Flying at 28 weeks with high BP

[Barefootcontessa84]

This is really a two-part question - my family live abroad, and I would usually visit them for Christmas - 7 hour flight there, a bit shorter coming back.

This year I will be 28 weeks pregnant, and risk for a number of reasons. The most relevant to flying is probably pre-existing hypertension (which is hard to control as it is very labile), and high risk of developing eclampsia as there is a family history.

My first question is, without complications would I actually be comfortable flying at this point? Secondly, is it likely my consultant won't sign a fit to fly note in any event, because of the complications?

The trip is essentially like going home, so will be relaxing. My uncle is also a doctor there (excellent healthcare), so I would have all the help I needed if anything went wrong.

Need to make a decision soon, as ticket prices are skyrocketing!

I probably wouldn't do it. At 28 weeks I wasn't too uncomfortable but found just sitting in the cinema for a couple of hours a bit uncomfortable and tiring.
I think the biggest thing would be to speak to your health care provider and see what they say. 7hrs on a flight could be too much!

Yes I'm hoping when I see the doctor on Friday, he will give me definitive advice! So hard to make the decision otherwise, as it'll mean not seeing my family over Christmas.

Would they not be able to come visit you? Your dr will be best to advise and you can always book the ticket knowing you may have to take a loss (although hold off till after you have spoken to the dr)

Barefoot how did you get on with your doc? I did a 7 hour flight a couple of days ago at 28 weeks and if I didn't have the fit to fly letter from my midwife I don't think the airline were going to let me on. Even when she read it she had to make a phone call. Then when I got on board a stewardess questioned me so I think it's more about the airline you fly with not just what your dr says.