Flying pregnant

[prinnycessa]

What is the latest you have/would fly whilst pregnant? I know the NHS website recommends 36 weeks but wanted to see what people have actually done or plan to do.

TIA

It all depends on your airline and where you're flying to.

Some won't let you fly after a certain point at all, others will require a medical certificate.

Some countries won't let you in unless your a citizen past a certain date.

It depends on where you are going and what airline. Personally at 36 weeks I couldn’t walk far and was uncomfortable most of the time.

I didn't realise this. Thank you!

I flew at 31 weeks out and 32 back. Wasn't the most comfortable but only a short flight (Ibiza) so doable. I needed a letter from my midwife. Not sure I'd have booked if already knew I was going to be that pregnant but holiday was booked first.

I flew short haul at around 28-29 weeks in both my pregnancies and it was fine but I wouldn't have wanted to fly long haul or much later from a comfort aspect. I had SPD with my second and it was pretty painful on the flights.

Thanks guys. Has anyone flown long haul in second trimester in business class? Does that help?

I did 6 hours - so just longhaul - in my late second trimester with baby #1 and it was absolutely fine. I probably wouldn't want to do anything really far like Australia or that far east without a lie-flat bed.

I did Far East at about 26 weeks (out) and 28 weeks (back) in my first pregnancy. Out was fine, back was uncomfortable but worth it.

Pregnancy has floored me this time around and I would have found that really tricky.

So my answer is… there is no single answer. Sorry!

I flew loads up to 28 weeks, including long haul and then my pregnancy became high risk so I was grounded. I did long haul economy at about 24 weeks and had difficulty getting my tray table down. I also flew business a few times and that was much more comfortable.

In answer to your question… business class would be easier, but still not great. Also at the moment (29 weeks) I’m really limited on the amount of walking and sitting I can do, so I probably wouldn’t appreciate the holiday anyway.

I flew long haul out at 24 weeks and back at 28. Way back was way more unconfortable and we had extra leg room seats, it was more the lack of being able to walk around in any comfort and use the loos when my bladder needed to go, and there being queues or seatbelt signs on. Wouldn’t go that late again, even short haul unless it was very short haul.

A real mixed bag. Thanks for sharing all your experiences!