Would you fly UK to New York 32 weeks pregnant?

[whitenoise24]

Hi guys!

Im currently 11 weeks and we have a trip to NY booked for Christmas time when I’ll be nearly 32 weeks.

Im not making any decisions or cancelling anything yet (will wait until at least after 20 weeks) but just trying to think ahead and potentially rebook it for the following xmas.

This is my second baby. In my first pregnancy I was SO UNCOMFORTABLE by 32 weeks, with crippling sciatica, PGP, insomnia, never ending sickness, the list goes on. I am already struggling with sciatica at this early stage so anticipating it being a similar situation.

So I’m v worried about the flight and just generally me having a rubbish time and ruining it for my partner. Last time I couldn't walk for more than 10 minutes without really struggling and I want to be able to walk for miles and see everything in NY which I wouldn't be able to do. I love NY and wandering and walking and eating and drinking and I think postponing would be best. My partner is completely happy with this too.

Do you think postponing the trip is a good idea? xx

I wouldn't go. I'd be worried about having the baby in America.

I wouldn't want to go either. If you can postpone it that seems a good option.

I would postpone. You know you’re likely to be uncomfortable. And if you needed hospital treatment or your baby was born early the costs would be astronomical.

I know someone who went to America pregnant and went into early labour. Baby was in NICU for weeks. Obviously her and her DH had to stay out there too, so problems with work, their older child missing school. Not to mention the stress of a poorly baby abroad. The huge medical bills, that luckily their travel insurance mainly covered. Medical flight home too. No way would I risk it.

I would absolutely postpone. It will not be a fun trip at that stage, going by your previous pregnancy.

I would absolutely postpone, or swap it to something which doesn’t require so much walking!

I would definitely postpone!

Absolutely not.

What if you go into early labour and end up having to stay in the US until your baby is out of the NICU and has a passport and is fit to fly home?

Of course not.
Why not go to Paris, much closer and you can get the train?

I flew long hail at a similar gestation and it was fine, but I wasn't in economy. It would have been awful having to sit upright for the whole flight. Generally I had a very easy pregnancy, but I found it very uncomfortable on a short haul flight I did around the same time.

No way! Too risky and I think you'd pay an arm and a leg for travel insurance.

Totally agree. If you do, make sure your insurance fully covers you for giving birth in America. I'm sure I read something like a "normal" birth is $20k!!!

There is no way I'd go! I had reduced movements a couple of times in my second pregnancy and needed a lot of growth scans. I cant imagine how much of a nightmare all that would've been in another country.

Appreciate everyone’s responses - thank you!

I hadn't even thought about reduced movement scans etc - I had lots last time due to anterior placenta.

Going to wait to progress a but further and then we’ll postpone to 2025 xx

I would definitely postpone, I went in December last year and it was crazy busy with the crowds just getting bigger and bigger the closer to Christmas

Totally agree. If you do, make sure your insurance fully covers you for giving birth in America.

And that your insurance will also cover all medical and other expenses for the baby when s/he has been born.

It depends where the OP lives. I know for me personally to get the train to Paris it would involve 7 hours of driving just within the UK alone.

OP, no I wouldn't go to New York because you'll enjoy it far more when you're feeling physically better. I also wouldn't go because I've had previous premature labour but I also totally get the sciatica thing and feeling rough. I'm 26 weeks and feel terrible and also have sciatica. I hope the rest of pregnancy isn't too bad for you.

I wouldn't as comprehensive travel insurance is nigh on impossible to get

Yes. It's much safer giving birth in a lovely private hospital with top doctors rather than the nhs. Also your child would qualify for American citizenship. Get a good travel insurance that covers everything

Regardless of the risk, New York would be a shit holiday if you're knackered and can't walk far.

the U.S. maternal mortality rate was about 24 deaths per 100,000 live births, which is more than three times higher than in other developed nations (Home) (AJMC). For comparison, the UK's rate stands significantly lower, around 6.5 deaths per 100,000 live births (Home).

Far more likely to die giving birth in the us

That's not a reliable figure - the data collection in the US is systematically over reported: it's probably roughly in line with other developed countries on average.
www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2024/03/13/1238269753/maternal-mortality-overestimate-deaths-births-health-disparities#:~:text=This%20story%20has%20been%20updated,32.9%20deaths%20per%20100%2C000%20births. www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2024/03/13/1238269753/maternal-mortality-overestimate-deaths-births-health-disparities#:~:text=This%20story%20has%20been%20updated,32.9%20deaths%20per%20100%2C000%20births.]]]]

They do have a worryingly high death rate for poor and Black women, which is a huge issue, but wouldn't be a specific cause for concern for the OP who'd have had solid maternity care up to 32 weeks.

Can you confirm that OP passes the 'paper bag test', and will therefore not be medically neglected if she's in an emergency situation.

Will you be allowed to fly at 32 weeks (33 weeks return)? It’s been years since I flew pregnant and can’t remember the rules….

I don’t think I would though. Birth in the US is highly medicalised & terribly expensive, as is neonatal care, and just wouldn’t want to risk it.

I also just don’t think at 32 weeks it’s the sort of holiday id want! Lying by a pool on a sun lounger being fed crisps and ice cream … sure!