Advice for flying?

hippohat

I have never traveled more than a few hours away by car while pregnant, much less flown cross country. Help! Any tips of what to do/not do on the plane, what to pack, etc? I plan to call my doctor's office in the morning, we leave already on Tuesday so I'm trying to wrap my brain around this. 

As nervous as I am about going I'm super excited - we've had an insanely stressful last 8 months, have been dying to go somewhere before baby #2 arrives, and it's our 10th anniversary this fall. Yay for a surprise babymoon!

golfingdarwinfish

I've had a few international trips this pregnancy and have tried to fly as late as possible so that I would sleep through the majority of the flight.  Brought tons of water onboard, despite having it available on demand. Snacks are always good, too, especially if you are flying cross country.  I would recommend walking around a few times..Bring a sweater or sweatshirt as planes tend to get cold.

Honestly, for me traveling while pregnant isn't much different than traveling pre-pregnancy. My MFM didn't have much advice outside of remaining hydrated and walking around when possible  I kept my legs elevated most of the trip (the perks of flying business on the company dime!) which may be the only difference in my flying behavior.

Oh, and I have not gone through the scanner while pregnant.  NYC airports will not allow you to request the old school metal detector so I was pat down each time.  Added maybe 10min to the security screen.

Emerald27

Great advice from PPs. The water and frequent leg-stretching are the most important things, IMO. You become dehydrated while flying anyway, so drinking constantly will help combat that, and the leg stretches will safeguard you from cramps (and clots).

Have a safe and fun trip!

Leysin97

I would have a bag available in case you get sick. I flew 2 weeks ago and even though I have flown a lot my whole life and never gotten sick I got extremely sick both flights. I agree with PP and have comfortable clothes, snacks, and water. Also if you do an opt out to the security scanner and metal detector they will just pat you down and it wasn't all that invasive just takes more time so leave yourself some extra time. Also be aware your feet may swell quite a lot. Oh and a small travel pillow was helpful. Have a great trip!

irisheyes317

I've been flying almost weekly for work and other things over the past few months and I think PP have some great advice. At most airports, I haven't had good luck with getting the metal detector instead of the scanner, so I have had to request a pat down. At most airports, it only takes an extra 10 minutes or so. Just to warn you so you're prepared, though, I've had a few airports keep me waiting for 20 minutes or more while they try to find a female who can do the pat down -- just leave yourself extra time in case this happens so you're not stressed.

Also, I've had a few TSA agents -- always men -- make rude comments about choosing the pat down instead of the scanner, even though I'm quite obviously pregnant. This past week, one tried to tell me that the metal detector was worse for the baby than the scanner and then that there was absolutely no risk at all to the scanner so it was silly not to go through. I said something about preferring to listen to doctors on the issue rather than TSA agents but I'm going to be prepared with better comebacks next time!

jlabbe1123

Only thing to add is you might want to think about compression socks! We had turbulence so I couldn't get up as much as I wanted too. These things are saving me while on vacation right now. I didn't have any swelling issues at home but man oh man my feet are huge right now. I got the open toe ones so I can still wear flip flops which are the only comfortable thing atthis point. Then everything PP have suggested. Lots of water, bring your own empty bottle, an aisle seat is awesome & snacks.

DivaMom22

Agree with all PPs. Make sure you request preboarding it's so much easier and you get first pick of the seats.

Raesofsunshine1

This isnt really a flying tip but a traveling tip. And I didnt read all the responses, so Im sorry if it has already been said.

Take a copy of your records with you. I had a bad gall bladder attack when I was out of town around 26 weeks or so. I didnt know what it was so I went to the nearby ER. The DR wanted to see my records and was surprised I had them with me! It cant hurt anything and may prove to be very helpful if anything comes up.

bumpuser10309732

I also received a pat down. Fun stuff! It can take a while to receive one, depending on how busy your airport is. Also if you can't get up point your toes toward the ceiling. I've been on smaller planes that I can't get up. One of the times I didn't move around enough and had a weird red honeycomb looking rash on my thigh. Gross! It went away though. Just make sure to keep your legs moving. Also the landing is the worst part for me too. It made me nauseated. I just sucked on those preggie pops. 

mcclan03

Seeing this a little late and don't have time to read all the other comments, so sorry if I'm repeating.

- Drink lots of water. You're going to have to pee a ton. Get an aisle seat if you can.

- Bring snacks

- Get up and walk around every two hours. Go to the back where you'll have more space and do a little stretching.

- Wear your seatbelt whenever you're sitting, even if the seatbelt sign is off

- Stretch and move your legs occasionally when seated. You can google "in-seat airplane stretches" for ideas.

- Most airports use the backscatter X-rays scanners at security. Personally, I don't feel comfortable going through these when pregnant. You can request a pat-down when you get to the front of the security line, before you go through the scanner. They'll call for a female TSA agent to get you. Sometimes you have to wait a bit for an agent, depending on the airport, and the pat-down takes a little time, so I get to the airport 15 minutes before I normally would to be safe. You can request a private screening; otherwise they'll just pat you down out in the general security area (which is what I always do; it's not a big deal). 

- Don't forget headphones, hand sanitizer (if you use it), and napkins or tissues

- If you have trouble with your sinuses, you can buy "earplanes," which you wear at takeoff and landing to help protect your ears. They're sold at drugstores and airport stores. Sucking on hard candy or chewing gum can help equalize pressure as well.

- Be sure DH does all the heavy lifting of luggage

Remember you can't bring more than 3oz. of liquids through security, so you'll have to buy your drinks once you're in the terminal. You can bring all the snacks you want though. 

Most importantly, relax and enjoy! Once you're on the plane, flying is a very passive way to travel. You just sit back and relax and let someone else get you there. Not sure where your route is taking you, and I know I recommended an aisle seat for pee purposes, but if and DH can trade at some point and it's not cloudy, it's awesome to just stare out the window on cross-country flights. The terrain changes so much, and it's absolutely beautiful at times. This country is huge, and you really appreciate that when you fly all the way across it.