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

[fanjobiscuits]

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.

I flew at almost 32 weeks (to US). I was absolutely fine, but had checked out insurance situation just in case of worst case scenario as related by MightbeMad. My DH was in Bermuda just as I went throught eh 32 week point, and it was going to be impossible to get cover, so I didn't go there.

I did go to Lille on the ferry/car at about 38 weeks...with my E111 in hand, and again was fine. Although I wouldn't recommend the car trip to anyone.

I wouldn't go.
My first pregnancy was fine. Tired and felt generally yuck for most of it, but fine. Flew 10hours at 20/22 weeks which was fine, but we went premium so more space, better rest.
This pg, I've felt dreadful. Currently 28 weeks and struggle to get through the day with combo of strong braxton hicks, back pelvic and rib pain. There is no way I could cope with a long haul flight (very seasoned traveller) and I've only started feeling this bad in the last 2 weeks, so would have had to abandon in your situation.
Trouble is you just don't know how you'll feel in a few months. Your post suggests you'll feel bad if you don't go, rather than really wanting to go, which is not good reason. If you feel great and want to do it as a last blowout holiday for a couple of weeks with DH, booked closer to the time, then go for it, but only go if its something YOU really want.
You don't mention where it is so other things to think about are medical support availability, language barrier, jabs, malaria prophylaxis, hygiene and clean water, heat problems (v difficult in pregnancy).
Good luck with your decision. Any decent friend would totally understand.

I wouldn't do it - I was supposed to do a short flight at 32 weeks last time and my blood pressure went up so high I couldn't go. The last 8-10 weeks of a pregnancy are a bit of a minefield healthwise, even if the early stages of your pg are completely fine it's very hard to predict how the last trimester will go because that's usually when stuff like SPD, high blood pressure, braxton hicks all kick in. Like other ladies have said, don't put yourself under pressure to go - if it's something you really want to do, then fair enough, but if you're feeling motivated by guilt or obligation then don't. In any event I'd probably leave it until closer to the time to make a decision.

i would be far more worried about what would happen if I went into labour early and the healthcare available where I'm going than the flight itself. Mind you I once had a 12 hour flight back from HK when it was extremely bumpy all the way and we couldn't get up to go for a walk/to the toilet - that would be extremely uncomfortable for you though of course that was an extreme case.
I'm currently 11 weeks and will be going to France when about 31 weeks and (stupidly) worried about being away from home then, in case something happens (not that giving birth in France would be a disaster but obviously more likely to be stressful). I personally wouldn't go - or at least wouldn't book now to go then - and I'm sure people will understand if you don't turn up. Having said that you could feel fine by then so it may be best just to hold off booking flights - you may get lucky with a "sale" deal closer the time. Personal choice, and it's extremely unlikely that you would put baby at risk by doing so - more about how you feel about it.

Hi All, i just wanted to come back and update and say thanks again for all the advice and shares. I've decided to go in the end!

If anyone else is flying at that kind of stage, you will probably want to get a 'yes' answer to all the below questions for your health insurance. We'd never have guessed to ask these and only got a yes to all from one or two companies, despite all saying they cover pregnancy, so wanted to share for others:

1 would you cover cancellation costs in the event of a doctor advising
against flying, including giving such advice even in the absence of a named
medical condition or complication?

2 would you cover cancelation costs in the event of a doctor declining to
grant a fit-to-fly note?

3 would you cover all medical costs relating to pregnancy, including those
arising from premature birth and repatriation?

4 would you extend cover to the child in the event of birth during the period of insurance?

We went with good old MnS in the end. (For insurance, not flights!)