Flying whilst pregnant

[JoWells]

Hi everyone - I'm new to the site, so please bear with me

I wanted to ask about flying when pregnant. I've just booked to fly from Liverpool to Granada (about 2-3 hours) on June 7th (with the dreaded Ryanair), and by then I'll be 29 weeks pregnant (31 when we come back!!)

I wondered if anyone had any tips or advice on preparing for the flight and what to do when I'm up there?

My pregnancy has been pretty good so far so I really can't see why I'll not be fit to fly - and frankly, I NEED the break! So, any pearls of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers all

I flew at around 30 weeks, (to maldives on pre-wedding / pre-baby honeymoon!) I didn't actually feel that much more uncomfortable than usual, they're always pretty uncomfortable even when not pregnant. Only advice I'd give is get an isle seat, much easier to get in and out of so you can stand and stretch your legs or get to the loo easily, and drink loads of water. Have fun!!

I am sure you will be fine. Just check their T&Cs and probably best to have a letter from Dr / Midwife saying you are in good health and ok to fly. some airlines won't take you after 32 weeks - some are fine at 9 months.

I flew at 32 weeks to Canada - no different to usual really! Get an aisle seat so you can get out easier or extra leg room if possible, take maternity notes with you, check airlines t and c, and may want to wear v attractive support stockings from Boots as I puffed up alot more that normal and slight increase of DVT. ( put them on before you board the plane, it is near on impossible to put them on in the plane's loo whilst preg though is a good challenge!)

Thanks for your advice everyone - I feel much better and really looking forward to the break :-)

Nothing else to add, but please, please check and double check your airlines and travel insurances terms and conditions. They vary such a lot.

make sure you follow all the anti-DVT advice thoroughly as being pg can put you at a higher risk of DVT - support stockings, lots of movement around, lots of water.

Talk to your MW about it as well and see if she has any further advice for you.

Hi,
Couldn't help but respond as I live in Granada and have just started a thread tonight asking if Ryanair should be avoided!

I flew at 36 weeks back from Edinburgh but can't remember any tips. I had a toddler with me so it was hard anyway.

Make sure the airline will allow you to fly, it varies from airline to airline how many weeks they will allow you to be to fly with them. You may need a docs letter saying you are fit to fly.

Ah, book your ticket for the Alhambra NOW online to avoid disappointment. Choose a morning visit, it will be much cooler.

(And if you feel like walking down-hill through the woods afterwards to the centre of town do drop into our shop 'Artesania El Suspiro' second shop on your right after you come through the big stone gateway with the pomegrantes on top onto the Cuesta de Gomerez and quote 'Mumsnet' for a small discount! [shameless plug emoticon]

Hey - thanks for the offer Shitemum!! I just might take you up on that! But there is NO WAY i can walk into a shop and ask for 'Shitemum' - so you'll have to give me your name. Oh, and what type of shop is it?

I flew home from turkey when I was 36 weeks and I didn't find it a problem, just ask for an aisle seat so you can get up and move around and wear some of those flight socks but sa someone said earlier make sure you put them on beforehand or you will have a real struggle. I had to get my husband to help me as I couldn't do it on my own!

And drink plenty of water while you are on board.

Have a good break!

I flew round the world at 22 weeks and asked for extra legroom and got it every flight. Socks and water a must.

Thanks for your advice everyone. Only 4 weeks until the hols now - feel great and can't wait!!

I flew at 30 weeks pregnant and got upgraded to business which was brilliant but I don't think Ryanair do business/club class do they?

If not I recommend trying to sit in an aisle near the toilet as I found it tricky walking down a busy aisle where people wanted to pass me. There was nowhere for bump to go.