Fit to Fly Pregnancy Test Certificate

We offer fit-to-fly pregnancy medicals for those who wish to travel abroad on a plane. Airlines have their own policy with regards to travel whilst pregnant and if you have any medical conditions or recent surgery, then these would need to be declared.

Please see below for detailed information on Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

• When do I need a fit-to-fly pregnancy medical?
• When can I be refused a fit-to-fly pregnancy medical? 
• What do I need to bring to the appointment? 
• What can I expect at my appointment and how long will the fit-to-fly certificate be valid for?
• What if I have a medical condition that I'm not sure meets the criteria for travelling abroad? 

When do I need a fit-to-fly pregnancy medical?

• You will need a certificate if at time of travel you are between 28 to 34 weeks pregnancy (single pregnancies). 
• You will need a certificate if at time of travel you are <32 weeks pregnant for twin pregnancies. 

When can I be refused a fit-to-fly pregnancy medical?

In general if there any potential complications during pregnancy or any pre-existing medical conditions that are deemed high-risk, you will be refused to have a fit-to-fly pregnancy medical. Please see the following criteria that may exclude you from flying:- 

• If flying >34 weeks gestation (single pregnancies), as most airlines will refuse due to risk of premature labour + increased risk of blood clots. 
• If attempting to fly >32 weeks for twin pregnancies. 
• Raised Body Mass Index > 30kg/m2 (causing increased risk of having DVT/PE). 
• Previous DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis or leg clot) or Pulmonary Embolus (Clot to the Lung). 
• A condition that pre-disposes you to clotting such as thrombophilia (raised platelets) or polycythaemia (raised red blood cells).
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia in pregnancy (not on medication)
• Heart Condition 
• Severe Anaemia. 
• Sickle Cell Disease. 
• Epilepsy 
• Placenta praevia (low-lying placenta).
• Molar Pregnancy or Gestational Trophoblastic Disease. 
• Severe respiratory disease such as uncontrolled asthma, untreated pneumothorax, COPD or Long-COVID causing exertional shortness of breath or dip in your oxygen levels. 

What do I need to bring to the medical appointment?

It is highly recommended you check with your airline first if you require a fit to fly medical. For the appointment please make sure to bring the following:- 

• Please bring in proof of ID in the form of passport or driving license.
• Your maternity notes (including last dating scan, expected date of delivery, your Blood Group Type, last urine sample result and last blood pressure recording). 
• If you can bring your travel itinerary with date flying out of the UK that would be helpful. If booking hasn't been confirmed, you can bring in a range of dates that you are considering travel (as long as they meet the upper threshold gestational time limit for flying out as above).
• Please bring a urine sample which will be checked at time of appointment. 

What can I expect at my appointment and how long will the fit-to-fly certificate be valid for?

• Your maternity notes will be reviewed at time of appointment. 
• Your urine sample will be assessed for any signs of infection or proteinuria. 
• Your blood pressure and oxygen saturation levels will be examined and chest will be auscultated to listen to heart and lung sounds. 
• If the above requirements are satisfied, you will be issued a fit-to-fly pregnancy medical certificate at the time of appointment before you leave. This will likely be a pdf document that would be sent immediately to your e-mail or WhatsApp number, that can then be shown digitally or printed out later if you prefer. 
• Your certificate will be valid from the date of the appointment till the time you fly, unless there are changes in your circumstances in which case you should immediately notify the airline involved or contact Cherries Clinic Medicals if unsure. 

What if I have a medical condition that I'm not sure meets the criteria for travelling abroad?

• If you have any doubts or concerns, please contact us at Cherries Clinic Medicals and speak directly to the doctor to alleviate your concerns.