Flying to Cuba at 25 weeks...

[cfc]

...possible? Advisable?

The flight is about 9 hours, I think.

Wwyd? Has anyone done a long haul before when pg, or shall we just go to Eurpoe?

Possible - don't see why not. Don't know about advisable. You would need to check your travel insurance policy carefully, assuming you have one. How pg will you be on the way back? I flew to the US when pg but I was only 10-12 weeks. I decided I wouldn't be able to go again later in the pregnancy but that was around 30 weeks, a bit later than you - 25 weeks sounds more borderline (there was something I would have liked to go to in February, baby was due at end of April).

When is the planned trip, and would it be possible to do it any earlier in the pregnancy? A lot of advice suggests that the 2nd trimester is the best time if you're going to fly long-haul in pregnancy at all.

If you decide not to, maybe think about doing it when the baby's only a few months old - it's not easy doing long haul flights but it's probably easier with a portable 5 month old than a toddler or still very young child. (We went to Alaska - ds was 5 months on our return - the longest flights were 11 hours from London to San Francisco)

I havent done long haul but I've flown short haul - am flying again this weekend when I'll be 27 weeks. I had a friend who flew to the US at 7 months and had a pretty terrible time of it (she said she felt really sick). Upto you - but personally I'd stick to Europe. Having said that I'm sure lots of people will tell you they flew long haul and had no problems.

We were invited on all expenses paid trip to Florida, I would have been 26 weeks at the time and was advised not to by midwife because trip is too long. Stick to Europe. I wouldn't think it would be great to fly that distance at 25 weeks though?

I have spent a lot of time in Cuba. Personally I wouldn't go there if I was pregnant. Healthcare is minimal and the quality of the food can be poor even in hotels.

If you do go to Cuba be very carefull what you eat, I thought I had a good tummy food wise but oh no Very ill for at least a week with food posioning, Cuba is well known for very bad food, but beautiful beaches (see my profile )

I flew to US from London at 22 weeks (twin pregnancy). I would only go to a place where I was comfortable and knew that medical health was good and accessible. Food is also an issue. I did not find the actual travelling too difficult but yes it is important to be in you mental comfort zone as well.

I flew to South Africa for a wedding at 26 weeks and back at 28 weeks and wouldn't really recommend it. I was really uncomfortable the whole flight and it took days for the swelling in my legs to go down. Honestly thought htey were going to burst at points on the plane. Everyone's pregnancy is different though so you might be fine...don't want to be the voice of doom and gloom!

worth going! we went to koh samui when i was 16 weeks with ds... as with all longer flights its never going to be fully comfortable unless you're going club class flat bed style!!

but it was the last long haul holiday - infact holiday full stop i had with dh alone, very romantic and memorable and worth the longer flight... although all hols after (dom rep with ds at 9 months to name 1) have been fab!

save europe for when your LO arrives! just be careful what you eat.. watch out with ice in drinks, food left out in open etc like you would anyway...

Waswondering, did you spend more than two weeks in Cuba? Varadero is very misleading in regard to what life is like for Cubans.

The care will be adequate for a tourist, just make sure you have full insurance.

Thank you for all of your replies. I will send this thread to the husband and see what he thinks....maybe Morocco will be better for us?

Thanks again.

as long as you are in good health there is no problem with long haul flying. You do however need to check with whichever airline you are flying with regarding their policy as they do vary. Most airlines will allow you to fly without a doctors note until 28 weeks although some say 24 and therefore you need to check this. I am flying long haul next month when I will be 26 weeks and although technically I won't need a note from my gp/midwife I'm going to get one anyway as I know from experience I might get asked. With my last pregnancy I flew Emirates when 20 weeks and must have been asked about 10 times by the check in staff and cabin crew how many weeks I was which got quite annoying after a while. As long as you are under around 28 weeks when you return you shouldn't have any problems. The maximum number of weeks you can fly depends on the airlines too. With some its 32 and others 34 or even 36. I have booked to fly back to where I live in the middle east in December when I will be around 31 weeks but wouldn't fly any later than that.

have just got back from florida, 28 weeeks pregnant 9hour flight also with 3 year old!!
booked before we found out ws pregnant, was tiring and dont think that i would fly long haul again so pregnant, but my advise is relax leave plenty of time so you are not rushing, walk about loads on aircraft and drink alot! and have a great time!!!!

I went to New York when I was 26 weeks, then flew back and out to Ibiza the next day

it was fine

I'd say its completely individual and one persons experience is different to anothers. This airline cut off is around 28wks to go without a drs note. I think it really depends on how fit you are and how you feel.

If no complications its fine so long as you stick to the rules about lots of water, support tights etc.. Just get an aisle seat!

Re feeling sick, Im a bad traveller at best of times- always take meds for flights. Just flew to US and back - no meds as I was 15wks preg. Wore those band things, had the "Nevasic" music on my ipod (tho didnt use it) and was fine.

Hope you are able to go and enjoy the trip!