Mothers-to-be need to plan their holidays and air travel with some extra care.
Airline Regulations
Each airline has its own policy regarding pregnant passengers. Generally, each has a cut off point in the last trimester, provided you can supply an endorsement from your OB/GYN.
Last time we checked, these were the guidelines for the airlines listed:
British Airways
Can fly until the end of the 36th week. For multiples, until the end of the 32nd week.
If you have entered your 28th week, you’ll need to produce a letter from your doctor or midwife, stating the pregnancy is uncomplicated and confirming the expected date of delivery. In this letter, your doctor should state that you are in good health, that they are happy for you to fly, and that (in their opinion) there is no reason you cannot fly.
See BA’s http://www.britishairways.com/cms/masterEN/content/services/health_… (PDF file)
Cathay Pacific/Dragonair
Can fly until the end of the 36th week. For multiples, until the end of the 32nd week.
A medical certificate is required at check-in and may also be required at immigration checkpoints. All pregnant passengers are advised to consult their treating doctor or midwives before flying and carry a medical certificate after 28 weeks, which states:
the confirmation of a normal pregnancy
the estimated date of delivery
that you are in good health and they are happy for you to fly
that there is no reason known to them that would prevent you from flying
If you choose not to carry a medical certificate, Cathay Pacific Airways reserves the right, under certain circumstances, to refuse boarding
A complicated pregnancy would require medical approval from the Cathay medical team whereby a MEDA form is to be completed by both the passenger and her treating doctor, and submitted no later than 48 hours prior to departure.
See Cathay’s webpage on ‘Pregnant Women’.
Other airlines
Virgin, Malaysian, Korean, Quantas and Continental all have similar guidelines.
We suggest you check with the airline at the time of booking.
Deep vein thrombosis
Pregnancy can increase the risk of developing blood clots, which can cause deep vein thrombosis. It’s best to wear thigh-high flight socks or tight stockings to help blood circulation and reduce the chance of DVT. You can buy flight socks at most dispensaries, including Watson’s and Mannings. Or, ask your doctor for some.
While in flight, do the exercises the video shows you and walk around the plane regularly when the seatbelt signs are off.
Travel insurance
Most travel insurance covers women up to 26 weeks of pregnancy, though this excludes cover for the actual birth and medical care of a newborn baby. You can still buy standard travel insurance after this point but it doesn’t cover anything related to the pregnancy.
Immigration and visa issues
Check with immigration in your destination country. So, that means contacting the consulate here in Hong Kong before you travel. Some countries - such as Singapore - will require non-residents to sign a declaration to relinquish any claim to citizenship should you deliver in their country!
All that said, flying while pregnant should be fairly smooth. We’ve not heard of any major mishaps. Now, flying with babies (or toddlers), that’s another matter! Enjoy your trip!
<a href=”http://www.hongkongbabies.com”> More articles for parents of pre-schoolers in and visiting Hong Kong.
Hkbabies
http://www.articlesbase.com/flights-articles/all-you-need-to-know-about-flying-inout-of-hk-while-pregnant-700840.html
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