Air travel when you are pregnant requires a little more planning than usual. While the second trimester is generally considered the best time to travel, it is important to check with your doctor that there are no medical reasons not to fly before booking your tickets. Unfortunately women who are experiencing swelling, especially of the ankles, any blood loss or increase in their blood pressure may well be advised not to fly.



While it is almost universally accepted that it is safe for expectant mothers to fly up until the thirty sixth week of pregnancy, it is best to check this detail with the airline involved. Some airlines will actually ask a pregnant woman if they have a certificate of pregnancy which is usually advisable after twenty four weeks. It is also worthwhile checking in as early as possible as there is a greater chance of being issued a bulkhead seat for additional room or aisle seat where it will be easier for access.

If the destination is in Africa or Asia then a vaccination against hepatitis A and B would normally be recommended but pregnant women are warned against typhoid inoculations even though there isn't any medical evidence that it can harm the unborn child so the best advice is for the woman to speak with the doctor first. Traveling to areas where there is a risk of contracting malaria is not recommended while pregnant.

Certain restrictions also apply if there are young children and if those under six are involved then vaccinations for typhoid and hepatitis A are not advisable in Australia. Always check with a doctor as to which vaccinations are required as they will vary depending on an individual situation and itinerary.

For travel into countries where hepatitis A or typhoid is prevalent if water is to be used for either drinking or cleaning teeth then bottled water must be insisted upon and do not use ice in drinks unless the source can be verified. This advice extends to not eating raw vegetables or fruits with the exception of those thick skinned varieties like bananas and mandarins but even then, carefully sterilize your hands with an antibacterial hand wash before you eat. It is always worth carrying a purse sized bottle of antibacterial gel hand sanitizer, for example, which air-dries in seconds, has a fresh aloe vera fragrance and is available from most drugstores in small travel packs.

Unfortunately expectant mothers have a higher than normal risk of blood clots which increases when flying but the risk can be reduced by wearing compression stockings. Doctors also recommend taking some form of exercise when flying; ideas for which can usually be found in the flight magazine.

It is also worth an expectant mother to check on her insurance policy before she flies as some place further restrictions especially after the twenty sixth week of pregnancy. Some insurance companies will include travel insurance after the twenty six weeks for pregnant mothers but won't cover the costs of the birth itself.