London – Expectant mothers have been told they are safe to fly up to their 37th week of pregnancy – but should take precautions to avoid DVT on long-haul trips.
They should take regular walks around the plane to minimise the risk of potentially life-threatening blood clots, new advice says.
Guidance from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists confirms that flying is not harmful to mother or baby when the pregnancy is straightforward.
The guidance, which has been updated for the first time since 2011, says the introduction of scanners to improve airport security do not pose a risk to pregnant women or their unborn babies.
It also provides new tips on minimising the risk of blood clots during flights lasting more than four hours.
Women who are pregnant, and for up to six weeks after the birth, have a higher risk of DVT (deep vein thrombosis), which is a blood clot that forms in a leg or the pelvis.
If it travels to the lungs it can be life-threatening. Sitting for prolonged periods raises the risk of DVT, which is why specific advice has been issued for long-haul flights.
The guidance also says women should:
* Wear loose clothing and comfortable shoes;
* Try to get an aisle seat and take regular walks around the plane;
* Do in-seat exercises every 30 minutes or so – the airline should give you information on these;
* Have cups of water at regular intervals throughout your flight;
* Cut down on drinks containing alcohol or caffeine (coffee, fizzy drinks); and
* 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.
A patient information leaflet says anyone who flies is exposed to a slight increase in radiation but occasional flights are not a risk to mother or baby. Body scanners that emit ionising radiation for security checks do not pose a risk to mother or unborn baby from radiation exposure.
The total radiation dose from a check, which may involve two or three scans, is less than that received from two minutes flying at cruising altitude, or from one hour at ground level.
The guidance states the safest time to fly is before 37 weeks because after this a woman could go into labour at any time. For women carrying ‘uncomplicated twins’ or multiples, the cut-off time is earlier at 32 weeks.
However, airlines often will not allow women to travel after week 36 of pregnancy, and some insist that those carrying twins and other multiple births should only fly after 28 weeks with a certificate from their doctor.
There may be some circumstances when it may be better not to fly, states the guidance, for example if a woman has an increased risk of going into labour before her due date or a serious condition affecting her lungs or heart.
Philippa Marsden, chairman of the RCOG’s Patient Information Committee, said: ‘To help decide whether or not to fly, women should think about how many weeks pregnant they will be, what facilities are available at their destination and whether it will increase their risk of medical problems.
‘It is important to discuss any health issues or pregnancy complications with your midwife or doctor before you fly.’
Daily Mail