In its report (1) published in January 2015, the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists (British College of Gynecologists and Obstetricians) recalls the following facts:

• if it is an uncomplicated pregnancy and the mother-to-be is in good health, variations in atmospheric pressure and / or the drop in humidity have no repercussions on the mother and her baby
• a flight in an airplane cannot be responsible for a miscarriage, a premature childbirth or the loss of water
• everyone on an airplane is exposed to a low level of radiation, but occasional flights are not considered to be risky for the mother and her baby.

Regarding the safest period of pregnancy to fly, the College makes the following recommendations:

• before 37 weeks for a simple pregnancy. After this time, work can start at any time, so it is recommended to avoid flying.
• before 32 weeks for an uncomplicated twin pregnancy.

However, it advises pregnant women not to fly in the event of:

• -increased risk of premature labor
• – severe anemia
• -slepanocytosis with recent crisis
• – recent vaginal bleeding
• -pathology of the lungs or heart affecting breathing

 In any case, it is advisable to seek advice from your gynecologist or midwife before considering an airplane trip. 

Each airline has its own pregnancy policy: some require a medical certificate, others do not, others only after a certain term, while still others will not accept pregnant women beyond a certain period. certain term. Before purchasing your ticket, it is therefore important to inform the airline of your pregnancy, if only to board as a priority and benefit from an aisle seat.

Venous thrombosis results from the formation of a clot in the legs or pelvis. This clot can travel up into the lungs and cause pulmonary embolism. Long journeys by plane constitute a risk of occurrence of thrombolitic disease due to three mechanisms: mobilization of the legs and mobility in the plane, dehydration and the so-called hypobaric atmosphere (reduced atmospheric pressure) (2). Pregnancy is an increased risk due to various factors: venous stasis, compression by the pregnant uterus and hypercoagulability (3). This risk increases with the duration of the flight and in the presence of risk factors such as a history of thrombosis or being overweight. Also in its recommendations for travelers of 2014 (4), the National Institute of Sanitary Watch (INVS) calls for pregnant women to be more vigilant for air travel and recommends that they seek advice from their obstetrician before departure.

To limit the risk of venous thrombosis occurring during the flight, it is advisable to:

• – wear loose clothing and flats
• -to favor a seat on the corridor side in order to be able to get up regularly
• -to do seated exercises every 30 minutes minimum
• -to drink regularly throughout the flight
• -to wear compression stockings (ask your gynecologist or midwife for advice) (5)

In certain risky situations, an injection of LMWH (low molecular weight heparin) may be given on the morning of departure (6).