ACOG Update on Air Travel During Pregnancy

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ Committee on Obstetric Practice has released an update on Air Travel During Pregnancy that replaces Committee Opinion Number 443, October 2009.

Occasional air travel during pregnancy is generally safe. Recent cohort studies suggest no increase in adverse pregnancy outcomes for occasional air travelers. Most commercial airlines allow pregnant women to fly up to 36 weeks of gestation. Some restrict pregnant women from international flights earlier in gestation and some require documentation of gestational age. For specific airline requirements, women should check with the individual carrier. Civilian and military aircrew members who become pregnant should check with their specific agencies for regulations or restrictions to their flying duties.

Man Recommendations are -

• Occasional air travel during pregnancy is generally safe in the absence of obstetric or medical complications.


• Pregnant women should be informed that the most common obstetric emergencies occur in the first and third trimesters.


• Pregnant women can fly safely, observing the same precautions for air travel as the general population.


• Air travel is not recommended at any time during pregnancy for women who have medical or obstetric conditions that may be exacerbated by flight or that could require emergency care.


• The duration of the flight also should be considered when planning travel.


• Because severe air turbulence cannot be predicted and the subsequent risk for trauma is significant should this occur, pregnant women should be instructed to use their seat belts continuously while seated.


• Despite a lack of evidence associating lower extremity oedema and venous thrombotic events with air travel during pregnancy, certain preventive measures can be used to minimize these risks, including the use of support stockings and periodic movement of the lower extremities, avoidance of restrictive clothing, occasional ambulation, and maintenance of adequate hydration.


• For most air travelers, the risks to the fetus from exposure to cosmic radiation are negligible. However, aircrew or frequent flyers may exceed these limits.


• The Federal Aviation Administration and the International Commission on Radiological Protection consider aircrew to be occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation and recommend that they are informed about radiation exposure and health risks.


• Pregnant women can fly safely, observing the same precautions for air travel as the general population.

For further reference log on to :

https://www.acog.org/Clinical-Guidance-and-Publications/Committee-Opinions/Committee-on-Obstetric-Practice/Air-Travel-During-Pregnancy?IsMobileSet=false