Flying (on a plane!) when pregnant advice?

[LisaHerts]

I'm very anxious about a 13 hour flight I am taking next week (I'll be 23/24 weeks). I struggle to settle down in my own bed - never mind a squished economy seat! Any tips for maximum comfort would be much appreciated. I've been advised to take flight socks to help with circulation, travel wrist bands & sick bags (I carry these anyway!) - any other tips gratefully received!

I'm flying to the US at 22 weeks next Tuesday snd also flying economy

Been told flight socks, water, water and yet more water plus walk up and down cabin regularly

I've also booked extra legroom seats as flying with Virgin and praying no one books the other in our row of 3!!!

If anyone else has any more tips for staying comfy I'd love to hear from them too!

I flew a lot in late pregnancy right up to 36 weeks and it was okay... people will probably be very nice to you. Check in early and ask for an aisle seat near the back of the plane so that you have a good chance of getting a couple of seats to yourself if the flight is not full. Be very nice to the stewardesses who will be your allies in this! and be swift to move once the cabin doors are closed if you see any prospect of a space.
Flight socks are a MUST.

My colleague stuck her bump out as far as it would go when checking in with Virgin & was comp upgraded to leg room seats

The key to moving seats is to do it when they say. "doors to cross check and automatic"

Means everyone has boarded and if seats are empty they are for the taking.

I remember when I wasn't waddling and the size of a house I would shoot out of my seat like a rat up a drainpipe.

Ah those were the days

Oh, make sure you have a doctor's letter clearing you to fly if your airline requires it at your stage.

And please make sure your travel insurance covers pregnancy!

I flew a lot during my first pregnancy right up to around 32 weeks, and it was always fine. I did manage to get a free upgrade a couple of times with Virgin; stick your bump right out and look as harassed (but polite and friendly) as possible and you're in with a chance!

Otherwise I second others who have recommended flight socks and I'd just take whatever you wear/use to be comfy at home - PJ bottoms if you wear them, snuggly slippers, blanket, pillow, whatever. Do also make sure you stay hydrated, even though it will mean getting up for the loo every 5 minutes, it's really important.

I'm doing a 1 hour flight when I'm 20 weeks. Stupid question but will I need flight socks??

Red I flew at 18 and 22 weeks on 7hr flights and didn't use flight socks - didn't even cross my mind to.

Thanks citydweller! I'm more worried about the fact I hate flying! Never mind!

I hate flying too. Having to fly whilst pregnant without the aid of my usual drugs was the worst thing about it. Rest of it was fine! Although it motivated me to find other ways to calm down/ feel less fucking terrified - I found some great books on overcoming fear of flying and that helped.

I just came back from holiday and flying out wasn't so bad. I wore the flight socks and kept really hydrated. On the way back though was a different story. I told the stewardess that I'm pregnant and would like o move and sit next to my partner (we was sitting behind one another and the guy sitting in front of me refused to move his chair back up and went just because you're pregnant you don't get special treatment). I was refused to move and had to deal with a cramped up seat on my own. Worst flight ever.