Women of Aviation Week: Can I fly while pregnant?
- Dr. Rob Massera | DAME
- Mar 2
- 6 min read
Q: How common is pregnancy in aviation?
In 2010 commercial airline pilot Mireille Goyer founded Women of Aviation Worldwide Week, to recognise the 100th anniversary of the pioneering “aviatrix” Raymonde de Laroche, who became the first licensed female pilot on 8th March 1910. Since then, generations of women have followed her example to become pilots, yet they still only comprise around 5% of all aviators, and just 9.5% are estimated to be pregnant at any-one-time (based on numbers from the US Air Force in 2018). However, as more women choose careers in aviation, the number of women flying whilst pregnant will increase.
Q: What are the phases of pregnancy & how does the body change?
Pregnancy is a natural (and remarkable) physiological process that unfolds over approximately 40 weeks, bringing profound: hormonal, cardiovascular & physiological changes that influence a woman’s health, well-being and fitness-to-fly. It is divided into trimesters (of 12 to 13 weeks) each with distinct characteristics. The first trimester is marked by rapid hormonal changes and early development of the baby’s organs. The second trimester is generally more stable with noticeable physical changes and continued growth of the baby. Finally, the third trimester prepares the body for labour and birth - with increasing physiological demands that impact a woman’s mobility & endurance.
Q: Why is pregnancy relevant to women in aviation & flight-safety?
Pregnancy, especially in the first-trimester, brings rapid physiological changes that can significantly impact both fitness-to-fly and aviation-safety.
For example: pregnancy can cause blurred vision due to reduced tear production, changes in corneal shape (corneal oedema) or in rare cases, visual field defects due to high-blood pressure (pre-eclampsia). Reduced G-tolerance, dizziness, light-headedness & shortness of breath result from dilation of circulatory system (vasodilation), increased blood volume & cardiac output to the developing placenta. Distracting bloating or abdominal discomfort may worsen at altitude due to slowed maternal digestion and expansion of trapped-gas. While concentration and decision-making may be affected by: headaches, fatigue, morning-sickness or sleep-deprivation due to hormonal fluxes. Finally, the low-pressure, low-oxygen cabin environment - combined with reduced tolerance to hypoxia, increased blood clotting factors & prolonged sitting in confined cockpits - increases the risk of both symptomatic hypoxia & deep vein thrombosis.
For all these reasons pregnancy is a medically significant condition & CASA requires close medical supervision of pilots to ensure they remain fit-to-fly during their pregnancy.
Q: How does aviation affect the developing baby?
While research on this is limited, the main concerns in aviation include: G-forces, hypoxia, vibration, noise, chemical exposure, and cosmic radiation. If you fly high-performance aerobatic aircraft, sudden high G-forces can increase the risk of: miscarriage, uterine bleeding, or in later pregnancy, serious complications like placental or uterine rupture - which would likely be life-threatening for the baby and incapacitating for the pilot - due to the high blood flow to the placenta.
For most pilots in pressurized cabins, hypoxia isn’t a concern since both your body and your baby naturally prioritize oxygen delivery. However, in non-pressurized aircraft above 10,000 feet, there is a potential risk, so it’s best to limit exposure. When it comes to chemical fumes - like aviation fuel or hydraulic fluid - the risk is low but best avoided. Similarly, noise and vibration pose a theoretical risk but haven’t been proven to cause harm.
Cosmic radiation exposure is another potential risk-factor to consider, as it accumulates over time. While a single long-haul flight (for example: Sydney to Singapore) exposes you to about 0.1 mSv, pregnant pilots are generally advised to keep any single exposure below 1 mSv throughout pregnancy. Airlines usually track total exposure and consider adjustments to flight schedules of pregnant pilots & aircrew.
Q: Can I fly while pregnant & when can I fly again?
The short answer is AFFIRMATIVE. In fact, the US military is clearing more women like Major Lauren Olme (pictured with her husband) to continue flying. In Australia, women can remain fit-to-fly right up until the 30th week of pregnancy. However, this depends on: the type of pregnancy (low vs. high-risk), symptoms, complications (if any) & airline policies. CASA also recommends minimising flight-duties during the first trimester, while suspension of medical certification at 30 weeks is mandatory (CASR 67.235) - until confirmation of full post-partum recovery by a DAME in consultation with the pilot’s obstetrician & GP (usually 3 to 6 months).
