A Baby on Board Doesn't Have to Ground a Pregnant Party

Having a baby on board doesn't necessarily have to ground a pregnant woman, says one industry expert.

According to the Royal College of Midwives there is no definitive list of dos and don'ts for a pregnant woman travelling by air and each case should be assessed on an individual basis.

Janet Fyle, professional policy advisor for the Royal College of Midwives, said: "You cannot just say that a pregnant woman can travel until whatever time, you have to look at the possibilities.

"Some airlines say they will admit pregnant women up to a certain number of weeks and usually they want the midwife or doctor to give confirmation that she is fit."

However, Janet warned that there have been cases where medical certificates have been given saying people can travel and then they've gone up in the air and bled and sued the midwife or doctor.

British Airways (BA) states on its website that for "uncomplicated single pregnancies" the airline restricts travel beyond the end of the 36th week.

For twins, triplets and other multiple births BA takes this limit back to the end of the 32nd week.

After a woman's pregnancy has entered the 28th week the airline requires that the pregnant party carries a letter from their midwife or doctor stating that the pregnancy is uncomplicated and confirming the expected date of delivery.