11 tips for carefree air travel during pregnancy

If you feel good with your pregnancy, travelling by air should not be a strain. However, for your and your baby's health, it's important to take extra precautions and follow good practices for safer travel.

Whether you're planning a babymoon - the last trip before your family grows or you're flying for work, we have answers to your dilemmas. Read the 11 most common questions pregnant women ask when preparing for air travel.

Provided you don't have complications with your pregnancy, you can fly until the end of the 36th week if you are carrying one baby, or until the end of the 32nd week if you are carrying twins, triplets, etc.

After the 28th week of pregnancy, most airlines will ask you for a doctor's or midwife's report on the expected date of delivery. If you fly with Air Serbia, the report should be signed and certified by a doctor or midwife and issued no later than seven days before the date of travel. The report should state whether it is a single or multiple pregnancy, in which week of pregnancy the passenger is, and whether she is able to travel by air.     

You need to show the report when checking in at the airport and you must have it with you in case a crew member asks you to see it during the flight.

Although airlines do not ask for a doctor's report before the 28th week of pregnancy when the pregnancy is normal, we advise you to consult a gynaecologist before each trip and get a check-up.

In addition to the condition of your health, the doctor will be interested in where you are travelling to, how long the flight is and whether the trip is tiring. If your doctor says it's okay to fly, take extra precautions. Be sure to obtain international travel insurance and enquire in advance about the medical services available at your destination.

Air travel is not recommended for pregnant women who are at risk of developing complications such as: pre-eclampsia, deep vein thrombosis, risk of water rupture or premature birth. Pregnant women with anaemia, high blood pressure or gestational diabetes should also refrain from travelling.

When you have a high-risk pregnancy and fly with Air Serbia, we will need to assess your condition and ability to travel by air. You must fill out the MEDIF form and submit it at least 48 hours before departure, together with a valid medical certificate in English, issued by your doctor.

More information about travelling while pregnant

If you can, choose direct flights while you are pregnant. When you fly direct, you take off and land once and are exposed to pressure changes only then. Although the change in air pressure does not affect the baby, it can be tiring for the mother's body.

Like all passengers, pregnant women will also be subjected to security checks at the airport, including a metal detector, which has been proven to be safe both for mother and baby.

During the flight you are exposed to a slightly higher level of radiation, but occasional air travel during pregnancy is not a risk for you or the baby. However, if your profession involves frequent flights, consult your doctor.

We advise you to pack the medicines in your hand luggage, preferably in the original packaging, together with a prescription or your doctor's instructions about which medicines you are taking, for which health conditions, as well as the prescribed doses.

If the medicines are in liquid form, familiarize yourself with the regulations that apply to the transport of liquids in hand luggage.

The cabin crew can help you fasten your seat belt, which should be placed low, under your stomach, for maximum comfort. We advise you to wear a seat belt at all times, even when it is not mandatory.

Lower pressure in the passenger cabin, many people in a small space, and flying at high altitude can worsen the symptoms of nausea characteristic of early pregnancy.

To alleviate the feeling of nausea, before the flight, consume light, unsalted food with a neutral taste and drink as much water as possible.

When booking tickets, choose an aisle seat, and during the flight take the opportunity to get up and walk every half hour (if this is allowed). Even while sitting, regularly stretch your arms and legs and do exercises for your feet and joints.

Travel in loose, layered clothes and comfortable shoes, take in sufficient amounts of water gradually, avoid food and drinks that contain sugar and caffeine.

Consult your doctor if you need to wear compression stockings or take preventive anticoagulation therapy.