Flying at 26 weeks

[notjustalawyer]

I am flying home to Australia in 2 weeks, when I will be just under 26 weeks pregnant. I have been very lucky to have had a great pregnancy so far and both my midwife and GP are really happy for me to fly.

I just wondered if anyone had experience with compression stockings?! I know I need to buy myself a pair but my googling has only brought up some for £20+ - I am happy to spend this if I need to but does can anyone recommend a cheaper alternative?

Thanks!

Hi, I went to Rhodes this year between week 27-29.
I got some flight socks from Matalan, they were £5.00 and very comfortable. They were hard to get on as they are quite tight, but then they wouldn't be doing their job if they weren't!
They are still selling them in Matalan, usually by the tills.
Hope this helps - have a lovely time!

I'd get a few pairs, think I got mine in Boots, otherwise you need to wear the same pair for way too long! They do get pretty annoying.

Assuming since you are flying home to Australia you are used to all the other tips re flying that help - getting up and walking, doing chair exercises. I prefer gettting an aisle seat near the back so can move as I want.

Yep, I have been told to drink loads of water and get up and walk at least once an hour. So much for sleeping...!

Did you both just wear socks rather than full on stockings? Was that enough?

I flew to Hong Kong & back in my last pregnancy although only at 16/18 weeks. My doctor recommended I take baby aspirin (low dose) for long haul flights, which reduces the risk of DVT - one 12 hours before flight, one during flight, one 12 hours after landing. May be worth checking with your midwife/GP if they think it's safe for you to take.

No evidence for aspirin at all in preventing DVT. It prevents arterial clots, not venous. If you need something to stop you clotting you need heparin or clexane injections...but I'd just go with the flight stockings!

Hmm... I passed out when they took blood at my first appointment so I might give the injections a miss!

Notjustalawyer - They were socks, but they came up to my knees.
I'm not sure whether anything more is needed for a longer flight as mine was only 4 hours, and the socks were what my midwife advised me to get.
I also tried to do leg and foot exercises and stood up several times. I was quite worried about it beforehand but was absolutely fine!

Thanks Sarahlou8 - hopefully it will be fine, I think it should be ok. Thanks for your help! :)