Those of us who write these articles sometimes struggle to find a way of introducing our theme and making it relevant. But, today, it's a pleasing coincidence that a bird should be the one creature associated with the delivery of a baby. Any other choice would make it really difficult to link an article on pregnancy and babies to flight. Let's start off with the myths. Traveling in a pressurised cabin is safe. There is no risk that silicone implants will explode or that any fetus will be injured (not that the two are in any way connected, of course). Indeed, many women travel before they know they are pregnant and no harm is caused. There is absolutely no medical evidence that flying causes any disruption to the development of the baby. There are no verifiable incidents of miscarriage or pre-term labor associated with short or long haul flights. So long as the mother is healthy and the pregnancy is progressing as it should, mothers-to-be may safely fly up to the end of the third trimester. The ban on flying only arises during the last four weeks of the pregnancy. This is for purely practical purposes. After thirty-six weeks, a woman can go into labor somewhat unpredictably and, although it might represent a slightly different take on the mile-high club, airplanes are not set up as flying maternity wards to protect the privacy of the mother or the health of the new-born baby should complications arise. In fact, some airlines require a doctor's certificate after the twenty-seventh week that the mother is healthy and no problems are expected, with the final decision resting with the captain as to whether the mother can fly.

Once the baby is born, everything changes. The first issue to consider is the ban on carrying liquids, gels, etc. Check the airport rules for the countries in which you propose to fly on what you are allowed to take on board the plane itself. When you get to the airport and check in, go to the security desk with the baby before you try to pass through to the secured area. Allow a full inspection of food, formula and bottled water. The good news is that you are not required to taste the food yourself, but everything may have to be x-rayed. The airline also need to know in advance so that proper seating arrangements can be made. Most provide special restraint seats that can be strapped into the conventional seats. Make sure the appropriate ticketing arrangements have been made. Beware some low-cost airlines have hidden charges for carrying babies. Take diapers and changes of clothing in case they throw up.

There is no reason why families cannot travel safely and economically. There are packages available giving cheap tickets and discounts for other services. All you have to do is to search through the online travel agencies to find the cheap flight deals.