Expert: Roberto Gomes - 9/11/2008

Question
sir,my wife and myself scheduled to go vacation on 1-1-2009 from dammam via behrain to kochi kerala india .my wife is pregnent now .I want to know from you that what will be the maximum pregnency period [in weeks]in which gulf air allowed to travel.

Answer
Dear Vasrghese,

Like any other airline, Gulf Air follows Iata rules as follow:

- Expectant mothers, in their 28th week of normal pregnancy or less, who anticipate no delivery complications, are accepted for travel without requiring medical clearance. However, a certificate from their doctor is required to prove the duration of pregnancy.

- Expectant mothers who are beyond 29 weeks of pregnancy and up to 34 weeks require medical clearance from their doctor. They must present a doctor's certificate, obtained not more than three days before travel, confirming, fitness to travel and stating the following:

-Duration of the pregnancy.
-Date of last menstrual period (LMP).
-Expected delivery date (EDD).
-Blood pressure: Haemoglobin:

- Expectant mothers who are beyond 34 weeks of pregnancy and up to 39 weeks are subject to medical clearance and must be accompanied by a doctor or a qualified nurse on the flight.

Air travel is not permitted for women who are beyond 39 weeks of pregnancy and for mothers within the first week after delivery.

Best Regards,
R.Gomes