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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

How bad an idea is it to fly long-haul at about 30 weeks pregnant?

30 replies

fanjobiscuits · 15/01/2013 17:04

It would be around a 12 hour flight each way, overnight. Wouldn't be considering it if it wasn't something we had already commited to do for a really good friend's wedding - he came to ours and moved some things around to make it but was living in the same country at the time! It will cost us a fortune that we don't really have - this wouldn't be a deciding factor against going, but means we don't want to book and then not be able to go or really regret it. I'm at the end of my first trimester at the moment so hard to tell from here and prices seem likely to go up sharply so we need to book nowish if we're going to go.

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

nannyof3 · 15/01/2013 17:06

I wouldnt.. But up to u !

nannyof3 · 15/01/2013 17:09

To keep yourself safe and comfortable on the trip, follow these simple things:

*drink plenty of water
*avoid caffeine
*don't eat food that causes gas for at least one day before you travel (pressure builds up as you ascend through the altitudes and could cause pain)
*walk around as much as you can (up and down the aisles)
*stretch while sitting
*wear loose fitting clothing
*wear slip on shoes (your feet may swell)
*wear maternity support pantyhose or socks
*try to get an aisle seat or a front row seat for more leg room
*eat light foods
*eat small meals or snacks at frequent intervals rather than big heavy meals
*do not eat salt
*Wear your seat belt just under your abdomen (depending on how big you are, you can also ask for a seat belt extender - just be sure that that too goes under your abdomen)
*relax

Original poster

fanjobiscuits · 15/01/2013 17:15

Thanks Nanny of 3! The tips will be really useful if we do make it. Would welcome any other thoughts or experiences especially from those who have been 30 weeks pregnant before and/or flown long-haul in later pregnancy.

OP posts:

ladymia · 15/01/2013 17:19

Depends how straight forward your pregnancy has been?

I flew on the 6th of Jan when I was 30 wks 1 day, 7 hours + 3 hours stop over + 8 hours and I had absolutely no problems at all. I would do it again.

I would allow extra time at the airport thought if possible so you don't get stressed out and have to rush to catch your flight etc. Wear the flight socks. Drink plenty of water. Make sure you have an isle seat (insist on it!) so you can move around loads.

ladymia · 15/01/2013 17:24

Forgot to say check your travel insurance and make sure what you are covered for up until when you return. Mine covered me up to 30 weeks. I wouldn't have done it without the travel insurance.

TwitchyTail · 15/01/2013 17:42

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster

fanjobiscuits · 15/01/2013 17:48

Thanks ladymia and TwitchyTail - really useful to have others' input/experiences

OP posts:

ladymia · 15/01/2013 17:52

Absolutely agree, get the best (probably most expensive) travel insurance you can get. Research it properly. Read the fine print and be prepared to cancel your trip should you not feel up to it come the time. I was more worried than being away in another country than the actual flight, this is what I think is important to focus on / plan for.

I have had an extremely easy pregnancy. My midwife knew I was planning on taking this trip and assured me every time i saw her that she really doesn't see any problems with me going but everyone is different.

libertychick · 15/01/2013 18:01

I flew to NZ from the UK at 26 weeks and back at almost 30 weeks. Talk to your midwife - mine said no issues, just to wear flight socks, move lots and take some junior aspirin (can't remember the dose).

Tell the staff at check in you are pregnant and they can hopefully seat you comfortably - I had an empty seat beside me for each flight. I found jet lag much worse than usual though both ways and it took me longer to recover so you could find it hard to enjoy the wedding depending on the time difference.

The problem is though that you won't really know until closer to the time how you will feel. I booked my NZ flights only 4 weeks before I went. If you are going to book I would check if travel insurance will cover it if there is an actual medical reason not to fly at that stage but they are unlikely to cover cancellation of the trip if you suddenly decide that you just don't feel up to it.

nextphase · 15/01/2013 18:16

Will you be 30 wks at return?
I did long haul at 16 weeks (I know, different kettle of fish), and would agree with insurance, and lots of liquids and movement.

At that stage you will need to be signed fit to fit. If you have anything other than a straight forward pregnancy, I doubt the mw would sign you off.

Go and enjoy, and congrats on your bump

Mutley77 · 15/01/2013 23:18

Check insurance - if you book now you may not be covered for a pregnancy related complication causing cancellation.

Personally I would have felt fine in myself to do it in both my previous pregnancies but in both I had bleeds in later pregnancy (on and off from 28 weeks with first and on and off from 30 weeks with second) which meant I had to be cautious about travel etc as they couldn't rule out a problem with the placenta. So I would not have got medical sign off - (which you need to fly post 28 weeks) nor would I have felt safe - to do it.

Can you send your partner on his own? That would be my first choice knowing what I know now about unexpected pregnancy complications and stress/costs associated with cancelling things.

LubyLu2000 · 16/01/2013 08:07

I would actually be more concerned about being a long way from home for a time at 30 weeks than the long haul flight.

