Anyone ever traveled late on in Pregenancy?

[VioletV]

Hi All,

I'm 24+3 today and I'm normally found on lone parents. I need to travel Ireland when I'm 33 weeks. I don't have a choice in this and I can't go any sooner as my Mat leave doesn't start until then. (I'm leaving the evening I finish work)

Has anyone ever travled over 32 weeks? How did you find it? Did anyone comment or ask you for documents to say you won't go into labour etc?

Is it wise to hide my bump?

Thanks

Sorry forgot to add I'm not traveling by plane, I'll be going by ferry.

I flew at about 35 weeks and didn't have any problems. I did get on the plane first as I was going for work and my colleague yelled 'pregannt woman coming through' and shoved me to the front of the queue. No-one asked my anything.

Hiya

I'm planning to travel to Ireland at 37.5 for my best friends wedding. I asked the midwife if she thought this wise and she said she didn't see any problem at all as long as I feel well, my Dr is happy for me to fly and that my insurance company will cover me.

It's a 30 minute flight so it's probably a lot shorter than a lot of hospital drives!

On the other hand ... my friends with babies smirk every time I mention this and tell me not to get my hopes up as I may have my lo by then!

I think you'll be find to travel at 33 weeks as long as Dr, Midwife and insurance are happy.

Good luck!

x

Sorry - just read you'll be going by ferry. I'm sure there will be no problems at all! If I can't fly for any reason, I'll be going by ferry. (Cue smirks! :))

x

Thank you, you lovely ladies!

I was worried as I read on the Irish ferries website earlier they don;t allow pg women on after 32 weeks. I'll get my midwife to write me a letter.

Thanks again xx

I have heard of ferry companies not allowing pregnant women to travel but I think it depends on how long the crossing is. Check the terms with the company to see if a midwife letter is enough.

Mummytobe even if your midwife and doctor are happy, if the airline company find out you are over 35 weeks pregnant they aren't going to let you on the plane.

VioletV just checked the Irish ferries site for you (I looked into ferries much earlier in pg and was pretty sure they were more strict than airlines) and they won't let you travel with them post 32 weeks even with a note, you can fly up to 35/ 36 weeks with a note depending on the airline.

I flew at 33 weeks. Apart from the travel companies rules I would say just take into account how absolutely knackered you will be! I have flown many, many times but was not prepared for how tiring the whole travel thing with massive bump would be.

Take it easy and give yourself lots of time to do things.

xx

Newmummy to be which airline are you travelling with? thefurryone is right to warn you about flying over 35 weeks pregnant. Air France is the only airline I have seen so far that doesn't specifically say on their website that you cannot fly after e.g. 36 weeks (some airlines are sooner) but with them I would definitely call and double check beforehand over 36 weeks. Lufthansa also let you travel after 36 weeks, but you have to clear it with them before.

I have seen a pregnant woman and her family being offloaded from a flight at 28 weeks because she didn't have the necessary certificate. And it's not a good idea to lie about how far along you are if they ask, no matter how short the flight is. Please check with the airline ASAP (definitely before you go to the airport) so you don't end up disappointed at the last minute if they won't let you fly.

VioletV please just call Irish Ferries and check with them, if necessary getting special permission to travel in writing from them. The website seems very clear to me that you cannot travel beyond 32 weeks, even with a medical certificate. Will you also need to travel back when you are beyond 33 weeks?

On a positive note, I have been doing lots of flying during my pregnancy and have just done my last trip at the end of my 32nd week, which is why I've been looking at the rules with lots of airlines.

I have carried a medical certificate, but I was never asked for it! I was asked how far along I was when I was 26 weeks, but that was it. My last flight at check-in I was asked if I was OK it fly, so of course I said yes!

I had my first at 37 weeks so i would say no but am sure you will be fine.

Check your travel insurance, I had to get some special cover to go to Brussels at 33wks (on Eurostar).

Thankfully i was back at home by 33 5 when i gave birth!!