Flying longhaul at 35 weeks

[Tessa12345]

Hello all!

First time poster here so apologies I don’t know all of the lingo! We are travelling from the UK to Australia when I’m 35 weeks. I’m currently 28 weeks with a singleton pregnancy and feeling well, no issues this far. This is baby number 2 and we had number 1 out there too (elective section) whilst we were working in Melbourne/Brisbane. We have health insurance in Oz, and I can find health insurance for me til 36 weeks. Anyone know of cover that cares for the new baby just in case it gets born on route?

We normally fly in two stints with an overnight stay at the Dubai transit hotel to break things up. Going to be uncomfortable though!

Wow, I'm afraid I have no advice but good luck. I couldn't have done the flight at that stage so hope it goes well

Good luck OP hope it goes as comfy as possible. Hats off to you, I would have struggled at 35 weeks doing that trip. Currently at 37 weeks. Superwoman 💪🏾!

Will the airline let you fly ?

I don't believe that any airline will allow flights over 4 hours after 36 weeks and after 28 weeks you are likely to need a doctor's certification that you are fit to fly and that can sometimes need to be produced within 72 hours of your flight.

If I understand correctly, you plan to have the baby in Australia in which case returning is not an issue.

35 weeks is late in your pregnancy to undertake such a long journey and you will need to check with the airline as the rules vary but in theory, you should be OK.

35 weeks? 😱😱😱

Does the airline know?

Are you insured and does your insurance cover your pregnancy?

I flew back from Australia at 31 weeks, it was ok but very exhausting. I did have insurance to cover both me and the baby if born en route but can't remember the name (it was 10 years ago now).

Actually, I think it was Ravenhall specialist pregnancy travel insurance I used.
www.ravenhallgroup.co.uk/pregnant-travel/

Are you flying in business class?

I'd be concerned about going into labour in Dubai to be honest. They have excellent healthcare so that wouldn't be a problem, but if you do you could be stuck there for quite some time.

I'll be flying long haul (14 hours...) at the end of week 33 to have my baby. I'm not madly looking forward to it but it is what it is. No choice. 35 feels a little late to me and my obgyns both say they won't love me flying past week 33 otherwise we might have considered waiting but honestly, I'm Ok with our week 33 choice. Could you shift it by a week to fall within a week of many airline alllowances?

That seems dangerous I would hate to go into labour while up in the air 😦

Emirates allow til 36 weeks. I can’t move our leaving date (upsettingly) as I have to do a job interview the day before we fly.

Thank you for the insurance link - I’ll check that out.

We almost flew Etihad as they allow up to end of week 36 too.

What does your doc/midwife say? I was told that as long as cervical length stayed long and closed they're comfortable with my travel choices. Agree with PP - if baby is born in Dubai expect to be there for a loooooooong time. We were told it would take 4-5 months to get a first time passport from where we live. No exceptions.

Why can’t you stay in Australia and fly 3 months later?

Sorry, just realised it’s the other way around. Can’t you stay in the uk for a bit longer?

Ravenhall do insurance that covers baby as well but I don’t know what their cut-off is for flying.

You may know this already but definitely worth asking your midwife/doctor about heparin (clexane) injections and stockings for the flight to reduce the risk of a DVT.

Hi,

I am 25 weeks and just flew in to the UK from New Zealand after being there for a month. Had a 17.5 hour flight, one hour stop, then a 7.5 hour flight. I found it really uncomfortable and swelled up lots despite wearing flight socks and moving around.
I was asked for a medical certificate when checking in but advised them I had doctors clearance as I'm under 28 weeks. I'm surprised emraites allow you to fly when your so far gone.
Be sure to drink lots and get up out of your seat. Xx

Never mind the risk of labour - you would be at a real risk of a DVT especially in economy. Far far too risky.

Can I ask why you are planning to do this? Seems madness to me

Tessa I'd suggest you get yourself on an Expat group, and ask there where people are more accustomed to flying late in gestation to give birth at home.
Congrats on your pregnancy, and safe flight.

I flew long haul, very late. But not quite as late (32 weeks) nor as long (12 hours).

I found it easy, but I had a complication free pregnancy. I walked around a bit more than I would normally (ie, not at all).

Thank you all. I’ll look out for an expat group. If we fly over to Australia at that time then the bub will get an australian passport (as we are permanent residents), and we will also be able to apply if we stay 9 more months. If we don’t go then neither can happen as we will be outwith the residency requirements. But if a gamble!

I'm 34 weeks pregnant and I genuinely could think of nothing worse. I'm swollen and uncomfortable and don't fit anywhere! Sitting in a small chair for hours without being able to put my feet up would do me in. I don't think that helps though op sorry : (

@Tessa12345 I'm an expat and have several friends who have flown long haul late in their pregnancy to give birth at home - as will I. I've been told to wear the socks, drink lots of water and walk around. I have a low risk pregnancy so far though and doctor keeps an eye on cervical length etc. I am considering business class but the airline we need to use has a ridiculously priced business ticket so not convinced. I just did a long haul business flight and I won't lie, it was a lot better than the economy flights I recently had to do. That's at 25+6. Frankly your doctor/midwife will have some say in how far along they are willing to sign you off for - especially for non emergency travel. Have you spoken with them?

@ineedaholidaynow sadly some of us do not have much choice in the matter. If I could have my baby here I would but it isn't possible. Likewise, I cannot miss months of work. Our maternity leave is 3 months of which only 3 weeks is allowed before birth. I will need to take that plus 3-4 weeks unpaid to have my baby. My husband will need to take 7 weeks unpaid. It's rough but it's the choice you make as an expat.

Gosh @PBobs that sounds insanely difficult - can I ask what country this is in? We really are lucky with our maternity leave in the UK.

@RosiePosies I'm sorry I'd rather not say as it's quite outing but it is in Asia. Our legal system is quite US based and US maternity stinks although it is changing here next year apparently. Too late for us. The UK and other European systems are mostly fabulous by comparison. We have the added complication that we are moving on to our next post just after our due date - hence birthing here is not an option sadly. Our healthcare is amazing but the timing is impossible.