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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Long haul flight at 22 weeks? Is it safe?

21 replies

buttercupbabe · 05/04/2008 16:46

Hi we're trying to plan a nice break away before the arrivial of dc2 ijn September and we really fancy a trip to San Francisco. The date we're thinking of going I'll be 22 weeks. I know they say it's safe to fly in pregnancy but just wondered if anyone has done a long haul at a similar stage and how it was. Any advice would be much appreciated. BCB

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FourPlusOne · 05/04/2008 16:51

I think that it should be fine if you've no problems. We went on a long flight (and back obv!) when I was 21 wks (and then 23 wks) with DC1. I did wear support tights under my trousers though as I was paranoid about DVT - prob more of a risk when pg, though I don't know that for sure. Didn't check with my Dr or anything.

FourPlusOne · 05/04/2008 16:53

Just checked with DH and our flight was about 11 hrs-ish long.

MrsMattie · 05/04/2008 16:53

I flew to New York at 20 weeks. It's perfectly safe, but pregnant women are at a slightly increased risk of DVT, so stretch loads, walk about a bit and drink lots of water. I requested the bulkhead seat at the front, too. You can do this over the phone, or if you are able to check in online you can chose your seat (the emergency exit seats are good, too, as they don't have anyone in front, so you can stretch out). Enjoy! San Fran is wonderful :-)

finallypregnant · 05/04/2008 17:29

I flew to San Francisco at 18 weeks and was fine. Just do the usual of lots of water and stretching. Ask about bulk head seats. Virgin only let you buy them for a fee on the day of the flight from memory but with BA you can book and pay in advance.

You'll love San Fran. Been 3 times myself!

poppy34 · 05/04/2008 20:16

buttercup - I have just got back from hong kong at 28 weeks. Was really worried but got the ok to go from doctor. Did as others said -wore flight socks, drank loads of water and took baby aspirin (one a day but this was on special recommendation of consultant).

bulk head seat good idea as is stretching

JoyS · 05/04/2008 20:30

We flew to CA at xmas, I was 11 weeks and it was fine. I'm 25 weeks now and just got back from NY today. It's not terribly comfortable but not that bad. I would make a midwife/gp/obgyn appointment just before you go to get everything checked out and get a note if you have to.

We went on BA to NY, had bulkhead going and a whole row to ourselves coming back!

How old is your DC1? I would definitely book him/her a seat even if under 2 yrs because the only thing that is really hard is having a toddler on your lap for a long time (just me and DD went to NY, she had her own seat but had to sit on me for takeoff and landing.)

slinkiemalinki · 05/04/2008 22:07

Yes fine, last pregnancy did DC at 6 weeks or so and Mauritius about 24 weeks... this time round I did Miami then onto Mexico at 9 weeks, all fine and dandy so far! I'd pay the extra for at least premium economy if you can though, I found even that a bit of a squeeze when going to Mauritius.

crumpet · 05/04/2008 22:10

took dd to Australia at 10 week. All was fine - she slept all the way there and all the way back (she was 14wks then)

crumpet · 05/04/2008 22:11

oops - sorry thought you meant the baby not you!

ninedragons · 05/04/2008 22:51

No problem. I flew to Luang Prabang at about 10 weeks and Sydney at about 20.

Some airports seem to let you skip the metal detector if you're pregnant (and have a letter from your doctor to prove it) and just pat you down. I don't know if there is any medical reason for this.

Jolibee · 06/04/2008 01:30

I live abroad and flew home at 28-29 weeks for 8 days. The longest flight was 13 hours from Hong Kong then another 2 hours from there. Felt fine, wore flight socks which I think helped and drank loads of water. Feet did blew up the following week but went down - the trials of travelling cattle class! We pre-booked our seats which guarenteed me aisle seat for the copious loo stops. Flew internally most weekends until 34 and all seems good. Airlines didn't even ask if pregnant. Get your socks on and an aisle seat and enjoy your holiday!

jem1969 · 06/04/2008 09:30

Went to New York at 20 weeks (with a big bump)- was fine. And did a couple of European flights at 26 and 32 weeks. As mentioned, you don't need to go through the X-ray machines at the airport. DOn't think they do any harm though but thought I might as well not
For NY I phoned up Virgin before and requested a bulk head seat (only got one on way out). You're not allowed to sit in the emergency exit sea if you're obviously pregnant.
I was on a girls weekend and did pay the extra for premium economy (my friends went economy) and I'd say that was definately nicer but I was only paying for me- different if there are more than one of you. There are often deals going on upgrades though.

kbaby · 06/04/2008 09:44

I flew to New york at 21 weeks pregnant. Its safe to do so but make sure you drink lots and stretch or walk about loads.

Enjoy your holiday, san francisco is really nice but pack something warm because it can also be cold and foggy even in the spring/summer

Original poster

buttercupbabe · 06/04/2008 10:01

Thanks for all the messages. Feeling a bit better about myself, but what about ds who is 2?!!! I lay awake last night wondering how he'll behave on the flight! Oh well I suppose we'll never see any of the people on the flight again....

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LeonieD · 06/04/2008 16:29

This reply has been deleted

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slinkiemalinki · 06/04/2008 17:27

For a 2 year old, you need a seat. And buy a portable DVD, absolute godsend for short bursts of total peace and quiet! I take a holdall full of puzzles, crayons, colouring things and favourite books(my daughter is nearly 2 and that's what she likes). She was great, no problems at all.

Original poster

buttercupbabe · 06/04/2008 21:02

Good idea slinkie (great name btw!), I think the dvd player could be a wise investment.

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Waswondering · 06/04/2008 21:05

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slim22 · 07/04/2008 02:40

Did singapore - london - casablanca & back at 20 and 22 weeks.

With DS 4 years old. My only useful tip here is get night flights. Don't even think about daytime flights.

Was fine. Wore support socks as also paranoid about DVT. Drink lots of water (keeps you moving too with frequent trips to toilet)

Get LOTS OF REST before/during/after holiday.

I overdid it a bit as was Xmas and new year and ended up in bed with contractions for 3 days.

If Dr says OK go and enjoy but do pace yourself.

Waswondering · 07/04/2008 21:10

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Message withdrawn at poster's request.

gillythekid · 11/04/2008 16:00

I flew around the world at 22 weeks, not a problem with flight socks and plenty of water. Call the airline and request a bulkhead seat, if you get to the airport and the flight isn't fully booked you can request to be seated in a row with spare seats so you can stretch out. I found that taking arnica was fantastic for combatting jet lag, I forgot to take it on the way back and felt rotten!

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