Q: How will pregnancy affect my medical certification?
Pregnancy is a medically significant condition (CASR 67.010) requiring pilots to notify their DAME and temporarily cease flying until they have been medically cleared. It must not interfere with flight-safety (CASR 67.150/155/160) - so pregnant pilots may only return to flying if their obstetrician and DAME assess them as fit-to-fly - with some restrictions:
Limited flight in First-trimester - due to higher risk of symptoms/complications
Regular Medical surveillance - fortnightly with blood tests & possible limitations
Multi-crew limitation - for Class 1 holders
Proximity Restrictions - for Class 3 holders (beyond 30 weeks)
In general, medical certification is usually granted to pilots who have single, uncomplicated pregnancies with stable health metrics and few symptoms or complications.
Pilots with multiple or high-risk pregnancies, significant symptoms, or complications or a past history of complications - such as: severe morning sickness, dizziness, vision impairment, hypertension, or abnormal lab results - may be deemed unfit-to-fly. Under CASR 67.235, medical certification is automatically suspended at 30 weeks.
Q: How is pregnancy managed as a pilot?
Firstly, pregnant women - or those planning for pregnancy - should consult their DAME early to navigate the certification process & discuss how pregnancy can influence their fitness-to-fly. It is managed by a pilot’s GP & obstetrician in consultation with their DAME.
CASA recommends minimising flying during the first-trimester due to the higher risk of early pregnancy-related symptoms and complications that may impact fitness-to-fly - such as: severe morning sickness, motion sickness, light-headedness or miscarriage & haemorrhage. Once the pregnancy has stabilised in the second-trimester, pilots should maintain good hydration, avoid long flights (if possible), aerobatics and wear compression stockings to reduce the risk of DVT. During the first 4 weeks of the final trimester, pilots should plan for medical leave to commence from the 30th week of gestation & start to discuss the re-certification process post-partum with their DAME.
Q: What can I do to keep flying while pregnant?
Pregnant women can fly from the time they are cleared to fly right up until the 30th week of gestation. Open candid communication with the treating obstetrician, GP & DAME are key to maintaining fitness-to-fly & pilot well-being. Counter-measures to minimise the impact of pregnancy-related symptoms on flying include:
First-trimester
Nausea & vomiting - small frequent plain/bland meals/snacks, ginger or chamomile tea or acupressure bands can help
Fatigue - 8 to 9 hours sleep each night, naps where possible & scheduled rest-breaks
Urinary Frequency - maintain hydration consistently throughout the day & always visit the bathroom prior to departure
Mood swings - good consistent sleep & GP/DAME consultation if severe, stress management techniques like meditation, drawing on support networks
Second trimester
Constipation & cramping - frequent light meals, with fibre, consistent hydration (2 litres per day)
Round ligament or abdominal pain - use a belly band or pregnancy support belt
Back & pelvic pain - adjust cockpit seat position for comfort, consider a lumber support or low-profile cushion for added comfort - regular stretching & gentle exercise
Light-headedness - avoid high G-manoeuvres, maintain good hydration, take your time when transitioning into & out of the cockpit
UTIs - cranberry juice, good hydration & frequent urination
Foot/leg swelling - wear compression stockings & elevate legs when on ground-duties
Third-trimester
Heart-burn - small frequent plain meals, allow 60 mins of restful activity after meals
Overall, the key to flying while pregnant is self-awareness & honest open communication with one’s medical team who will collaborate to help keep the pregnant pilot flying for as long as possible.
Key take-aways
Pregnancy Changes Your body & fitness-to-fly – cardiovascular, physiological & hormonal shifts bring fatigue, dizziness or vision changes that can affect your performance
Pregnancy is a medically significant condition - you must notify your DAME before returning to flight-duties
Pilots can fly right up to 30 weeks - (with some restrictions) after which medical certification is automatically suspended
Fortnightly DAME monitoring - with regular GP/obstetrician check-ups for signs of aero-medically significant symptoms or complications
Minimise flying in the First trimester - until the pregnancy has stabilised & avoid aerobatics
Proactively employ countermeasures - to minimise symptoms - such as Hydration, compression stockings, small meals, and adjusting cockpit seating can improve comfort and reduce risks.
Self-awareness & honest Clear Communication - with Your Medical Team Is Key
Got more questions or comments?
Start a conversation: info@aerokare.com.au
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