Long haul flight during pregnant

[MumDaisy1980]

Hi! I wonder anyone could share their experience of long haul flight during pregnant? I am second pregnancy at 5 weeks.

I got ticket before the news and I plan to change the dates to after first trimester and will seek medical advice.

I personally feel fine physically for now Haa. We will be travelling with toddler . It will be a family trip with no specific agenda, so just chill. I don’t know how my body would feel or too tiring for everything including jet lag.

any concern?

I did read a bit and so far seems the info I read was OK to fly long haul as long as I feel OK.

Its fine. I dont see why you need to change to second d trimester. The later you travel the more uncomfortable it is and if there are ny complications you can't travel after a certain point.

Why would you need to change it?

Totally fine - I flew to New Zealand and back from the UK when I was in my first and also second trimester. For the first I paid for one of those early scans first so knew the baby was healthy xx

I think the likelihood of nausea & vomitting, and also miscarriage, is reduced in 2nd semester.

I believe it’s safe to fly anywhere up to 28 weeks. Anything after this and you need to be signed off by a doctor I think.

You need to keep mobile, hydrated, and consider wearing flight socks - risk of DVT is significantly increased in pregnancy.

Make sure your travel insurance is good enough to cover you for the additional risks that pregnancy brings.

Check the laws in the country you are going to as if you were (sadly) to need miscarriage care, you might receive suboptimal management in a place with very restrictive abortion laws. If relevant, decide if that's a risk you're happy to take on.

10.1377/hlthaff.2023.00982

Can you spend the cash and buy the toddler a seat?

Bump plus toddler in an airplane seat isnt the most comfortable!

Yes, i did it. Its fine. How far gone will you be if you dont move the tickets? Id go sooner rather than later.

I flew long haul several times up until I developed (unrelated to flying) issues with my pregnancy at 28 weeks. I went to the US, Middle East and Maldives, as well as some short haul trips. I had to travel for work so just got on with it (the Maldives was not for work- it was our last child free holiday!).

I wore flight socks and in later pregnancy got an aisle seat so I could easily get up for the loo and to get my legs moving.

The flight should be fine if an uncomplicated pregnancy, but check the healthcare where you're going is ok. Also that your travel insurance will cover pregnancy related issues.

I flew to San Francisco in my second trimester and was a little uncomfortable ( sore hips and back ) with sitting so long but was fine and I struggled more with jet lag as I would usually have a few drinks with dinner to help get to sleep when jet lagged but obviously couldn’t do that!

I flew to Japan and back in second trimester and it was fine, not the most comfortable so if I had the funds I’d go business class!

Standard travel insurance should cover you, with the usual caveats that you need to tell them about current conditions etc. The thing to watch for is whether they would cover the baby if they come early.

Thank you all for your replies!! So helpful.

Yeah one part of me want to fly as planned, as some of you say - earlier better and lighter.

another part of me, as read online better to fly after 1st trimester/ I also want to do the 12-week scan to access any down syndrome etc . I am over 35 , so can't help thinking some of risk that I need to be cautious. I wonder any over 35 experience to share too? Thanks!!

Congrats! Have you checked if the country has zika? I avoided all travel to any zika countries when TTC and pregnant.

Check with the specific airlines and your travel insurance regarding dates and whether a fit to fly certificate is required from your GP/midwife- also whether one is required on your return journey. I realise many woman are pregnant over 35, but I thought it was still technically classed as higher risk, even if its not twins or other complications?

Hey! Over 35 mama here! (39) and also an IVF pregnancy. I’ve just flown long haul (12 hour flight) at 10 weeks and am due to fly home tomorrow at 12 weeks. I had a viability scan with my clinic before we went and they were not concerned over me going away on holiday. They only warned about food and making sure things were cooked thoroughly and only bottled water etc. No concerns at all over the flight itself. I didn’t find the flight too bad just the turbulence and nausea was a bit 🤢 but to be honest it was totally worth it for the rest and relaxation 😂

we also travelled with my 3 year old too and we made the best memories as a trio 🥰🥰

I did look into private places to access an early scan if it was needed while away and luckily there was one close enough if we needed it. At this stage whatever is going to happen will happen there is literally not a lot you can do unfortunately. And you can have your 12 week scan between weeks 12-14 so you will still have it u can just rearrange the app if you are away when they allocate you.

enjoy your holiday!!

xx