Flying long haul at 22 weeks, any advice for reducing back pain?

[LomboDePorco]

I'm flying to New Zealand next week, and I'm worried about sitting in the same position for 24 hours as I've started getting very stiff and uncomfortable if I sit for more than an hour. Does anyone have any advice on the best way to alleviate lower back pain? I'll be 22 weeks pregnant and travelling with DH and DS (2) if that helps.

no-one should sit still for anything like 24 hours, and you won't be anyway as you'll be changing planes.

book an aisle seat (not the rearmost ones as they don't recline) and get up frequently - in the aisle seat you don't disturb anyone. Take an empty 1.5 litre water bottle through security and fill before boarding. Empty down your throat during sector 1, repeat for sector 2.

with three of you, book three seats next to the window. You can then tuck the kid against the window for his sleep. (You hope...)

If NZ isn't where you live, make very sure your travel insurance is up to this.

enjoy the holiday!

Thank you, all sounds very sensible advice!

Yup, force yourself to get up/stretch every hour that you aren't asleep. Does a heat back relieve your back? You could bring a microwavable one and I bet they could hear it up for you on the flight.

I did a 13 hr flight at 20 weeks and again at 32 weeks. Second what pp said about drinking loads of water. Def get the aisle seat, best if it's at the front of cabin where you get more leg room and maybe even can put your legs up by resting them on the cabin dividing wall - I did this and it was heaven to be able to stretch and keep them up. Also I found a neck pillow was brilliant - not for around my neck but for lower back support! And make sure you get up and walk around at least every hour, I did ankle rolls and knee bends too to keep blood moving in legs and I think it helped a lot.