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Get updates on how your baby develops, your body changes, and what you can expect during each week of your pregnancy by signing up to the Mumsnet Pregnancy Newsletters.

Pregnancy

Flying long haul in second trimester? Any negative/positive experiences?

28 replies

rosalina72 · 02/12/2007 11:38

I've got plans to go on holiday but as the date gets closer I'm starting to panic! I've heard the second trimester is the safest in which to travel but I'm terrified of having a problem at 40,000 feet! Btw, so far I've had what I would say is a normal pregnancy. Am I just being silly?

OP posts:

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paulaplumpbottom · 02/12/2007 11:40

You aren't being silly, but there is no need to worry. I traveled alot in my 2nd trimester. The only thing I would say is try to keep it within Europe as it might be uncomfy to sit for 5 hours or more

BellaBear · 02/12/2007 11:42

I wwent to Australia at 17 weeks. My GP told me to wear those DVT socks and walk around at least every two hours, which I did, and I didn't get puffy ankles and felt fine. I did make sure that I did a lot of walking around.

bigspender30 · 02/12/2007 11:44

I went to the caribbean twice in my 2nd trimester and it was fine-where are you thinking of going?

Ispy · 02/12/2007 11:45

Hi. I did two long haul flights with each of my 2 children when we lived in the US and travelled back to Europe, 11 hours each. Just make sure you stay hydrated and walk around once an hour or so.

Coolmama · 02/12/2007 11:46

keep moving and drink lots of water - wear compression socks and check with your dr about taking half an aspirin to prevent blood clots.

rosalina72 · 02/12/2007 12:11

Thanks for all your replies, ladies. I'm going to US and it's roughly an 8/9 hour flight. Looks like lots of you have traveled and had no issues. I'll just make sure to drink lots of water, wear those socks and walk around. Oh, and RELAX! Which I've found to be the hardest thing in pregnancy...all this worrying is doing my head in!

OP posts:

paulaplumpbottom · 02/12/2007 12:36

Make sure you have travelers insurance, just in case. I'm sure you'll be fine but medical care is extremely expensive in the Stataes. Get full coverage and make sure it covers pregnancy, some don't

rosalina72 · 02/12/2007 13:01

Thanks for reminding me, ppb! I've got travelers insurance but have no idea if pregnancy is covered!

OP posts:

mum2bejan · 02/12/2007 13:13

I went to Florida in the 2nd trimester. Same advice as others have already given you really.... drink lots of water, walk around whenever you can, do excercises in seat and wear those very attractive compression socks.I was totally fine, and had no side effects, so I'm sure you will be too. Just have a chat with your midwife first and make sure you take your maternity notes with you.

PurlyQueen · 02/12/2007 18:24

Hi - I went to the US when I was 17 weeks PG and had no problems on the flight, even on the return leg when I was sandwiched in a row because a woman with her neck in a collar and a gammy leg needed the aisle seat more than I did.
Buy a big bottle of water at the airport, as you can't take them through security, so that you can drink when you want and aren't reliant on the charity of the cabin crew.
Keep wriggling and pointing your feet if you can't get up and walk around.
And have a great time!

rosalina72 · 02/12/2007 19:31

Thanks guys! Lots of reassurance from everyone. Finally starting to look forward to my trip!!

OP posts:

Balthamos · 03/12/2007 10:43

Just wanted to say i went to hong kong and thailand at 20 wks and it was harder than usual but like everyone else said, get the socks, walk around lots and drink more water than you knew you ever could! HOWEVER, take some snacks on board, like little bags of peanuts (whatever you can buy at the airport) as i found that the jet lag made my body clock all out of synch and i wasn't hungry at the same time as the meals were served on board. There is nothing worse than having raging pregnancy hunger and being stuck in the air with no access to food! (Or maybe that was just me and maybe that is why 4 months after the birth of my DD i am still a stone overweight?! Other than that it was fab. Stick your growing bump out lots nad people will help and be lovely to you. Enjoy!

lucysnowe · 03/12/2007 13:43

Hi

I travelled to the West Coast when I was around 17 weeks - eight hours, about the same as what you've got planned. It was fine. Just remember to book an aisle seat because you will prob have to go to the loo all the time and if you have to change flights, make sure you've got enough time.

