Holidays abroad when pregnant

[Charm23]

DH and I had planned to go abroad on a winter holiday around November time but have just found out that I am pregnant with our first child. It is still very early days and if all goes well I would not be due until February. By the time the holiday comes around (not sure the exact date we would go) I could be 25-30 weeks pregnant. NHS website says about getting GPs confirmation if travelling after 28 weeks which got me wondering how many couples actually do decide to. I personally don't feel 100% certain I would want to go abroad that far along but wanted to ask for advice or experiences from anyone who had? how far did you travel? did you enjoy the holiday the same or was it too much stress?

We staued in UK instead and went to some luxury hotels here. I was still flying fit work but swollen ankles, nosebleeds etc on flights

We’ve just returned from a holiday to Portugal (2.5 hour flight). I was 28 weeks on the outward flight and 30 weeks on the return flight. I didn’t get a fit to fly note as the airline (easyJet) said it was ok to fly up to 34 weeks and didn’t say anything about a fit to fly note on their website info. It’s a relatively short flight but we chose this based on having to occupy a 2 year old rather than my pregnancy.

I just got back from a trip to east Asia. I was 21 weeks when we flew out and 23 weeks for the return, 24+ hours travelling each way with 14 hour flights to and from Singapore. I had an amazing time, and I think it was a really good time to travel as I’m not too big yet, didn’t struggle at all with the heat or walking around loads and I have plenty of energy.

@Hollowvictory Yes that sounds like a good idea. We have a week-long UK based holiday planned for September so if we don't get to go abroad it's not a big deal.

@TerriB1984 Portugal sounds lovely, I hope you had good weather. We've just returned from a fortnight in Croatia (where baby was conceived haha!) and it was lovely but had a few grey days. Sounds like you had a normal holiday with no added stress? would you do it again?

Congratulations! I flew to Canada and back at 19-21 weeks and it was absolutely fine. We started in the UK after that and when to Cornwall when I was 33 weeks.

Airlines ask for a letter confirming your dates after a certain point in pregnancy. I was below the threshold when I flew but took my notes just in case I was asked so I could prove I didn't need a letter.

Your GP does not usually do them as part of their normal NHS work but midwives often have a form they can fill in for this. If your midwife can't you can ask your GP but this is additional private work that they would be doing so they would charge you for it (and usually need several weeks notice to ensure it's done) so if you end up needing one ask early.

@stormtrooperjulian I recognise your name from the TTC 1st baby thread - were you the one going to Japan? I'm glad you had a good time and your pregnancy did not get in the way.

I have a clotting disorder and so am probably one of the highest risk types of pregnant flyer. I was told my consultant would consider giving me a fit to fly letter at 28 weeks only a week before I fly to ensure my latest health status is considered. So if they haven’t ruled me out I’m sure that for someone with zero complications it would just be a formality

@Ribeebie Canada sounds great, it is on my list of places to visit! I think if the pregnancy has no complications then I wouldn't worry too much about flying at 19-21 weeks but it's the later weeks I'd struggle with deciding whether to travel so may just do as you did and go to Cornwall (but not in November haha!).

@Teddybear45 That's interesting to know. I suppose if that is the case you could always book last minute to avoid losing money by cancelling if they advise against travelling.

I flew to Cyprus in my first pregnancy at 23-24 weeks. Like you I was worried about it but it was completely fine (also flew to NZ at 12-15 weeks, that was planned a long time before!!) Felt completely fine in Cyprus.

This time I'm going to Sardinia at 27-28 weeks. It was planned before I knew I'd be pregnant but after my good experiences last time I'm fine with it. Also flying easyJet like a PP so no need for a fit to fly certificate.

I already booked lol as I thought my IVF cycle had failed but I’ll get a refund if there’s an issue which is good I suppose!

I flew long haul at 25 weeks returning at 28, the latest for my airline, I only did it because I was visiting family here in the U.K. (we later moved back) not sure I would have taken a holiday. Go to Scotland maybe, it's lovely

@kiwiblue Sounds like you've done several trips with no worries, that's good to hear! Sardinia sounds lovely, it's on my list!

@Teddybear45 Ah ok, well hopefully you can still go!

@stucknoue I don't think I'd be up for long haul flights that far along but that is just me and I'm glad it was fine for you. If we do go away this winter it will be to one of The Canaries so would only be 4 or so hours flight. Scotland is lovely but I've recently lived there for a few years so not feeling very appealing as a holiday destination lol

I flew to the Seychelles at around 25 weeks and had no problems, was a little nauseous at times but other than that fine. See how you feel in a couple of months?

I had booked to go to Lanzarote before discovering I was pregnant. I would have been going from 28-29 weeks. I was absolutely fine to do this until I found out I'm having twins, then decided it would be too risky for me so we've opted for a UK break instead.

I'm 25 weeks and I've just returned from 2 weeks in Greece. It was lovely, but I've felt good all pregnancy really.

I had no issues travelling. And I LOVED getting in some proper relaxation and enjoying our last holiday as 2 (for a while!) I also surprisingly loved showing off my baby-bump-beach-body! And loved all the attention and fuss from staff and other holiday makers :D

I did call my travel insurance before going and they advised something in writing saying I was safe to travel, but didnt charge me any extra - its more in case I did have to make a claim. So I visited the docs specifically for a fit to fly letter but was told they dont do them before 30 weeks, instead they wrote "assessed and considered safe to fly and travel between [DATE START HOLS] and [DATE END HOLS] which I imagined would be sufficient, and luckily I didnt need it in the end.

I would say, if you feel well then go for it, but I probably wouldnt book too far in advance in case you change your mind. We booked 3-4 weeks before we went.

Enjoy!!

I flew at around 33 weeks pregnant with my first, and just recently at 30 with my second. No issues, flew with Easyjet this time and I checked with them, didn't even need a fit to fly letter from the GP as a PP mentioned. I think if you are generally well and have a low risk pregnancy it should be fine. There was a similar thread recently where I said the same thing: holidays after kids are not the same (let's say, not as relaxing!). So I would suggest you go, relax and enjoy.

I don't know where you're thinking of going, but the Portuguese are extremely accommodating of pregnant women btw! Good luck with your pregnancy.

** wrote on my notes, and printed for me - that was meant to say, as alternative to a fit to fly letter.

Also, take you blue folder with you if you do decide to go.

Just something to note - different airlines have different date requirements for a fit to fly letter, so do check with yours if you decide to go. I'm writing this from sunny Portugal and had to have a letter, as Jet2 ask for one from 28 weeks. My GP wrote it a few days before I travelled

I've been on 10+ hour trips for the duration of my pregnancy. They were around weeks 5, 12, 16, 25. My last was week 33+4/5. That was a 13 hour flight. Felt fine every time and had an absolutely brilliant time. But I've had a thus far easy pregnancy, not massive, still walking 2km+ a day with ease etc. I'd book it as long as I had good travel insurance in case of cancellation or early labour.

By "trips" I mean flights.