Flying in first trimester

[nh101]

I am going to Egypt in a fortnight and I am only 5-7weeks pregnant now. I have heard there is a risk that cosmic radiation can harm the foetus and cause abnormalities. I would just cancel the holiday but my in-laws paid for it - the whole family is going and I don't want to seem like I am overreacting. Has anyone else flown at this stage or known anyone else who has??

Don't know about that, but I do know that they say you can fly safely up to about 36 weeks. I flew at about 30 weeks with no identifiable side effects in ds...

I flew long haul when I was 10 weeks pg, returning at 12 weeks. (Same situation as you - in-laws paid for nice holiday and I didn't want to upset people or miss out!)

I checked with the gp first and she couldn't see a problem, but advised me to wear those v attractive flight socks as your risk of DVT is increased in pg anyway.

I had no problems except that I get v sick on planes as a rule and that plus morning sickness was just horrendous - esp as couldn't take travel sickness pills!

But in answer to the radiation thing - I believe flight attendants are grounded in the first trimester as a precaution but that's because they are on so many flights - I don't think there's a risk from one holiday.

Oh and ds is fine btw .

Oh and my SIL was pg when we went but didn't actually know at the time - her ds is fine too!

what is cosmic radiation?

as far as i know, flying is ok up to anyhwere around 28 - 36 weeks...depending on whether the airline will take you and if you can get travel insurance and a docs note to say you are ok to fly!

flying in the first & second trimesters are not contra-indicated as far as i know

make sure you move frequently, wear flight socks,and drink lots of water! i know many women who have flown in the first trimester, mainly because they want a holiday before the baby arrives!

Thank you all so much, that has put my mind at rest.

great, hope you have a fantastic time

I flew to Australia at 8 weeks and returned at 12 weeks just in time for a nuchal scan.

No problems , except morning sickness !!!