Flying in the third trimester?

[amyboo]

I'm looking for a bit of advice. I'm currently nearly 24 weeks pregnant with my first DC, but this is my second pregnancy (had mc at the end of April at 13 weeks). So far, everything's been fine in this pregnancy and my 22 week scan showed no problems. I've avoided flying anywhere though, through fear of losing the baby. But, my Dad's just been diagnosed with cancer and I really want to go and visit, which would involve either a 14 hour car journey or a 2 hour Ryanair flight (parents and I both live abroad). If I fly out in early January, as I'm planning, I will be just over/under 28 weeks pregnant. Does this pose a risk? I read on the Ryanair site that I'll have to have a note from my doctor, so obviously I'll check with him first. I just wondered if anyone else had experience of flying at this stage in pregnancy, as I'm a bit worried - especially given the tiny leg room you get on a Ryanair flight!

I flew to Germany for work at 30wks pg - I was fine but my God I was exhausted.

wear flight socks, stay hydrated, don't take too much luggage and make sure what you do take has wheels.

I'm hoping to fly Ryanair at 30 weeks for about the same flight time. Have bought some flight socks. Will just try and walk up and down the plane and drink lots of water and do ankle circles. It's quite a short flight time so I think it will be fine. Have a chat with your GP and midwife. Ryanair allow flight up to 36 weeks for a single uncomplicated pregnancy.

I checked this out as I flew (long haul) at the start of my third trimester. Flying is very very low risk. You will need to make sure that you're well hydrated etc. and look after yourself, but it's only a 2 hour flight, and you will be fine. In terms of DVT, I'm sure that it is much better than sitting still in a car for 14 hours!

I didn't have any problems, even with my long-haul flight, except that I was exhausted as there were delays, I passed over lots of time zones, and I was generally knackered anyway. Can you have someone waiting for you at the other end, so that your luggage is whisked away, and you don't have to deal with taxis etc.?

oh, and I meant to say that no-one at any stage of my journey (with BMI, LHR-HAJ) even mentioned the fact I was pg, much less made a fuss or asked to see my 'fit to fly' note from GP.

I do have a neat bump and a big coat though...

If you're concerned, it might be worth getting a letter from your GP or your midwife confirming your due date and that you have been assessed and confirmed as medically fit to fly. Most airlines are Ok with women flying up to 36wks, but (esp. for long haul) they like to have confirmation that you're unlikely to have health issues. (I had to get all this info to confirm I could fly Lnd - Edn for Xmas at 30wks)

The pressure changes / etc. during the flight are highly unlikely to affect the baby. But your anxiety at not seeing your dad will affect you! Best wishes for your dad's health.

Ryanair is unforunately the only option that won't involve a significant drive at my parents' end (not really a possibility at the moment due to Dad's health). I will get a note from my gynae as suggested just incase I have any problems. I really just wanted reassurance that the flying wouldn't affect mine or the baby's health in any way.

Thanks for all your helpful comments. Fingers crossed now that Dad gets past this :-(

Hi there - if it is any help, I am flying back and forth to Europe (around a 2 hour flight too) for work at 27, 28 and then 34 weeks. I checked with various doctors, midwifes, airlines etc. and everyone is happy with this... but you should get a letter from your GP (at least) saying, due date, no complications, happy for you to fly etc.

Also, my midwife gave me some advice re insurance, checking out the local hospital to where you will be etc. which I posted here if you didn't see it.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/pregnancy/872883-Traveling-late-in-pregancy

I also flew short haul at around 22 weeks and it was fine.... although I have to tell you that the sensation of the baby swinging back and forth as the plane took off (in a storm!) was very strange so don't be alarmed if you experience the same thing - all was fine at my next scan. I told myself that it was all fun for the baby though!

I do hope your dad is OK and you have a safe journey.