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. However, there are many places where malaria is still a problem and it is recommended that they be missed out as contracting malaria when pregnant an cause problems. 

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. 

Always refuse to drink water unless it is bottled with an unbroken seal and the same goes for ice in drinks if you want to avoid contracting hepatitis A or typhoid. Avoid eating raw vegetables, salad and fruit although thick-skinned fruits such as mandarins, which you peel yourself, or bananas are fine but always wash your hands with soap or antibacterial hand wash before eating. It is quite easy to carry travel size bottles of antibacterial hand gels that dry almost immediately and are readily available in drugstores. 

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. 

It is also worth an expectant mother to check on her insurance policy before she flies as some place further restrictions especially after the twenty sixth week of pregnancy. Some insurance companies will include travel insurance after the twenty six weeks for pregnant mothers but won’t cover the costs of the birth itself.