Would you fly from London to Australia at 37 weeks knowing you cant go into labour naturally?

[AlexTasha]

Basically as above!

I need to have a C Section and could have everything organised for when I get back to Perth, however I am scared that I might go into labour naturally on the flight, which would be potentially life threatening for me and my baby.

So I guess it is a stupid question really, but would you fly at 37 weeks knowing you need a C section?

No not worth the risk.

Definitely not.

Absolutely not, and I doubt they'd let you either.

no way

No, go before 35 weeks. I can't imagine a more uncomfortable 24 hrs being stuck in a plane seat at that stage of pregnancy!

Yeah, I agree, I just thought I would ask...

In that case, does anyone know when it would be ok for a newborn to fly?

why do you want to? hope you are not having a bad time.

No way and I doubt very much you would be allowed - assuming the airline even allows 37wk pg women to fly, you would need a note saying you were fit to fly from your doctor - can't see that happening in these circs.

Why would you even consider taking that risk?

I can't imagine any airline would take you anyway.

Absolutely not, why would you put your health and that of your baby at risk like that? It could take hours to get to an airport large enough to accommodate your plane if you go into labour mid-flight. Anyway, don't think you have a choice, the airline won't take you at 37 weeks so it's not really a discussion point at all.

No. I'm not unadventurous, I made it from San Diego to London at 32 weeks but am currently 37 weeks and can barely sit in a car for 30 mins!

I wouldn't hun. It's just not worth the risk at such a late stage. Also, nevermind that, it would be such a long uncomfortable flight for you with your bump! You'd have to drink loads more water than usual due to risk of DVT flying when pregnant, so would have to use the loo am awful lot all flight. Plus, I'm not sure airlines take pregnsnt ladies after 36 weeks? xx

no- wouldn't even consider it and the GP wouldn't issue a letter saying you were fit to fly that close to term.

Yep, stupid question.

No way would I fly like this. You wont get health insurance & if you need the plane to land there will be huge compensation for you to pay for the extra costs of the airline. It's too much of a risk as things ca go wrong fast & you wont be able to access the medical care you need. You probably wont even be allowed on the flight. Also there is the risk of dvt and discomfort from sitting for so long

BA says it takes babies from 48hours old! What will take longer is recovery from your c-section and arranging a passport for your newborn.
And maybe bear in mind that people's experience with newborns varies wildly, some of us would have found a 24 hour flight a breeze with a newborn and others would have found it hellish.

Are you OK OP? Hope all is well.

i drove for 6 hours when i was 34 weeks with an hours break half way and it was the most uncomfortable journey ever. my back was killing me- and airplane seats aren't even as comfy as car seats.

www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/933.aspx?CategoryID=62&SubCategoryID=63

According to NHS site babies can fly from two weeks but it snot recommends under 6-8wks and you will need to get passport etc.

Yes some airlines will take babies from two days old but may ask for a drs letter.

Not a frigging chance.

Also, they recommend you don't fly long haul after C-section until you have had post-natal check (normally 6 weeks in UK, but could be brought forward).

If there are complications for you or the baby, it'll be only when your doctors give a fit to fly clearance.

I flew Heathrow-Perth with a seven week old. We got his passport with two days to spare! Flight itself was a breeze - he really did just breastfeed and sleep the whole time. Unlike the rest of his babyhood, when he screamed 24 hours a day, the flight had a very soothing effect :) Don't be afraid of flying with a teeny one, it's truly not hard. I do the same flight multiple times a year; now that he's 20 months it is no longer easy.

That was after a c section by the way.

I don't think you would be allowed even if you wanted to. I don't know any airlines that will accept pregnant women after 36 weeks and even then you need a fit to fly note, which I would also think your doctor would not give in such a situation.