Flying at 30 weeks

[pandabiscuit]

Just after a bit of advice from anyone who may have experienced this.

I have a work related conference at which I'm due to give a presentation, which is by no means compulsory but would be great career-wise if I could attend. If I don't go I'd have to ask someone else to present it and I feel a bit bad about dumping it on them plus I wouldn't get the kudos.

It's in Chicago for a week and won't be till the end of November when I'll be around 30 weeks- if we do go DH was thinking of coming too as a bit of a holiday for him and to keep an eye on me! I know most airlines would still be alright for me to fly with a medical note (before 34-36 weeks)and I'm aware I need to make sure I have adequate travel insurance in case anything did happen out there but I'm just wondering if I'm being a bit naive thinking it should be fine.

I've only just started to get a bump and not feeling any kicks yet so not sure if a 7-8 hour flight when much bigger and with a potentially active kicker on board would be much fun? One friend I know did a similar flight at 28 weeks and said it was exhausting and another who flies regularly with work went on her last trip at 25 weeks.

Unfortunately, video-conferencing I don't think would be an option otherwise I'd definately be doing that!

Does anyone have any thoughts/advice? Should I go for it and try and book flight now when there's a few deals on or wait and see how I'm feeling but then have to probably pay more??

What was your pre-pregnancy BMI like? I ask because the risk of getting a DVT in pregnancy is very high compared to normal - 1 in 1,000 generally, compared to 1 in 4,000-10,000 if you're flying long-haul when not pregnant. Flying long-haul ups the risk when pregnant again and if you were overweight (which ups the risk yet again), it's recommended you have heparin injections to fly long-haul.

www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk/pdf/fly_0309.pdf

For me that ruled out flying long-haul while pregnant as I wasn't prepared to take heparin for a flight I didn't have to make.

Personally, flying economy would also not be an option, what with the bump, the need to do lots of exercises (to reduce the DVT risk) and my SPD. Would your work fly you club?

Without wanting to sound precious, I'd fly business but probably not economy at that stage. I'd try to do a day flight if possible as well.

I flew UK-HK (12hrs) at 30 weeks and it wasn't great, but was certainly do-able. I just felt a bit puffed up by the end and found it difficult to get comfortable on the flat bed.

(plus it's blardy annoying having to passs up all that free champagne )

pandabiscuit - I flew to Edinburgh, so only an hour long flight, a couple of weeks ago at 26.5 weeks. I've had an easy pregnancy with no real problems. My ankles swelled up like bloody balloons which hasn't happened before or since. It wasn't very nice to be honest.

Doesn't mean it will happen to you but I got off the flight home and my first thought was thank god I don't have to fly again until after this baby is born.

I don't think I'd want the jet lag either.

With DS1 I flew at 32 weeks. It was a 3 hour flight and I was pretty uncomfortable due to the bump being squashed up in the small seat space. I felt like I couldn't breath properly. Luckily the kind stewardess took pity and let me sit in the front row seats that you normally have to pay more for.

I'm with BaggedandTagged - if you can avoid the economy seats it will be a much easier flight I think - particularly if the bump is big or you are tall.

Japhrimel - Good points well made. Thankfully my pre-pregnancy BMI was normal and still is despite putting on the obligatory early extra pounds - I'm not sure if you can wear those sexy compression stockings in pregnancy or even if I'd be able to get them on but the DVT risk did cross my mind so had thought about getting a bigger seat.

Baggedandtagged and Divejaney - Definately thought about flying business but unfortunately work wouldn't pay for my flight (and certainly not DH's) so the travel/hotel expense is all on us. If it wasn't potentially so expensive then would definately consider paying more and bagging myself a better seat - would obviously have to upgrade DH too then as guess it would be too mean to have him languishing in economy!!
Had hoped we could wing it in economy and see if a kind steward/ess will give us the fire exit seats when they see my size but I guess that's banking on there being empty seats on the flight. I'm not that tall - just over 5'6" but guess I have no way of predicting how big I'm going to get or how I'm going to be feeling.
A crystal ball right now would be great!

I flew 8 hours at about 34 weeks without a problem - but it was business class. I would have flown premium economy if I had had to - but perhaps not economy. Can you afford the upgrade to PE - it isn't usually very much.

I know plenty of people who have flown as late as possible (around 34 weeks) and been fine.

You can - and must - wear compression stockings when flying long-haul in pregnancy.

You won't be able to sit by an exit, because you wouldn't be able to do what's needed in case of an emergency.

If you can't fly club, I'd say economy plus at least would be essential, otherwise there will be no room for you to do any exercises in the seat. You'd also have to get an aisle seat to be able to get up for the loo and to walk around lots.

Hmm- hadn't thought about the fact I'd be the most useless passenger sat next to the exit!

Will look at the price difference to upgrade and also check cancellation policies in case I feel pretty lousy in a couple of months and can't face making the trip. I wish chicago hotels were a bit cheaper - the whole upgrading to business class wouldn't be such a huge deal then.

Yeah, definitely make sure everything is okay to cancel or at least transfer to a colleague. If nothing else, you don't know what issues you could develop that could mean no flying at all.

I would also check with your doctor before booking anything to ensure that - assuming things are still going smoothly - they'd be happy to write a note okaying you to fly. Some doctors & midwives can be funny about doing it, and without the note, you may well not be allowed on the plane (or it could void your insurance) at 30 weeks.

I went on holiday at 29+4 and came back at 30+5 on a 3.5 hour flight each way. At the time I had terrible back pain constantly and it wasn't comfortable but not all that bad.
If I'm honest I probably wouldn't have wanted to do a 7-8 hour flight at that stage unless it was in a well reclining seat.
It's probably best, if possible, to make a decision closer to the time as you will have a better idea later on of how well you'll cope.

hi - ive been advised that if flying long haul you have to exercise every 20 mins & wear stockings, not sure how workable that is for you. I'm flying at 20 weeks in business v long, and internal 2 hrs econ, not looking forwards to it but hoping nice man wants to carry my bags...! MW said she wouldny fly post 28 weeks - at 30 things can be brought on in the air due to pressures etc?? good luck

That fits with the advice I've been given. 1 in 1000 is a really high risk of DVT anyway compared to normal - and that's before you've got on the plane! Definitely wouldn't be able to sleep through the flight.

Hang on- so work want you to go to Chicago to do a presentation but they're not paying for your flight? At all, or just not for a business class one?

I think I'd be telling them they need to find someone else to do it, unless this is the career making opportunity of your lifetime.

Also, dont feel bad letting DH languish in economy- seriously. We do this all the time. I languish a lot

My consultant advised me to take baby aspirin (low-dose) when flying long-haul whilst pregnant to reduce risk of DVT (I flew to south-east Asia, although was earlier on than you will be) - one before flying, one on flight, and one after landing. You can speak to your doctor/midwife about it but that should help from health perspective.

Also, check that your health insurance covers you on a trip to the US. If you need to seek healthcare there or worse still, if baby was to come early, it can be extremely expensive if you are uninsured.