to take additional precautions or even postpone your trip.
Before booking flights, expectant mothers need to keep in mind the following rules:
- For uncomplicated pregnancies, it is not permitted to travel beyond the following dates:
- For single pregnancies, it is not permitted to travel after the end of the 36th week
- For multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.) it is not permitted to travel after the end of the 32nd week
- The newborn’s mother can travel 48 hours after giving birth, as long it was an uncomplicated childbirth that did not require surgical intervention.
- If the mother has had surgery or a cesarean section, the minimum period of time that must pass before travel is 10 days. However, these periods are also subject to doctor’s approval.
•Travel Clearance Form: some companies request Travel Clearance Form to be filled before travel, the purpose of this form is to enable airways document the advice of treating doctor, in order to ensure the health and safety of pregnant women during flight.
Airlines usually accept expectant mothers for travel (without a doctor’s certificate) if your pregnancy is up to 32 weeks (inclusive). Between 32 weeks to 36 weeks of pregnancy you must provide a valid doctor’s certificate or MEDIF (Medical Information Form).