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Pregnancy

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

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Original poster

DO YOU THINK FLYING IS RISKY IN THE FIRST FEW WEEKS OF PGCY?

39 replies

Letsdoit · 28/01/2010 20:17

I am 4 weeks pregnant and was going to fly abroad (1hr flight then a 2 hr flight, each way) for two week holiday, but am now worried it might spoil the pregnancy. I'd be flying with my toddler, so not that peaceful...

I suppose I worry about lifting the suitcase / the toddler time and time again and not allowing implantation to happen.

I did miscarry at 5 weeks two months ago, so am thrilled I have conceived again so quickly but I want it to stay this time!

What would you do? D you think it is risky? Or am I being paranoid?

Thank you in advance.

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

sonsmum · 28/01/2010 20:20

personally i think you're being paranoid!

MimsyStarr · 28/01/2010 20:22

If you do miscarry it would not be because you went on a flight.
I think embryo will have implanted by now, not that flying/lifting has any effect on that anyway.

Lulumama · 28/01/2010 20:24

lifting a toddler or flying is not going to stop implantation

i think you are being paranoid, and understandably so

i thikn on the whole, if a pregnancy is going to be lost/ continue, it will, regardless of what you do / don't do in your day to day life

Cobblers · 28/01/2010 20:26

If it makes you feel any better I know they let female pilots fly for the first trimester.
Good luck with everything.

Original poster

Letsdoit · 28/01/2010 20:29

Right, thank you, people!

Seems like i'm going on holiday...

OP posts:

gorgeousgirl · 28/01/2010 20:53

And the holiday will do you good...

first1 · 29/01/2010 08:13

I conceived on holiday without knowing and so flew home (bout 3hr flight) at around 4 weeks. Now 24+4weeks and bub has suffered no negative aviation effects!

Laursapoops · 29/01/2010 08:44

Similar, I was pregnant on holiday and didn't know, flew home (from Cape Town, 20 hours door to door) when five weeks pregnant and so far no side effects! Have a great holiday

Original poster

Letsdoit · 29/01/2010 08:47

thanks thanks thanks!!!

OP posts:

NKffffffffe749edcfX11d6d7397af · 29/01/2010 08:59

I flew to Australia when 10 weeks pregnant and all went well. I think the risk with flying is just that you are far away from help if you need it, but it can't actually cause a miscarriage. I was told, if you're going to miscarry, you'll miss carry - with or without the flight....

SparkleandShine · 29/01/2010 09:02

When I looked into it it was more that flying can bring on a miscarriage that was already going to happen anyway, but doesn't cause it IYKWIM.

FutureMum · 29/01/2010 13:08

Phew! Massive sigh of relief. Am due to visit the USA this Spring, should be about 14 weeks then, and hopefully over the sickness. Does anybody know if there are any natural remedies for nervous flyers that I can take? (as no longer allowed tranquilizers because of pgcy). Thank you!

neolara · 29/01/2010 13:16

Flying won't harm your baby, but it might be worth thinking about how you would cope if you had another miscarriage abroad. Would you know where to go to get help? Would you be able to get a scan? Could you understand the doctors? Would your heath insurance cover you? Sorry to be a harbinger of doom, but a miscarriage at 5 weeks is physically very different to one at 10 or 11 weeks. If you go, I would go prepared.

randomimposter · 29/01/2010 13:17

I flew to the states when I was eleven weeks with DS - no problem.
I also flew to Portugal last summer when I was ten weeks. I went on to have a missed miscarriage at 13 week scan, baby had died at 12 weeks. I don't believe there was any link.
Enjoy your holiday - just take it easy and relax and I'm sure all will be fine. It is what it is...

xkatyx · 29/01/2010 16:42

I actually did my pregnancy test on an airplane on way to holiday :-)

TakeLovingChances · 29/01/2010 17:13

I flew from Dublin to Hungary and back again (about 5 hours each way) at 6/7 weeks, and had no problems.

Went on a flight last week at 34 weeks from Dublin to Aberdeen (approx 1 hour each way) and that also was fine.

Enjoy your holiday and try not to worry.

Heated · 29/01/2010 17:19

No, ime, I don't think flying in early pg is a concern otherwise you'd certainly hear more about it. Flew a lot in the first trimester, mostly not knowing I was pg. Was a bit concerned as had taken some travel-sickness tablets on two rough flights (or maybe being pg made it worse?) but GP advised me not to worry as they contain the same ingredients as the anti-emetic drugs used for extreme morning-sickness!

Morph2 · 29/01/2010 19:00

i went to Florida in October for 2 weeks, 8 when i went and 10 when i came back, no probs, although i did phone my insurance company to make sure i was covered before i went

LunaticFringe · 29/01/2010 19:34

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

HopingLovedTheSnow · 29/01/2010 21:11

Trainee pilot here

The only theoretical issue with flying is if you are in an unpressurised aircraft, and it climbs/descends too quickly, as it can cause problems with the changes in pressure around the amniotic sac.

Realistically, if you are in a commercial airliner, the cabin will be pressurised anyway.

If you happen to be flying in an unpressurised plane, your pilot will a) not fly at an altitude that will cause any harm anyway and b) will climb/descend at a gradual pace as any sudden changes in air pressure will be very uncomfortable for passengers way before any physiological harm can be done.

hope that helps.

jojochanel · 30/01/2010 09:02

Flew to NZ when 8 weeks with 17 month toddler and then back at 11 weeks - about 36 hour flight - very little sleep. Was paranoid about miscarrying on the plane cos it would have been awful but no issues and baby now a healthy 18 monther - no damage. You're flights really short - I shouldn't worry at all...

Emster30 · 30/01/2010 22:57

I read somewhere that there is some evidence that flying in the first trimester actually REDUCES the risk of miscarriage. Not sure how true that is, but there certainly seems to be no evidence it will do any harm.

Original poster

Letsdoit · 21/02/2010 19:33

Hello all,

I did go on the holiday....!

I didn't ever feel even the most minor discomfort. Although am still only 7.5 weeks pregnant so haven't yet had a scan, judging by the constant nausea I am happy to report I still feel pretty pregnant. Yes!

Thank you everyone for your support.

OP posts:

flyingdoll · 23/02/2010 18:53

You shouldnt have any problems, i am cabin crew and i was flying for the first few weeks totally unaware i was pregnant. Although we have to ground ourselves as soon as we find out, I have many friends in the job who dont let on and continue to work until the uniform gets too tight! The only issue could be your getting comfortable and motion sickness. The crew will always be on hand with a can of ginger ale and a biscuit for you!

ciaobella19 · 23/02/2010 19:36

I am absolutly paranoid about it......flying doll dunno if u can help, but i used to be crew for a different airline, now starting on my training with a new one but obv not tellin them till i get my new contract, but so worried about the fact im not going to be fully online and passed the course until i complete SNY'S. I really dont want to do the 8 sectors when im pregnant im only 6 weeks. has ur friends really still flown ?? xxxxx

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