I had a rather rushed changeover at LAX which was a bit stressful, especially with heavy bags, and it did mean I didn't have time for a proper meal which meant I subsisted on crisps and orange juice quite a lot!

Bessie123 · 04/12/2007 13:31

I travelled economy for 12 hours at 30 weeks and all absolutely fine; the cabin crew even commented on how healthy and well i looked. I did wear those v unglamourous support stockings - I think they are supposed to help. I also found restless legs a bit challenging, but it helped to walk around a little bit.

millie865 · 04/12/2007 17:08

Hi, I flew long haul quite a few times during my second trimester. Got the support stockings, walked around etc.

Only problem I had was being taken to one side as I was about to board a plane home and cross examined about how pregnant I was, did I have permission from my dr to fly etc. I think they thought I was more pregnant than I was and were worried I was flying beyond the recomended date. Thinking about it now the questions were probably fairly harmless, I was just tired and hormonal and felt like I was getting the third degree.

finallypregnant · 04/12/2007 17:36

We're off at the beginning of January on a Caribbean Cruise when I will be 15 weeks. Going to get the socks but I am very fortunate that I've managed to use airmiles and we're going business class so I have a bed!

Bessie123 · 04/12/2007 18:02

finallypregnant - I don't want to be a killjoy and I hope you have an amazing holiday, but is it a good idea to go on a cruise when you are only 15 weeks pregnant? I could be totally wrong and I'm sure you've done all your research etc, but I think there is an increased risk of food poisoning on cruises because everyone is cooped up together and contamination is easier.

finallypregnant · 04/12/2007 18:25

If you are on the ferry to Holland perhaps! Being on a cruise ship is no different to being in a large hotel anywhere in the world. Plus at least on a cruise you are forced to sanitise your hands before you enter any eating area - you don't get that in a hotel!

Thanks for your concern but I have no problems with it. Your comment could easily cover places such as a buffet in Tenerife, a burget place at Disney in Orlando or your local takeaway where you don't know how clean places are or how the food is prepared.

Bessie123 · 04/12/2007 18:31

Well ok. FAOD, I wouldn't eat from any of those places you listed anyway because as you say, you don't know how clean they are.

MrsJohnCuSackFullOfPresents · 04/12/2007 18:39

I moved to NZ from the UK at 18 weeks together with a v.crabby 22 month old. It was fine (apart from the toddler)

support tights, LOADS of water, loads of walking around, loads of books, check insurance as everyone says

the US flight will be fine, enjoy the holiday - the 2nd trimester is a good time for a holiday

MrsJohnCuSackFullOfPresents · 04/12/2007 18:41

wow am looking back now
27 hours in economy with a vast amount of luggage. I must have been crazy

I unpacked an entire container at 24 weeks as well

mad

finallypregnant · 04/12/2007 18:50

Sorry I just read that back and I sounded quite blunt and a bit rude. I think no one would travel during pregnancy if FP was a real risk, afterall, you could give it to yourself at home too not just through eating a meal at any restaurant etc.

Apologies again.

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meep · 04/12/2007 18:59

I went to New Zealand in my first trimester - sick as a dog and so so tired! Would have been much happier in my 2nd trimester when all the happy hormones kicked in and I felt wonderful! Same advice re lovely socks , lots of water and exercise! Have fun!

Hersetta · 04/12/2007 21:46

Flew to the US and the Caribbean in my first trimester and to the Maldives when I was 27 weeks.

No problems either time. Wore my flight socks and kept myself well hydrated so had to get up to go to the loo all the time which is good for strething those legs.

I'm sure you'll be fine if you're sensible.

disneystar · 07/12/2007 10:06

i have been reading through these problems but can anyone answer a different one pls i will be in 2nd trimester and flying to US soon all good tips ive read il remember the socks but im usually sick on landing sometimes take off but usually landing when the plane starts to descend bit by bit can this get worse when pregnant at all please anyone had any experiance of sever sickness

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