For women who are expecting a child then any arrangements where a flight is involved may need to be checked first. Of course, the woman’s gynecologist would be the best person to speak to regarding any flight plans as there may be specific reasons why it would be unsafe to fly. Some women experience abnormal bleeding and an increase in their blood pressure, in which case the doctor would normally suggest that flying should be avoided and in particular if any swelling has been experienced.

Almost all airlines are happy to let pregnant women travel up to 36 weeks into the pregnancy but it is best to check this as airline companies will differ in their safety rules. For women over 24 weeks pregnant a medical certificate is often required prior to travel as well. Pregnant women should check in early, as they can request a bulkhead seat, which may have more leg room, depending on the airline, or ask for an aisle seat so that it is easier to get in and out.

If the destination is in Africa or Asia then a vaccination against hepatitis A and B would normally be recommended but pregnant women are warned against typhoid inoculations even though there isn’t any medical evidence that it can harm the unborn child so the best advice is for the woman to speak with the doctor first. Traveling to areas where there is a risk of contracting malaria is not recommended while pregnant.

Residents of Australia for instance are advised to be up to date with their inoculations but if they are under six years of age then the hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations are not advised. Not only is the destination important but personal circumstances so pregnant women should check with their doctor as to what vaccinations they will require.

A simple way to avoid getting hepatitis A and typhoid is to avoid drinking water that has not come from a sealed bottle and ice where tap water has been used. It is also inadvisable to eat fruit and raw vegetables and before eating wash your hands with an antibacterial hand wash. It is always worth carrying a purse sized bottle of antibacterial gel hand sanitizer, for example, which air-dries in seconds, has a fresh aloe vera fragrance and is available from most drugstores in small travel packs.

Unfortunately expectant mothers have a higher than normal risk of blood clots which increases when flying but the risk can be reduced by wearing compression stockings. Doctors also recommend taking some form of exercise when flying; ideas for which can usually be found in the flight magazine.

Fortunately if a pregnant woman is flying within the first twenty six weeks of pregnancy then there shouldn’t be any problems with insurance but there may be exclusions in the policy after this time. Although there are companies that will cover the cost of insuring a mother to be after the twenty sixth week of pregnancy, they do not normally cover any birth expenses.