Trip to USA at 14 weeks PG?

[Vatta]

Hi, found out last week I'm pregnant with my first and have a (possibly stupid!) question.

We'd planned to go to west coast USA in the summer - I think I'd be about 14 to 16 weeks PG while there. There's be long flights (14 hours), then all the tourist stuff, driving lots to different locations, etc.

Is this plausible or would it be too uncomfortable or risky at that stage? And are there any tips or things I should bear in mind to look after myself and the bump on a long flight?

TIA.

[beachesandbuckets]

I did loads of long haul flights and travelling when pregnant with first dc. No problem at all. Just remember to have a walk around the plane every so often to keep your circulation going. And don't plan long nights out as you may be tired. And tell security at airports that you are pregnant so you don't have to go through scanners. And don't pack loads as you shouldn't be carrying massive loads. Have fun and enjoy! My travelling days are postponed for a couple of years now so make the most of it whilst you can! X

[juneau]

I travelled lots while pregnant with DS1 too. All the above tips are good - plus make sure you stay well hydrated on long flights. Of course, if you have a high-risk pregnancy (for whatever reason), your doctor or midwife may either advise against it or give you some specific advice relating to travel. Also, make sure you have really good travel insurance - the US is not a good place to end up in hospital without adequate insurance!

[HazleNutt]

get a very good travel insurance, as was said. Of course it really depends, each pregnancy is different, but generally most people feel just fine at 14 weeks.

[Vatta]

That's really helpful, thanks all!

[LouiseD29]

I am 29 weeks and have been to the US twice in the last month (for work). As long as you're otherwise healthy you'll be fine. I bought some v unattractive flight socks on the advice of my doctor and had a stretch / walk around every couple of hours. Definitely check out your travel insurance though. Have a brilliant time!

[bingeddybongo]

I went to the west coast at 12-14 weeks and it was fine, although I still had horrible morning sickness which was basically just really annoying, especially since the jet lag whacked me harder than ever before - the first couple of days were horrific! And all those hills in San Francisco were bloody hard work .

I second beachesandbuckets suggestion to tell security and get a pat down rather than a scan (they have a lot of those full body scanners over there), plus my doctor recommended taking a tiny dose of aspirin for a couple of days before and after each flight as well as wearing those special sexy compression tights. And I drank a ridiculous amount of water on the flights.

Have a fab time!

[Longfufu]

I went to NY for 4 days when 4.5 months pregnant, we had one of those passes that gets you into all the attractions so we where out the hotel at 7.30am everyday and got in around 5pm. By 5pm I was exhausted and pretty much asleep for the evening but we had a great time and to top it off OH proposed in central park whilst we sat on a bench by the lake (shame my fingers were so swollen I didn't dare put my ring on :) ). All I will say is make sure you have some comfy shoes if your out and about. Have fun.

[Itchyandscratchy]

I went to the US at 12/13 weeks. Still had a great time but was was sick as a dog on the plane; queasy & off my food all the time we were there and I was very tired. Luckily we were staying with friends so i could have naps in the day. It did affect the holiday but didn't ruin it. Everyone's different though. It certainly didn't harm the baby.

[Bunnylion]

I flew a few long-hauls while pregnant. One to America at 12 weeks. I was feeling awful on that one and my DH told the check in woman and asked if we could have front of cabin seats so I could be near the toilet, instead she upgraded us free of charge!

[dreamingbohemian]

Just be very careful re travel insurance -- a lot of policies don't cover pregnant women. Read the fine print!

[Cavort]

I went to New York at 14 weeks. Everything was fine apart from feeling a bit tired by the end of each day but we did trek for miles. I second what other posters have said about getting good insurance (I think I got one with AXA), wear flight socks, walk around lots and drink lots of water.

[HopefullA]

im going to the states next week for 2 weeks and il be 17 weeks. Going to get the travel socks and thats it really. Hopefully all will be good

[g0ldie]

I went to new york at 19 weeks. m and s insurence - called before and they told me I was covered with standard policy. Had an amazing holiday. flight back was hard - restless legs so missed the nights sleep but i had booked an extra day AL to recover than would normally!
Enjoy!x

[Vatta]

Thanks all, you've made me feel more confident that I can manage the trip - and I will take the magnifying glass to my travel insurance!

HopefulA - hope you have a great time!

[expectingwriter]

Hello Vatta - I might be a bit late to this thread, but I'm now 21 weeks and went to the States several weeks ago for a holiday (booked pre-pregnancy!) when I was 14 weeks too :) Don't worry, it will be fine! To be honest, the hardest/trickiest part or only part when I really 'felt pregnant' was constantly needing to know where the nearest loos were (tip if you happen to be in New York: fancy department stores always worth popping into for a loo trip! Barneys, 4th floor for the ladies!) but other than that minor but slightly annoying inconvenience, still had a great trip. Hope you have a great one too!

[expectingwriter]

Oh and yes - is worth mentioning at the US scanner point that you are pregnant, when you're early on they won't know unless you tell them, and then they'll let you walk aside and be checked separately if need be x

[TarkaTheOtter]

I did West Coast at 14 weeks pregnant with my dd. Was fine.