Flying

[Millsie1]

At what stage is it no longer safe to take a plane (short distances only)? I live in Switzerland and hope to come over to the UK through the summer for some weddings. Baby due early/mid September.

err....32 weeks springs to mind? Possibly 28. I think you have to check with the specific airline you are hoping to travel with. ASlong as you aren't restricted by that, unless you have been told otherwise by a MW etc. or you have a history of early labour I would imagine it would be pretty safe until later than 28/32 weeks - I wouldn't beyond 36 though (I doubt you'd be allowed anyway).

If you're fit and healthy you can get a clearance letter from your doctor up to the very late stages of pregnancy. I think some airlines insist on this between 32 to 38 weeks.

some airlines let you fly up to 34 weeks, I think short haul is safe (wouldn't want to go into labour on a 10 hour flight!!)

That's good news - much later than I thought. Currently planning on going overland for a couple...a flight would be much easier!

I think each airline is different - you need to check but it is around 34 weeks. However, from most airlines you need a letter from your doctor dated the week you fly that you are fit to travel. You usually need it after about 28 weeks. I just got one yesterday for a trip I am taking this weekend.

36 weeks with a doctor's note (about uncomplicated pregnancy) is common. It just gets more uncomfortable, just came back from Finland (three hour flight only) at 28 weeks and feel horribly swollen. But if the alternative is a car/train...

It's safe even after that... the airlines just don't want you going into labour so that they have to divert the flight, which costs them a fortune and inconveniences other passengers. Typical policies are requiring doctor's note after 28 weeks, no flying with multiple pregnancy after 34 weeks, and no flying with singleton pregnancy after 36 weeks, but individual airlines may vary these milestones by a week or two.