Travelling in Pregnancy

Travelling when pregnant is not deemed to be a ‘medical condition’, however airlines, cruise companies and ferry operators do have their own restrictions so you must check with your transport operator to ensure that there are no restrictions on you travelling whilst pregnant.

The travel insurance policies that we sell cover pregnant women travellers as long as there are no known complications and that your doctor and midwife are aware of your travel plans.

If at any time, however, during the pregnancy, you suffer any complications, you will need to have the approval of your health professional before you travel and you must make us aware of any changes to your medical circumstances.

Please also refer to the Cancellation, Curtailment, Medical and Repatriation and General Exclusion sections of your travel insurance policy.

What are the general rules on travelling when pregnant?

By Air

Each airline will have its own rules and these should be checked before booking to make sure that the return flight to the UK is possible if flying in the later stages of pregnancy (from seven months).  Most airlines will ask for a written confirmation from your doctor from the 28th week of pregnancy confirming that all is progressing well, an estimated delivery date and that there are no known complications. However youyr trip must be completed by 36 weeks and 6 days if a single birth with no complications and 32 weeks and 6 days if a multiple birth with no complications.

Airlines will normally refuse to allow pregnant women on their aircraft if they have previously given birth prematurely or have had blood clots in the veins of their legs.

What does the CAA say?

"The commercial aircraft environment is not generally considered hazardous to the normal pregnancy. At a normal cabin altitude the maternal haemoglobin remains 90% saturated and because of the favourable properties of foetal haemoglobin (HbF) including increased oxygen carrying potential plus increased foetal hematocrit and the Bohr effect, foetal PaO2 changes very little."

By Sea

Cruise and ferry companies each have their own restrictions and generally your trip should be completed by week 32, but check with your operator before booking.

What should I be aware of if I travel when pregnant?

  • Due to the obvious health risks to both the mother and child, doctors will usually advise against pregnant women travelling to areas where malaria is a problem. Pregnant woman seem to be more attractive to mosquitoes along with a decrease in general immunity.
  • Pregnant women should avoid high altitudes and extreme heat.
  • Do not take part in any extreme or aggressive sports - scuba diving and water skiing are also not recommended.
  • Do not travel in areas with primitive health care and inadequate hygene conditions.
  • In the latter stages of pregnancy it is not advised to travel/trek anywhere there is a reduced level of oxygen.