Pregnancy travel
What the NHS and the CDC say about flying and travelling while pregnant, plus a short list of questions for your doctor. A summary, not medical advice.
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This is a summary of two public-health pages, not medical advice. Your doctor or midwife and your airline decide whether you can fly. We do not list airline cut-off weeks because we could not read the airlines' own pages.
What the NHS page says for your week
Enter the week you will be on the day you fly (the return flight too).
Flying
Labour becomes more likely after 37 weeks, or around 32 weeks with twins. Some airlines will not let you fly towards the end of pregnancy, so check the airline's policy.
NHS: www.nhs.uk · Checked 2026-10-24
From week 28 an airline may ask for a letter from your doctor or midwife confirming your due date and that you are not at risk of complications. It may cost money and take several weeks.
NHS: www.nhs.uk · Checked 2026-10-24
Check airline or cruise policies first. Some airlines let you fly until 36 weeks, others may have an earlier cut-off. Some cruises may not allow travel after 24 to 28 weeks and may want a doctor's note.
CDC: wwwnc.cdc.gov · Checked 2026-10-24 · Page last reviewed June 28, 2022 (as printed on the page)
Clots and comfort
Flights longer than 4 hours carry a small risk of deep vein thrombosis. Drink plenty of water, move about roughly every 30 minutes and ask a pharmacist or midwife about compression stockings.
NHS: www.nhs.uk · Checked 2026-10-24
Pregnancy raises blood clot risk. On long flights walk about every hour and wear comfortable shoes; your doctor may recommend compression stockings or in-seat leg exercises.
CDC: wwwnc.cdc.gov · Checked 2026-10-24 · Page last reviewed June 28, 2022 (as printed on the page)
Zika and malaria
If you are pregnant, do not travel to areas with risk of Zika. If you must, use insect repellent and avoid bug bites. If your partner lives in or has been to a Zika area, use condoms for the rest of the pregnancy.
CDC: wwwnc.cdc.gov · Checked 2026-10-24 · Page last reviewed June 28, 2022 (as printed on the page)
Pregnant travellers should avoid travel to areas with malaria. If travel is necessary, ask your doctor about prevention medicine and use repellent.
CDC: wwwnc.cdc.gov · Checked 2026-10-24 · Page last reviewed June 28, 2022 (as printed on the page)
Before you go
See your healthcare provider or a travel health specialist at least 4 to 6 weeks before you leave, bring a copy of your immunisation records, and know the warning signs that need care: pelvic or abdominal pain, bleeding, contractions, pre-eclampsia symptoms and dehydration.
CDC: wwwnc.cdc.gov · Checked 2026-10-24 · Page last reviewed June 28, 2022 (as printed on the page)
Insurance
Make sure your policy covers pregnancy-related care during labour, premature birth and changing your return date if you go into labour.
NHS: www.nhs.uk · Checked 2026-10-24
Make sure health insurance covers pregnancy and newborn complications overseas. If it does not, get travel health insurance and consider medical evacuation cover.
CDC: wwwnc.cdc.gov · Checked 2026-10-24 · Page last reviewed June 28, 2022 (as printed on the page)
Questions for your doctor or midwife
Checked 2026-10-24. Ticks and your week are saved on this device only.