Immediate help- Long haul travel at 31 weeks

[ksandy]

Hi friends,

I am 31 weeks now and have an emergency back at home (dad is ill and on ventilator) for which I need to travel on long haul flight for 12 hours. I got the travel letter from GP. I may have to go now and come back at 33 or 34 weeks. I am really worried and apprehensive to travel at this stage. Just wanted to hear from you if any of you have travelled in this time and how was the experience? Is it really that risky? Any of your personal experience will really help me to decide.

Thanks in advance
Sandy

No experience of this, but didn't want to read and run. Sorry you are going through this. IA friend did fly late in pregnancy and had contractions throughout - turned out she was very dehydrated, so I make sure you drink plenty. I guess be confident to you have access to medical support at your destination and walk/move about very regularly. Hopefully people with experience will reply soon

I’ve done similar at around 32/33w and was told to wear compression stockings and take baby aspirin although I’ve heard of other women being given Clexane injections? Definitely something to discuss with your midwife.

Sending you good wishes for your dad

So sorry about your father. That must be incredibly stressful.

I flew long haul at 31 - 33 weeks. I was very nervous in the lead-up about all the what-ifs, but nothing went wrong at all. I made sure that I had figured out the closest medical facilities to where I was staying and how to navigate the system just in case.

The actual flight was uncomfortable but I didn't feel like I was at risk. I had to carry a letter saying I was fit to fly, but I don't think I wore compression stockings or took aspirin. I made sure I did regular leg exercises from the seat, and walked around a bit in the plane. Discussing it with your midwife is a good idea.

No experience of doing this while pregnant OP, have had to travel to see very ill relatives at short notice though. Sending strength.
Please make sure you take out adequate travel insurance.

Thanks all for your reply. your insights are really helpful. I have decided to travel and come back in 3 weeks time. I am just hoping things will be fine.

I'm sorry you are in this situation. Depending on where you are going do you need insurance, does it Cover maternity complications, repatriation for you and baby if needed?

I had mine at 31 weeks so I am over cautious but it can happen.

Agree with PP about getting proper maternity cover with travel insurance. Its not standard. Good luck and sorry about your dad.

PS - if you are in the UK LV travel insurance used to offer proper cover. Could check with them.

Yes definitely you need travel insurance that will cover issues with the later pregnancy. Not all of them do.