5.5 hours flying - when 7 months pregnant

[CupcakesHay]

Hello

I'm currently living abroad, but planning to come back and have the baby in the UK. The flight is 5.5 hours. I'm due 30th january 2011 - so was thinking of coming back around the 6th December - so i'll be just over 7 months pregnant.

Does anyone think this is feasible? I know i need to check with Doctor and get a certificate before i fly, and the airline accept you between 32-36 weeks with a cert.

but i'm just thinking about from an uncomfortable perspective....

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks
Hayley

I did 9 hours and it was OK. Not comfortable but not the end of the world. However, you do need to make sure you have plenty of water as dehydration is v dangerous.

I also used the socks against dvt.

Thanks IB.

Also - were fellow passengers helpful - i mean- if i ask someone to put my bag in the overhead, and get my case off the luggage belt - will they help? That's another thing i'm worried about....

Sadly, my hubby can't travel with me - due to saving his leave for the birth.

I travelled 4 hours at 34 weeks when I lived in Turkey to come back for the birth, I was alone too as my husband couldn't come with me. It was a bit uncomfortable but not too bad. The cabin crew were helpful on the plane and put my bag up for me and I got someone to help me unload by case from the carousel once I got to Gatwick, then I found a porter to help me through.

Wear some flight socks and make sure you keep getting up and walking about, and drink plenty of water and you should be fine.

I'd also spend a bit extra if you can and fly a nice airline with more legroom

and check with the airline if they will take you.

Seven months should be fine with a doctor's certificate. I flew back to the UK for a visit both times I was 7 months pregnant (12 hour flight each way) and had no problems.

I was with dh so didn't need help with luggage, but we were allowed to skip the (absolutely massive) queue at check-in which was nice...

You'll be fine. I came back really late although it was a shorter flight. But that wouldn't concern me - : )))

What I would say is, depending on where you live, make sure you think the UK really is the better choice for a birth. The UK is great but very high statistics for c-sections. I really regret coming back from Holland where I would have had a much better chance of having a natural birth. Completely off the track, I know, but do think about your options.

Hope the rest of your pregnancy goes well : ))

wow. that makes me feel so much better! Ikind of figured it would be OK... but much nicer to hear from people who have done it!

My husband's with the Foregin Office, so I don't get much choice about coming back to the UK - but the country I'm in has got a bit of a bad rep for dealing with any complications - so if I could guarantee a simple birth, it would be ok - but I can't risk it!