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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.

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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

Would you fly at 7 months pregnant?

27 replies

bozemum · 13/11/2011 19:30

I know in theory it's ok, but just wondering if it's a but silly unless really necessary. It's to visit a friend and completely non essential. I was going to visit at 6 months but she is busy, so it would have to wait til I'm 7 months.
Would really appreciate a sense check from some other pregnant ladies. Many thanks.

OP posts:

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kdiddy · 13/11/2011 19:32

How far is it? I went to Cyprus at 24 weeks and was just about at the limit of being comfortable on the plane. I probably wouldn't have gone any later but that's because of my back hurting rather than any other concerns.

toddlerama · 13/11/2011 19:34

Depends on the length. I flew to South America at 7 months (returning at 8 months) and the flights were hell. My feet took about 3 days to look normal, I couldn't put the tray down. One stretch I was upgraded to economy plus, but I still had to make 5 flights in economy. Honestly, never, ever again. I couldn't even shift about to get comfortable - once the seat in front went back, I was trapped.

discrete · 13/11/2011 19:36

Agree with toddlerama - went to Mexico at 7 months pg, and I have to say the flights were a bit rough.

Short haul was just fine though, it was the long stretch which did me in.

bozemum · 13/11/2011 19:38

It's just short haul, within the uk.

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Fresh01 · 13/11/2011 19:51

Everyone feels different in pregnancy but if you are feeling fine, I would and have done in each of my 4 pregnancies. A friend however had SPD from 20 weeks and it would have been her idea of a nightmare.

With my first I flew at 27 weeks from Australia to UK and back again at 29 weeks - 30 hours travel with 23 hours in the air. Drank lots of water and was told to move round regularly, given amount of water I drank the trips to the loo meant I kept moving!

Currently pregnant with no. 4 and flew 2.25 hours to France and back around the 6 month mark. Only uncomfortable bit was the toddler on my knee for much of the time!

Went on a 1 hour flight at 29 week to visit friends, first night DH and I had away from kids in 2 years recently and again no issues.

Just if you are over 28 weeks most of the UK domestic airlines can ask for medical note to confirm your dates. Although no-one gave me a second glance on my recent flight.

KD0706 · 13/11/2011 19:56

I'm a bit paranoid about this type of thing as I went into labour with DD at 30 weeks after a totally uncomplicated pg. So I wouldn't travel anywhere that I wouldn't want to have my baby

bozemum · 13/11/2011 19:59

Thanks everyone. Fresh, that's interesting I might have to look into that, I would be 30 weeks. Just worked that out and in weeks it sounds more for some reason!

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bozemum · 13/11/2011 20:01

Kd, that is what concerns me a bit. I wouldn't want to go into labour so far away from hubby and ds1.

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annekins · 13/11/2011 20:23

As long as you're medically fit to fly, there's no reason why you shouldn't. Although, try seeing how long you can sit comfortably for in a relatively small space before you go, and if it's less time than your flight, maybe reconsider your plans.

Otherwise, get a webcam and install Skype, and at least you can have a face to face chat (sort of...ish).

MiauMau · 13/11/2011 20:25

I'm doing it! I'm flying to Portugal at 32 weeks and coming back at 34. Can't miss Christmas with the family :)

Xmasbaby11 · 13/11/2011 20:52

What's the limit you're allowed to fly at? I thought it was earlier than 7 months. You may need a letter from your doctor/midwife.

Jeezimacasalinga · 13/11/2011 21:08

I've done it with both previous pregnancies, up to 34 weeks. It's really not a big deal. Have family in Europe and had to fly at Christmas time (baby due end Jan). I'd say short haul was fine and the airline limit is 36 weeks. You need a letter from the doctor after 28 weeks, but no-one has ever gave me a second glance or asked for it. Will be doing so again at Christmas time with this pregnancy (baby due mid Feb). Go and enjoy yourself!

changer22 · 13/11/2011 21:11

As it's within the UK, could you do it by train instead?

bozemum · 13/11/2011 21:49

It would be a 7 hour journey by train, so I thought flying preferable to minimise time away from ds1. Flying should prob be an ok thing to do, I am just such a worrier!

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changer22 · 14/11/2011 12:17

I thought it might be a long journey. I have young DC so a 7 hour journey (on my own with a good book and an MP3 player) would be part of the fun for me!

PamBeesly · 14/11/2011 14:15

I'm flying to London from Shannon at week 29, its a 45 minute flight, the gynaecologist said it was fine to fly at 29 weeks, I think short haul is fine up to 36 weeks, BUT some airlines won't carry you unless you have a doctors note to say you are ok to fly

MrsDobalina · 14/11/2011 14:32

I flew at around 6 months in both pregnancies but had an unexpected very rapid prem delivery with no. 2 at 7.5 months and it would not have been pretty on a plane. But I admit the chances of that happening to you are minuscule!

MrsDobalina · 14/11/2011 14:34

Oh just saw your last post - v short flight! I'd take the flight

hatchypom · 14/11/2011 14:34

I flew for work at 32 weeks but only short haul. One thing, though if it was overseas check your travel insurance as often this has a limit on it.

GirlWithTheMouseyHair · 14/11/2011 14:49

I flew to Madrid at 7months, it was agony to be honest but that's because I have SPD which is exacerbated if I have to sit in the same position for more than 10mins. Last pregnancy I would have been fine til the cut off point I reckon

Portofino · 14/11/2011 14:57

I commuted to Dublin for work via Aer Lingus until I was 6 months pg. I would check with the airline and your travel insurance as to the latest you can fly. I went to Prague with Easyjet at about 30 weeks and found it a bit of a squeeze

MaliCarro · 13/07/2016 12:57

I wouldn't fly at the 7th month of pregnancy. It's a dangerous time for a woman to fly: motherhow.com/7-months-pregnant/. What if something happens to the baby? What if the delivery starts? There are too many "what ifs" for me to approve the idea.

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mellmumma · 13/07/2016 18:45

Go!

I flew to Glasgow from London at 28 weeks and back following week 29. You just need a fitness to fly from doctor for airline (not that anyone asked me for one.. Ryanair)

A flight that short is only 45 mins anyway, the aircraft won't even reach full altitude and if anything were to kick off (which is so highly unlikely) you'd be able to divert easily.

Have to say baby was loving the flight! But then I am cabin crew so maybe I was just excited to be back on a plane again after 7 months of being grounded!

oldlaundbooth · 13/07/2016 19:00

Hmm, not sure, you might be quite big at 7 months and uncomfortable on the plane in those tiny seats.

But if it's only short haul, you probably won't be up longer than an hour?

If it was me and non essential I wouldn't bother

BUT it will be a lot easier at 7 months preg than with a newborn!

TheCrumpettyTree · 14/07/2016 10:22

The 'baby' is 5 now so I'm not sure you do need to approve the idea. This thread is from 2011 so I'm not sure it's an issue now.

Where have the ZOMBIE THREAD warnings gone?

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