a 4 hour flight at 25 weeks?

[hana]

Hi everyone.
Just want some help on this one. We've been planning a week away for ages, the flight would be about 4.5 hours direct. I'm now getting really worried that I shouldn't be flying, or flying for this long. I have a history of miscarriage (although in the first trimester) and wouldn't risk anything for this baby. Am I being silly? Was all set to book the holiday last night and I became v v scared and worried. I'll be 25 weeks pregnant going out, and staying for one week. Any advice or your comments really appreciated, thanks
hana
x

[Twinkie]

Think you were the same as me when I went to Italy a few weeks ago - try and tell the airline before you go and get to the check in quickly as you will be more comfortable in a seat over the bulkhead. Make sure you walk around during the flight and wear support stockings if possible and take food with you just in case like on our recent BA flight they insisted on feeding us all (both ways) manky microwaved Panini!!

Check in staff did ask me on the way back whether I was pregnant and said if I were to fly any later I would need a letter from my doctor but it all depends on what airline you are flying with as to when you will need this. But all in all the airline were very good (other than the crap food!!)

Mind you we have cancelled a holiday to Northern SPain for this weekend but that was more due to the factt hat we were flying BA and DP did not want me waiting around at the airport for hours on end if they delayed or cancelled our flight - oh and there has been rioting and bombing in San Sebastian - 10k from where we were to be based!!

[Saddy]

Hi Hana,

I suffered 4 mc before finally falling pg with this pregnancy (I am now 38 weeks). I was petrified as well as excited when I was pg this time, but even now I am nervous and unable to relax totally. However, I was 22 weeks when I flew to Gran canaria (from Gatwick) for 2 weeks holiday. This flight was 4 and a bit hours.

I wrote to the airline (Britannia) before I flew as I have a large bump and they sent me a medical form. I completed it and had my Dr confirm the pg on the form too. I took copies of this and send it to the travel agent. All I knew was I couldn't face being in a window seat accross a 3 x3 seat configuration for that time with endless trips to the loo and being unable to fold the table over my bump.

On the way out, I was actually allocated a special needs seat, apparently wheelchair users get first call at these, but then if there is no dissability on the flight they give them to medical requests. I had a comfy journey out there in the bulkhead. On the return we had whellchair passengers, but I was situated on a row with one spare seat, so just the two of us accross the three, which gave us more room.

All I would say is, like a tall person, you have the right to fly in comfort. Airlines accept woman to travel up to 28 (some 32) weeks of pregnancy and therefore cannot expect them to sit for 4 plus hours cramped up. Make sure you tell (in writing) the airline of your pregancy and ask to fill out a medical request form.

Good luckj

Saddy X

[sweetkitty]

I flew to New York 27 weeks pregnant but was stupid and never requested a special seat. It was cramped (made worse by the idiot in front of me) but I got my own back by getting up every half an hour for a walk. In the end it wasn't too bad.

Enjoy your holiday !

[tamum]

I flew to and from New York at 32 weeks stuck in the middle of a row. It was an overnight flight back and I was just behind by a rugby club whose members entertained themselves by blowing up condoms and wearing them as hats.
If I can survive that then I'm sure you'll be fine . Seriously, I wouldn't worry about flying in the second trimester. Enjoy yourself!

[Laino]

Well I must admit I have just bitten the bullet and booked a week in Greece. I'll be 26 wks when we fly out. The travel company said I was fine as long as I am under 28 weeks on return (which I will be - just). When I checked with the airline they asked me to get a doctors note stating fitness to fly and dates of pregnancy on return. Apparantly this is just in case the check in staff start to hassle you. It's still a good job I asked the airline though. I have requested a bulkhead seat but I was also told the seats were for disabled passengers. So fingers crossed. One of my books also says that the air quality is better at the fron of the plane - don't know if that's true. Will be seeing midwife next week so I'm going to check if she's knows anything about it. I have to admit to being a bit nervous about flying when pregnant but I need the break!

[fisil]

I flew to Malasia and NZ and back between 18 and 21 weeks, about 48 hours of flying in 4 chunks. I took a Dr's note, but no-one ever asked to see it. I walked & drank water a lot and twizzled my ankles!

[hana]

thank you so much everyone - I think we will book it! I am seeing my GP early next week which will be about a week before we fly and ask for a letter then. This has really reassured me, thank you all!
hana

[scubamum2b]

I spoke to my consultant about it a few weeks back (although as I have not had a m/c don't know if advice would be any different). Got some support pop socks (£15 from Boots), take your own bottle of water on board (which I normally do anyway), avoid coffee/alchol, take 1/2 asprin day before and on the day of the flight (helps thin the blood and circulation - but please get Dr advice for taking this), get up walk around, follow excercise sheet/video onboard etc.

Advised airline at time of booking re pregnancy (they dont require letter but getting one just incase as I get back 28/2)and note made for seat allocation.

I have flown a lot and many long haul flights, so to me a 4 or 5 hr flight is relatively short. I have also not suffered much of pregnancy compliants - eg swellings which I would guess would make a flight more uncomfortable.

If person in front has seat too far back I would have no qualms saying something to them (politely of course before pregnancy hormones rage as I have done this several times as I usually get my vegggie food before others) and if they did nothing would say something to air steward/ess if I was that uncomfortable.

Oh and ensure you have suitable insurance - many insurance companies cut off is before the airlines - we got ours through AA

Finally (assuming you book) have a good relaxing holiday

[dazedandconfused]

I flew to Tenerife (4 hours) when I was 32 weeks pergnant, and my midwife issued me with a very attractive pair of support stockings! The flight was absolutely fine, and I'm so pleased we went for a holiday before DS came along-holidays are just not the same later! I did those ankle twisting exercises and went for a walk a couple of times, drank lots of water and no caffeine...

Have a good holiday