what do you know about flying with complications???

[notverymaternal]

So, I have bilateral notching, which is causing reduced blood flow to the baby. HOwever, so far, the baby is within normal limits. My husband's brother is getting married and I would really like to get to the wedding. It is abroad - 4.5 hours flight... I will be 33 weeks then. I will obviously ask the gynae what I should do, but does anyone know anything about this? Will they allow me? is teh problem with the actual flying, or how big the baby is or how much they need to monitor me etc.

I'm not sure about your condition but i was lead to believe that one problem with flying is to do with your risk/chance of going into labour whilst in the air. Theres obviously no-one able to assist if required, and they may not be able to land if over sea. Best to have a read online of the airline you would travel with as to what their policy is.

Also blood clots is another risk.

And travel insurance may not cover you if there is already a health issue.

The one thing i know you will need is a doctor's letter stating the words fit to fly. My friend was refused boarding as her letter didnt state those 3 words.

Sorry i cant be any more help.

So I will be 32 weeks and I imagine if I am fit to fly the dr will write a letter! There is restricted blood flow to the baby! I have a gynae appt, but I wanted to book already! Will the pressure of the plane cause further issues to the blood flow... Problem is, I really wanna go :-(

The problem is, if you book it now and the dr won't give you a fit to fly note, your travel insurance won't cover you so you'd have lost your money. If you can afford to do that and are willing to risk it, then book it. Personally I wouldn't risk it, and if I felt up to it (and the dr agreed) I'd just book it last minute!

Is it possible you could speak to your consultant/midwife on the phone? They might be able to give you an idea if its a possibility or a definite no, as they know the exact condition regarding your baby and will possibly have more experience.

I would say - and this is purely my uneducated opinion - that its unlikely they would be happy with you flying if there is restricted blood flow to the baby. Only you can weigh up the risks based on their medical knowledge.

It's a pre-existing condition an therefore may well be uninsurable (you need to talk to companies to find out for sure). If this is the case, can you afford maternity, neonatal care and repatriations costs if you deliver whilst away?

Also, you need to talk to your HCPs about what events might be expected in the latter weeks and if any of these might make you unfit to fly the return leg. You will need a plan in case of being stranded at destination.

If the airline follows WHO guidelines, you need a fit to fly letter at 28 weeks and over, and the cut off for normal pg flying is 36 weeks.

I work as cabin crew and you have to have a fit to fly letter over 28 weeks. Only your doctor will be able to decide that for you! Good luck x

You'll need a 'fit to fly' anyway but IME most travel insurance doesn't cover you for anything pregnancy-related after 28-32 weeks, dependent on policy.

Is it in the EU? An EHIC will cover you for medical treatment if so. Also, do you speak the language? How would you feel about receiving medical care and possibly having your baby out there if you were unable to travel back?

I was told when I went to book a holiday that the letter had to state that I was fit to fly, but that I'd also had a trouble/risk free pregnancy, to fly after 28 weeks.

Personally in your situation I wouldnt go, it already seems like there are risks to your baby, why risk something when you dont need to/