Would you travel long haul at 21 weeks?

[cannonball8726]

I'm currently 12+3. Have a work trip that involves a long haul flight (11 hrs) when I'll be 21 weeks pregnant and wondering if I will feel okay to travel at that time. I could request not to go but need to let work know whether I'll be going this week as they want to sort my travel arrangements. It would be a five night stay and I would have colleagues around me who I know well and would be able to look out for me if anything happened!

I would like to go as it's a project that I've worked hard on - but it isn't totally essential that I do so wondering if it would just be better to skip it. What would you do? Does anyone have experience travelling at around that gestational age? How did you find it?

My sister visited us from Sydney in August at 28 weeks pregnant and returned to Sydney at 32 weeks! Flew all on her own no problem at all. Wore her flight stockings drank loads and walked about the plane lots. She only had jet lag when she got back to Sydney. No bother. Cabin crew were good to her also.

I’ll be going to the US when I am
24 weeks. I am not sweating it- think I’d be dreading it more if it was my first trimester as the sickness and nausea makes any motion unbearable! Go prepared and keep moving on the plane 😀

Hi I flew to Canada from the UK at 20 weeks. The first flight was 9 hours then a 1 hour flight to get to our final destination.

I wore flight socks, drank plenty of water and got up regularly for a walk. I felt a lot better than I thought I would do actually! I flew back 2 weeks later and again felt fine.

I requested an aisle seat when I checked in and had one on 3 of the 4 flights which I think helped a lot as it those seats felt a bit roomier (plus it meant I wasn't constantly disturbing the person next to me to get up for a walk/wee etc!)

Hi OP, I would have originally said yes to this as I am quite stoic and think it’s best to just get on with things and keep going as normal if possible. However... I am now 23w and starting to get the most awful sciatica. Couldn’t have predicted this as I don’t normally get back problems really. But the thought of having to do an 11 hour flight in a week’s time would fill me with dread... especially if you have to go economy. Business might be ok if you can lie flat.

I flew from the UK back to Qatar via Oman at 23 weeks with my two kids on my own. It was fine, I didn't get much sleep on the night flight but that was mainly because of the two boys. Plenty of water, plenty of snacks!

I am 30 weeks now, in hindsight I would have been happy to fly longhaul at 21 weeks (flew shorthaul at 29 weeks and that was fine too). Just make sure your travel insurance covers you for pregnancy complications - most do as standard when you are that early on.

I went to the US and back at around 23 weeks and found it fine. Just wear flight stockings and keep drinking lots of water. I was also advised to get up for a walk every half an hour if I was awake. Obviously you can’t predict whether you will develop any pregnancy side effects but if you’re feeling ok now fingers crossed you will then too!

Yes I would and did.

Yes, I took two long haul return trips around that time, one to the US for work and one to the Maldives for pleasure. Economy wasn't fun (couldn't get my tray down when the twat badger in front reclined despite having a free seat next to him) but it was ok. Wear flight socks, drink plenty and get an aisle seat do you can get up for wees and to move yourself regularly.

I wasn’t allowed to fly from 20 w so make sure your work are fine to eat the cost of your ticket should you end up with complications.

Currently 21 weeks and would be fine to fly. I'm getting fairly tired at the moment but manageable and much less exhausted than in earlier pregnancy.

I went to the Dominican Republic at 21 weeks and it was totally fine. Just try to wander when you can 😊

Yes, as that's when I felt my best. But only to countries with good health care and if I had good insurance. Unfortunately you can't know how you'll feel!

Yes, and I did. Advice from my consultant was to stay hydrated, wear dvt stockings and try to move around during the flight

Thanks all. I think I will go but will make sure I get appropriate travel insurance!

Yes, I even flew long haul at 31 weeks and it was fine. Perhaps slightly more uncomfortable than usual, but no problems.

Yes I did at 26w

It was to Australia and totally fine

I'd assume you'd be in business? Business (flat bed) definitely for overnight fligh, economy will be fine during the day. If you'll have time eat in the lounge (I'm hungry all the time!).
Register for air miles and cheekly ask for an upgrade when you're at the airport. If they have space they will put you even a class up!

Over 28w you'll require letter from GP/Midwife (insurance reasons).
I recently flew 8h being 30w and I was fine but this is a very personal decision. Make sure you'll drink loads of water and take baby aspirin. Have Renne with you as well if you have any indignation.
Ask for extra blankets and flight socks as the cabin might be cold.

Enjoy your trip!

I flew to Hong Kong at 19 weeks with dd1. I was physically sick on each flight and while there. Never normally travel sick. Be aware of the time difference, the change in eating times made me more sick! Other then that it was fine!!

Maybe worth adding good medical insurance (which include maternity care in decent worldwide hospitals) and a doctor’s note that you are well enough & good to travel.

I flew to Canada (West coast) when I was 21 weeks with dc3, and home at 24 weeks. Like others have said, flying socks and plenty fluids, I bought several large bottles of water when I was past security, as they only give you little drinks on the plane. Was pretty active on the flight wrangling 17 mo ds at the time, he didn't sleep for the whole flight!!