2008 News Archive - Holidays - Pregnant travellers must be assessed case by case, says expert

29 02 2008

Going on holiday is an exciting time, but for expectant mothers is it important to make absolutely sure that travelling by air is safe, an expert has asserted.

Janet Fyle is a professional policy advisor for the Royal College of Midwives and said that although many airlines have different policies regarding carrying pregnant women, all cases have to be assessed individually.

This is because while a doctor or midwife can confirm a patient is fit to fly, various complications could potentially take place in the air.

Therefore, women with existing medical conditions should always consult a doctor and then look to the airline to make a decision as to whether she can travel.

"Most airlines request a certificate to say that a pregnant woman is fit to travel," Ms Fyle explained. "There is no list that would contain dos and don'ts."

British Airways states that it generally restricts travel of pregnant women beyond the 36th week who experience an "uncomplicated" single pregnancy.