Expectant women should not fly in the final week of pregnancy, according to new guidelines issued by British doctors.
The safest time to fly during pregnancy is before 37 weeks or, if carrying twins, before 32 weeks, according to the new advice from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists,
BBC News reports.
The doctors group says flying is not harmful during a low-risk pregnancy, but there may be side-effects. If more than 28 weeks pregnant, a woman should take her medical notes and a physician's letter.
“It is important to discuss any health issues or pregnancy complications with your midwife or doctor before you fly,” said Philippa Marsden, RCOG chair.
Although everyone who flies is exposed to a slight increase in radiation, there is no evidence that flying causes miscarriage, early labor, or a woman's waters to break.
The changes in air pressure and the decrease in humidity on an aircraft have not been shown to have a harmful effect on pregnancy either.
Previously, the advice for women with multiple pregnancies was that the safest time to fly was before 34 weeks, but this has been changed to 32 weeks.
After 37 weeks, a woman may go into labor at any time.
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