Flying whilst pregnant?!

[bhs652]

Hi all! Just really wanted some advice, my partner and I are going on a four hour flight to Tenerife next month for a week, and at the time of flying I'll be 30weeks and 4 days.

I currently have a low risk normal pregnancy, and just wondered, I've had a few people try and 'scare' me by saying 'Ohh the pressure of the air will make you give birth..' ?!?!

We booked the holiday months ago, as I was informed you can fly up to 36 weeks in pregnancy, then it is not recommended. So I made sure I wasn't too close to that date.

I wondered if anyone has flown whilst pregnant and how was it for you? I'm getting a bit worried with the odd few people chiming in with their opinions.

Yep, flew very regularly until 27 weeks and had no problems at all ☺️ Just keep hydrated. You might want to wear compression socks but I didn’t as they annoyed me 🙈

You must carry a fit to fly note from your go or midwifery but check with your airline, in addition check to see if you need an additional one within 48 hours of travelling home. I flew but returned before 28 weeks when fit to fly kicked in for my airline. At the time the cut off was 32 weeks

I flew from NZ at 29.5 weeks. It was uncomfortable but fine.

I've flown all the way through pregnancy. Last flight was 33+4/5 and that was a 13 hour flight. Was fine. Now 37+6 and still waiting for baby to engage etc. Certainly did nothing to bring on labour for me and zero evidence for the scaremongering.

I flew afew times including to the Seychelles at 27 to 29 weeks. I got a fit to fly letter even though it wasn't necessarily required until 32 weeks. Glad I did as they asked for it on the way back.
Lots of celebs constantly fly when pregnant.
I would just say where ever you stay make sure you know the nearest hospital/doctors just in case you have an issue whilst your away.

I went to Malaysia at 32 weeks and returned home at 34 weeks.

You absolutely need a fit to fly note, your midwife can provide this. It will need to be dated just before you fly. You also need to make sure you check what your travel insurance covers. Read the t+c, most don't cover medical expenses for the baby if they make an arrival, and only cover medical expenses for yourself if there's complications. I highly recommend ravenhall insurance

Oh and the flight itself was uncomfortable but absolutely fine. Flying doesn't increase the chances of you going into labour, or the airline companies wouldn't allow it

I've flown a lot whilst pregnant. Make sure that you check out your airline requirements as some don't need anything and some require a pregnancy note to be submitted at least 48hrs in advance.

Everything between 28-36 weeks is determined by the airline.

BAA: pregnancy note
Aer Lingus: detailed medical form
KLM: pregnancy note from the midwife is sufficient

I've flown at 32 weeks and it was fine; just make sure you have the right paperwork and it's close to hand. I don't think the check-in staff clocked that I was pregnant as I was busy corralling our toddler at the time, so when I boarded the plane there was a lot of panic by the staff there and they demanded to see several pieces of documentation. Luckily it was all in a plastic wallet and in an easy-to-get-to pocket, but still, not ideal! Never happened in my first pregnancy so probably just bad luck but do be prepared.

I just flew back last week from a 2 week trip to Portugal and was 30 weeks on the return flight. We checked with our insurance about it and the were fine with it. I didn’t get a fit to fly note before hand as I couldn’t find any info on the airline website (easyJet) that said I would need too. On the outward flight nobody said anything to me. On the return flight I was asked at the check in desk how many weeks I was and when I told them 30 nothing more was said (I have a sizeable bump so they may have thought I was further along).

People do say the most stupid bloody things. It's totally safe to fly. Even late in pregnancy, airlines just don't want you going into labour rather than it's because it's dangerous for you.

Ignore and enjoy!