With my first I was absolutely great at 30 weeks - hardly any problems and felt great. This time round the pregnancy suddenly hit me at around 30 weeks and I was getting backache and loads of braxton hicks contractions which are pretty uncomfortable and make me feel like I don't really want to do anything at all in the evening except lie down. We cancelled a long trip to the in-laws and staying with them over Christmas exactly cos of that.

So it is kind of hard to say but as others have said - don't feel obliged, I don't think anyone would think it unreasonable that a 30 week pregnant woman wasn't too keen on flying halfway across the world!

canoodle · 16/01/2013 08:18

I would definitely wait as long as possible before booking the flights if you are thinking of going. But I wouldn't - I had mcs so am cautious and would have hated to be abroad in late pg. I actually turned down a free family holiday when I was 6 months for that reason. Flying is probably ok but if you are not keen then being pg is a good enough reason to stay home

worsestershiresauce · 16/01/2013 08:26

I wouldn't, because sitting still for long periods at 30 weeks is horrible, and stress and dehydration are generally bad news. It depends on how easy your pregnancy is though, you might feel fine, in which case go but drink plenty and move around a lot as the risk of DVT is much higher when you are pregnant.

DoodlesNoodles · 16/01/2013 08:28

I have done this, in fact I flew at the very last date 'allowed' by the airlines (although I have forgotten what it was).

Personally, I would only fly at 30 weeks if I had to, although I am sure if it is perfectly OK.

DewDr0p · 16/01/2013 08:36

You will need a fit to fly cert from your doctor and do check you can get travel insurance - while the airlines are fine with you flying, lots of insurers won't insure you after 28 weeks.

I'm assuming you don't need any jabs for your destination? That would be another consideration.

I flew short haul at about 30 weeks twice (diff pgs) and enjoyed the holidays (pacing myself though!) but found the plane seats very uncomfortable. And it is around this time that you will start to feel really tired.

10storeylovesong · 16/01/2013 16:37

This reply has been withdrawn

Withdrawn at poster's request

Celia1978 · 16/01/2013 17:24

Just a minor point but if you do decide to go... When I flew long-haul (at 25 weeks) I called the airline in advance, explained I was pregnant and they reserved the bulkhead seats for us. Much more leg room and didn't disturb the person next to me every time I wanted to stand up. They did this a couple of weeks before we flew, so do call - no need to wait until you're at the airport to ask.

Countmyblessings · 16/01/2013 18:09

I have just done my 1 st ever flight being 31 weeks pregnant and my only issue was I was told had to get the all clear from GP I did that and I just avoided looking pregnant as really wanted to fly!!!( air line can ground u)
Also checked with travel insurance!
No problems apart from swollen ankles and I was wearing flight socks and avoided drinking as hardly fit in the plane toilets!!!
Coming back they took mercy on me and gave me seat with extra leg room and closer to the toilets!!!!

The flight was not the issue being so pregnant plus heat not the greatest combo!

Good luck whatever u decide!!!

Original poster

fanjobiscuits · 16/01/2013 23:25

Thanks all, we are currently looking at insurance options based on the really helpful tips above, and trying to work out what to do.

OP posts:

Porkster · 17/01/2013 01:00

I did a 9 hr flight at 30 weeks.

It was fine. I walked up and down a few times, that was all.

I got no special treatment sadly, I don't think anyone noticed I was pg.

Mummysaysno · 17/01/2013 03:04

Totally agree you should only do what you feel comfortable with. I have done it, and will be doing it again.

I was told by a midwife that the DVT risk while flying during pregnancy was the same as women on the pill, which I found very reassuring. This was one source which told me this...others may have heard different.

Don't be afraid to be demanding. I have found BA really helpful while traveling with three young children, but found American Airlines extremely unhelpful while flying at 32 weeks.

Don't be afraid to ask for help...particularly putting any items in over head locker. Generally I find someone somewhere, even a kind fellow passenger will offer help...which I'm always so grateful for!!

But yes...if you feel totally not right with it, don't fly. Just be honest and explain.

Mummysaysno · 17/01/2013 03:06

Also check with your midwife/GP/ob, whoever you are seeing for care. You could also have a final check a day or two before flying for blood pressure/baby etc just to set your mind at rest.

SeaSalt1 · 17/01/2013 10:38

Hi, I am due to fly three long haul flights in the next 7 weeks (at around 25, 27 and finally 28.5 weeks pregnant). The first two are 8 hours each and the last one is an eye-watering 16 hours (relocation back to London as we have been living in the Far East). I need to get letters from the doctor for all three to confirm I am fit to fly - this is a requirement of the airlines I am going on. Happy to let you know how they go, though might be a bit late by then if you need to book tickets soon?

MightBeMad · 17/01/2013 11:51

Don't know if anyone else has mentioned this but insurance needs to cover not only you but also baby if your waters break or you deliver early overseas. There was a lady on here a while back whose waters went on hols in USA at about 28 weeks I think. She was on hospital bed rest for weeks and eventually delivered a prem baby in USA at 30something weeks, which obviously needed special care and they had to stay in USA months longer then planned. As I recall it all had a happy ending and their insurancers did eventually agree to cover at least some of the vast hospital bills but it was a huge stress for them at the time!

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