Can pregnant women fly? Regulations Note

Pregnant women can still fly if they meet the health and gestational age requirements of the airline. To know specifically whether pregnant women can fly, this is a medical documents to prepare and safety notes when flying, please follow the content in the article below!

1. General regulations for pregnant women

Airlines often have their own regulations for pregnant women, but in general they will be divided according to each stage of pregnancy, specifically:

1.1. Under 32 weeks pregnant women

Under 32 weeks pregnant women are usually accepted for transport as regular passengers. However, you should still carry your pregnancy book or pregnancy confirmation paper to present when necessary. Some airlines may require you to sign a liability waiver at the airport, to confirm that the airline is not responsible for any risks related to pregnancy.

Under 32 weeks pregnant women are usually allowed to fly like regular passengers (Source: Internet)

1.2. From 32 to 36 weeks pregnant women

At this stage, you are required to have a medical certificate issued by a doctor, confirming your fitness to fly. This certificate is usually only valid for 7 days before departure. Some airlines may also require you to fill out a separate medical information form, such as MEDIF I and MEDIF II for Vietnam Airlines.

From 32 weeks onwards, pregnant women need a health certificate to be allowed to fly (Source: Internet)

1.3. 36 weeks pregnant women

Women who are pregnant for 36 weeks or more, are expected to give birth within 7 days, or have given birth less than 7 days ago are usually refused transportation. The reason is that this stage has a high risk of labor and complications, which can affect the safety of passengers and the flight.

36 weeks or more pregnant women are often denied flights to ensure the safety of both mother and baby (Source: Internet)

2. 4 other cases where pregnant women may be denied boarding

In addition to the regulations on gestational weeks, some specific health conditions can also cause pregnant women to be refused transportation for safety reasons. You should be careful if you fall into the following cases:

• History of miscarriage or premature birth.
• Multiple pregnancy, abnormal fetal development.
• Encounter pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, placental abruption, preeclampsia, severe anemia, premature rupture of membranes or amniotic fluid leakage.
• Pregnancy by artificial insemination (some carriers may require separate medical procedures).

Pregnant women with complex health conditions may be denied boarding to ensure safety (Source: Internet)

3. Documents pregnant women need to prepare when traveling by plane

In addition to the Citizen ID/Passport like regular passengers, pregnant women need to prepare some important medical documents to ensure a smooth flight:

• Pregnancy book, pregnancy examination paper or ultrasound card: It should clearly show the gestational age, health status of mother and fetus, and expected date of birth. Pregnant women should use the most recent version, especially if the pregnancy is over 28 weeks.
• Medical Certificate: Required for pregnant women from about 28–32 weeks onwards. The document must confirm that the health is stable and that the travel permit is available. The validity period is usually 7 to 10 days before the departure date.
• Medical Indemnity Form (MEDIF): Provided by the airline and will be required to be signed by you at the airport. Signing this form confirms that the airline is not responsible for any pregnancy-related incidents that may occur during transport.

Pregnant women need to fill out the MEDIF form according to each airline's regulations before boarding the plane (Source: Internet)

4. 7 advice for pregnant women on the plane

To ensure health and comfort during the flight, pregnant women should note the following points:

• Drink enough water: Low humidity in the cabin air can easily cause dehydration. You should drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated and avoid fatigue.
• Bring necessary items: Some items such as neck pillows, snacks (crackers, dried fruit), prescribed medications will help you feel more comfortable, and also help control nausea during pregnancy.
• Gentle exercise: Rotate your wrists, ankles, lift your legs, or stand up and walk around gently every 1–2 hours of flight to help circulate blood and reduce numbness, fatigue, and cramps.
• Choose the right seat: Pregnant women should prioritize aisle seats for convenience, especially when needing to go to the restroom or move around mid-flight. Seats with ample legroom will also help you feel more comfortable.
• Fasten your seat belt properly: You should wear the seat belt low below your belly, across your hips to avoid putting pressure on the fetus.
• Wear comfortable clothes: Pregnant women should choose loose, stretchy and airy clothes, and can wear compression socks to limit leg swelling.
• Check entry regulations: Some countries may have specific requirements for pregnant women upon entry, so you should research in advance to prepare all necessary documents.

Pregnant women should drink enough water, exercise gently and wear seat belts properly when flying (Source: Internet)

Hopefully the information in the article has helped you better understand whether pregnant women can fly and the regulations to note. For a safe journey, pregnant women should prepare all necessary documents and follow the instructions from the airline.

You can visit the official website of Vietnam Airlines to update the latest information on regulations for pregnant women when traveling by plane.