flying whilst pregnant

[ch1134]

I flew last time at about 20 weeks and remember thinking 'baby doesn't like this' (he didn't move much during the flight), but it was just short haul. I'm considering doing it again but a much longer flight and I'll be a bit further on. Any opinions?

[peppapigonaloop]

I flew a lot while pregnant, had no feeling that baby unhappy or distressed...are you worried it might affect the baby?

[ch1134]

Yes, and also that the airline might not let me on (flying 2 months before due date). Thanks for the reply.

[peppapigonaloop]

You will need a Doctors note for the airline but they will let you fly..you need to make sure your insurance covers you totally for anything while abroad..
Personally it never crossed my mind that flying might be harmful to the baby..
Where are you planning to go? If it's for a sunny holiday then you should def go!! If it's a work trip I can see why you'd rather not!

[ch1134]

Ah thanks! It's a holiday. Thought it might be a last chance before first baby is 2!

[DontBeBlueBeARainbow]

I am preparing to fly at 33+6 (currently 29+3 with DC#1).

I've been a bit worried that something might not go smoothly and I wouldn't be able to get the certificate thingy signed off by the doctor, but fingers crossed, as all good so far. It's actually 4 flights in 2 days, I am expecting it'll be hard to get comfortable and I'll be knackered when I eventually reach home, but for me it's necessary as I don't really want to give birth where I'm currently living.

For a holiday, if before 28 weeks I'd say go for it. You may not enjoy the flight but the break would be great!

[KiwiDoc]

I've just flown from New Zealand to London and back at 20-22 weeks and had no problems at all. My main tip is to make sure you get an aisle seat as you will be up and down to the toilet and need to move about more. Get flight socks too. I felt my baby move the the first time on the return flight.

[Maxis1]

Was flying myself at 27 + 29 weeks.
I asked my GP to get me a fit to fly note and checked the airlines rules. most of them wont let you fly after 32 weeks but Lufthansa says 36 weeks with Doctors note.

Just make sure you have flight socks and / or compression tights, move around and drink a lot!

My feet where swollen for 2 days after the flight but that when went away completely again.

Baby didn't seem to mind one bit and has been kicking happily away before and after the flight.

[capecath]

My dad died when I was about 25 weeks with DS1 and I had to fly to South Africa from UK (back again about 27 weeks). I was horrified as to how much my legs swelled!! Agree about sock advise and be on aisle so that you can walk around easily or try to get space for putting feet up (you won't be allowed exit seats though). Doctors note should be sufficient to get you on board. I don't think dangerous for baby but swelling potentially dangerous for you...

[PerpetualStudent]

Useful thread - I'm planning to fly (short haul to Germany) for a work trip at 35 weeks - which I think puts me right at the limit for the airlines letting you on (I think their main concern is you going into labour on the plane?!) but I'm feeling positive, as long as I feel healthy and my Dr. is happy to sign me off I don't see why it should be an issue...
I'm just 19+3 now, so prepared things might change/feel different nearer the time

[HanJac80]

I'd recommend checking your insurance covers you too though - I've booked a holiday for when I'm 25 weeks and when I told my insurance company they said they only cover pregnancy up to 26 weeks, so just got there in the nick of time!