Backpacking or
flashpacking while pregnant requires special consideration when flying, according to the Royal College of Midwives (RCM).
However, cases are best assessed on an individual basis and as such there is no definitive list of "do's and don'ts".
With
gap year travel becoming an increasingly popular option among all age groups,
backpacking mothers-to-be will often be required to comply with varying flying policies of different airlines.
This could potentially impact on their ability to travel or get home, with the chance increased in cases of unexpected occurrences.
According to Jane Fyle, professional policy advisor for the Royal College of Midwives, often differences in air mean "nobody knows what changes when you're up there, especially when you're pregnant".
"Sometimes medical certificates have been given saying people can travel and then they've gone up and bled and sued the midwife or doctor."
"Most airlines request a certificate to say that a pregnant woman is fit to travel."
British Airways change their policy depending on whether women are carrying twins or triplets compared to single babies and it is mandatory for mothers to carry a letter from a doctor or midwife beyond the 28th week of pregnancy.
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