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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Flying at 25 weeks pregnant

12 replies

alliemarg · 02/12/2015 12:44

Hello, I am going to the US at 25 weeks pregnant in about three weeks, returning at 26.5. My question is, has anybody got a doctor's note just in case? The airline only requires one from 28 weeks and I'll have my notes to prove I am not that far gone, even if I do get massive (from baby and lots of yummy American food!)

I wondered if it was peace of mind in case of complications (i.e if we need to claim on insurance). However it has been a healthy pregnancy so far, with just a bit of extra monitoring because DD1 was born less than 5th centile (for no medical reasons, just happened to be small)

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sparechange · 02/12/2015 12:46

What does your insurance say? Does it say you need to be cleared by doctors to travel?

GiraffeHouse · 02/12/2015 12:57

I flew at about the same time and my dim and distant memory tells me I didn't really need a note but I got one just in case, to state the number of weeks and that it was a healthy pregnancy. I didn't want to be refused on the flight home!
And I wore the anti-thromboembolism stockings on the flights

Diddlydokey · 02/12/2015 13:00

I flew at 28 weeks IIRC. I just got a letter from my midwife confirming the EDD and that the pregnancy didn't have any complications.

I didn't have to show it to anyone though - I suspect that you'd need to be 8 months pregnant before they'd dare to ask.

Original poster

alliemarg · 02/12/2015 13:15

Hi sparechange - it just says you must not be travelling against doctor's advice (whether you asked for it or not) - so if there is a reason they'd refuse and you're aware of that and travel anyway it's bad. There has been nothing wrong with this pregnancy, I just wonder if the extra monitoring might make people think there has been...

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MrsMarigold · 02/12/2015 13:18

yes get a letter from the midwife and take your notes just in case.

I flew on easyjet at 35 weeks and had DD two weeks after and they asked to see my note and I was tiny.

sparechange · 02/12/2015 13:22

I'd get a note to be on the safe side.
Insurance companies like to wriggle out of paying at any opportunity, so belt and braces is probably the way to go

lemon101 · 02/12/2015 15:05

Hi,

I flew to New York at 26 weeks and didn't get a letter - what I did get were a lot of questions from ground crew (particularly in the States) about how far along I was. I answered honestly and wasn't pushed to produce any evidence (although I did have my notes with me just in case someone needed it).

When I flew again at 30 and 32 weeks within Europe I had absolutely no questions asked. I think if it is long-haul they are much more touchy!

Original poster

alliemarg · 02/12/2015 17:01

Thanks everyone - it sounds like it will probably be fine however a note from the doctor really wouldn't hurt, and if he had concerns it is better to know them now (sure he won't though)

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Brummiegirl15 · 02/12/2015 19:22

Who are you flying with? I flew with Virgin at 24 wks and home at 26 wks and they categorically said I didn't need a docs note as under 28 wks.

Insurance company (insure & go) said I mustn't be travelling against docs advise. That was it. I had my notes with my EDD on and that was it.

I did print out the email from Virgin special assistance confirming I didn't need a note but that was it

MrsSoDown · 02/12/2015 19:28

I got a note for peace of mind. I went on a 10 hour flight at 26 weeks. I didn't need it but you never know if you are going to get a jobs worth

villainousbroodmare · 02/12/2015 19:35

I was questioned at the gate on a long haul flight at 25 weeks (didn't need a letter at that stage), not at all within Europe at about 30 weeks despite having letter, and again questioned thoroughly and not in too friendly a manner at 36 weeks (long haul again). I was flying on the last possible day.

Make absolutely sure your letter is clear and correct. There was an error in mine - which would have put me within, not outside, regulations, but anyway...) and they made quite a big deal of arguing it.

JennyC520 · 02/12/2015 19:41

I flew at about 25 weeks, I asked for a doctors note but noone checked at the airport or airline. I wasn't showing that much though.
I would suggest that you let the airline know that you're pregnant when you check in anyway. The cabin crew was not very helpful and seemed really irritated when I asked for help with the overhead compartments etc. I assume they couldn't visually see I was pregnant as I was quite small. I hate to make a scene just cos I'm pregnant but really, let them know, it makes life easier.

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