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Pregnancy

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

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Original poster

Has anyone flown long haul in first trimester?

42 replies

heidipi · 15/04/2010 10:00

Hi there - am looking for some advice from anyone who has flown in early pg please. I'm 7 wks at the moment (first pg, aged 40, no health probs) and due to fly to the US with work in 2 weeks time.

I've looked for advice and although there's nothing to suggest that flying could cause miscarriage, some places do advise against flying in the first 12 weeks because of the increased risk of mc during that time - I guess because it could be extra grim if an mc started on the plane or while away from home?

I've only had a bit of nausea and tiredness so far - nothing like what some people experience, so I feel perfectly ok to go but obviously don't want to take unnecessary risks. It would be awkward to get out of going but not impossible.

Has anybody flown at a similar time and how did you get on?

Thanks in advance for your help!

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

daisystone · 15/04/2010 10:03

my best friend did with her first. she was fine.

EldonAve · 15/04/2010 10:10

yes, it was fine

Original poster

heidipi · 15/04/2010 10:11

Oooh - quick responses, thanks so much!

OP posts:

Poledra · 15/04/2010 10:12

Flew to and from the US when about 6 weeks' pg with DD1 - didn't know I was pg. No harm done.

CMOTdibbler · 15/04/2010 10:12

Yes, I flew a lot when pg. Theres no extra risk (although be sure to wear DVT socks)

thehillsarealive · 15/04/2010 10:14

i went to NY twice. no problems, but ankles swell, very nice...

wear comfortable clothes, I suggest trousers. drink plenty and move around as much as you can. or wear support stockings

Poledra · 15/04/2010 10:17

Can I suggest, though, that if you fly later in your pregnancy, you take your rings off? I'm not bitter that I had to have a much-loved ring cut off my hand after flying when 6 months' pg with DD1, ohhh nooo

whittywan · 15/04/2010 10:22

I flew to South Africa at 12 weeks. Just felt a little more tired that usu after a flight. But I was struck with extreme exhaustion in 1st trimester

Oilersgirl · 15/04/2010 10:27

I worked in a job that required International travel and flew all over the place during my first 6 months of pregnancy. The things that I experienced were: extra tiredness from time changes, lots of nausea from going up and down in the planes and my feet and fingers would become more puffy than usual on the long flights.

Original poster

heidipi · 15/04/2010 11:09

Thanks a million - this is so much more helpful than any advice I've found anywhere else, feel much better about going now.

DVT socks, comfy clothes, rings off, drinks and moving around - all now on 'to pack' and 'to do' lists.

Cheers everyone x

OP posts:

Pootles2010 · 15/04/2010 11:13

I flew to/from Boston when i was about 3 weeks preg - had no idea obviously. I would suggest, esp if you're suffereing from nausea, to take some snacks with you - i couldn't face plane food, and needed tracker bars and salt + vinegar walkers crisps by the way all was fine - am now 27 weeks

yellowflowers · 15/04/2010 11:14

So pleased you asked this. Providing everythign works out I am due to fly to US too in week 12 (hoping to have 12 week scan a week early). Right - rings off (must by chain so can put them round neck as would hate not to have them on me) and dvt socks. How do those socks work anyway?

nunnie · 15/04/2010 11:14

I thought the adive was no flying in the first 12 weeks?

My Auntie flew short haul in the first 12 weeks.

She did have a MMC, it is impossible to say what caused it as she also smoked (lightly).

Not something I would do, but it is your choice at the end of the day. Why not speak to your MW and get some updated advice from her if you are worried.

skihorse · 15/04/2010 11:17

nunnie Please don't spread such stupid "gossip" & rumours!

Your auntie's MMC likely had NOTHING to do with flying or cigarettes, what a horribly judgemental thing to say.

OP - there's a girl around here somewhere (skatergirl) who's just been to Oz for a fortnight.

nunnie · 15/04/2010 11:26

Excuse me it's not gossip, I was giving an opinion, like everyone else!

umf · 15/04/2010 11:28

There's no evidence at all that flying does (or even could - HOW could it??) cause mc.

It just seems an "unnatural" thing to do, which worries people.

Just follow all the sensible advice about what to take and wear!

That said, I flew a lot with DC1 and won't be with DC2, because it was all very exhausting and I'm planning to take life much easier with this pg.

nunnie · 15/04/2010 11:30

The op obviously had concerns hence the question. The recommendations are you don't fly in the first 12 weeks. My advice is speak to your mw and ask them why this recommendation is place.

nunnie · 15/04/2010 11:34

I don't quite understand why I am being jumped on, I don't agree with quite a few pieces of advice I have seen on here, but they are peoples opinions which have been requested.

I said it was impossible to say what caused the MMC. It was always in her head and still is it was the flying.

Am I only allowed to write on this forum if I have medical knowledge, and just tell people to seek medical advice if I haven't?

Original poster

heidipi · 15/04/2010 11:42

Hi again and thanks for the extra posts - Nunnie actually I've found no hard and fast recommendation not to fly in the first 12 weeks - guidance seems to be quite vague, which is why I was asking about people's experiences.

NHS Choices says "There?s no increased risk to a healthy pregnant woman or her foetus from air travel. The best time to fly is between 14 and 28 weeks when there?s a lower risk of miscarriage or labour" and "Many women prefer not to travel in their first 12 weeks of pregnancy because of the exhaustion and nausea they experience during the early stages."

Haven't seen or spoken to a midwife yet - have left a message on Tues and again today, but no response yet!

OP posts:

umf · 15/04/2010 11:46

Where is this no-fly advice? Who issues it? My preggo book of choice (Lesley Regan, DK) says no problem with flying. Suspect is myth.

nunnie · 15/04/2010 11:46

I have also looked, and like peanuts it does seem to have changed so I apologise. It says now if you are deemed healthy by your Doctor. Take more sick bags.

I do apologise didn't realise it had changed.

nunnie · 15/04/2010 11:47

It was originally issued to due cabin pressure which was uncontrolled in older planes.

This is no longer the case hence the change.

As I said I apologise for the incorrect information.

Violet5 · 15/04/2010 12:11

Hi, i'm going to be flying soon also and just wondered, maybe a stupid question but does anyone know about/if its ok to go through them body scanner things you walk through to check you're not carrying something on your person that you shouldn't be ?

nunnie · 15/04/2010 12:26

www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy/travel/airportscreeningexpert/

Found this Violet hope it's helpful

Violet5 · 15/04/2010 12:32

I was wondering about those new scanners, thats great, thankyou nunnie

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