DR RICHARD RUSSELL, JAMES COCHRANE PRACTICE

Question: I’ve just found out I’m pregnant and I have a holiday booked. Is it safe for me to fly?

Answer: It's usually safe to fly while you're pregnant and it shouldn't harm your baby if pregnancy is straightforward.

Most airlines will not let you fly after week 37 of pregnancy, or week 32 if you're pregnant with twins or more babies.

If you're planning on travelling by plane, you should discuss it with your midwife or GP first.

Some women try to avoid travelling in the first 12-15 weeks of pregnancy, because exhaustion and nausea tend to be worse at this early stage.

Check with your airline and insurance company that they will allow you to travel while pregnant. If you haven’t already booked, check with them first before you commit to paying any money. After you get to 28 weeks, most airlines require a letter from your midwife or GP confirming:

• that you're in good health

• that you have a normal pregnancy

• the expected date of delivery

Be aware that your GP may charge you for the letter.

Some airlines may require medical clearance if:

• your delivery date is less than four weeks after your departure date

• complications are expected in your delivery

This may involve your GP or midwife filling in a form, or an assessment by the airline staff.

Check with your airline, as the restrictions can vary.

Flying for longer than four hours (long-haul travel) increases your risk of getting blood clots (thrombosis). Find out next week on some tips to help you with this.