Flying when pregnant

[TupperCare]

I've not flown pregnant before so not sure on the guidance. I’m looking to go on holiday in June, mid June I’ll be 26 weeks and so far I’m not high risk (I’m 38 though).

Is there any guidance i should know about?

Keep hydrated. Move - either ankle circles and heel lifts in your seat or walking around and stretching - every hour at least. Wear the compression socks. Wear comfy, non restrictive clothes.

I did a lot of flying while pg at 32, my last at 3 days past my official "no more flying" date and all fully cleared by Dr. (I think that date was 34 weeks if I remember right.)

As pp has said ref, hydration, compression socks and walking.

Admin-wise: check your airlines requirements as you may well need a fit to fly doctor's letter.

As soon as you book take out travel insurance which covers all pregnancy related matters (pretty standard but double check).

Travel insurance is most important. I’m not bothering with compression socks for a short haul flight.

I've just flew to Florida and back at 27-29 weeks pregnant. Pay extra for legroom/any upgrades you can afford if flying long haul. Wear compression socks and drink lots of water and move around regularly (I didn't necessarily get up and walk lots but I did lots of leg exercises in my seat)

I was dreading the flight but it was actually fine!

Thank you everyone! That’s really helpful. I was trying to avoid anywhere further than two hours but these replies make me think I could stretch to 4 hours!

@TupperCare Its worth checking if you need a fit-to-fly note for your airline. I did a flight of a few hours about that gestation with DD and it was a bit uncomfortable but ok

Travel insurance, fit to fly note from midwife and carry notes (or log in if online these days) should be fine, though I would also consider northern France as an alternative I love Normandy and can drive

If you do need a fit to fly note (unlikely at 26 weeks but check with your airline), check with your midwife who provides it - I asked my midwife about this yesterday and she advised that if I need one I have to get it from my GP, the midwives can't do it, and to request it at least a month before travel as she's seen issues previously of people not being able to get a doctor's letter in time for their trip.

Check limits on flying as they differ from airline and some won't take you at a late stage.