3rd Tri Travel

salmphil

Hi everyone,
My husband and I are planning an annual trip from the Midwest to Denver in late January/early February. This will be around week 33-34 for me. I'm low risk. My midwife told us it's really up to us- some women have no issues traveling that late, other patients -closer to 37 weeks - have had their baby in their destination city. What I've researched online largely suggests avoiding travel after 36 weeks (some airlines require documentation and restrict after 36 wks.)

Given all the info I've gathered, I'm just curious if any of you have flown in your 3rd tri and if you found it interminably uncomfortable or not an issue. I know everyone's different, but I'm a FTM and just not sure how I'll feel at that point. Thx.

JCWhitey

I haven't flown but I went on a road trip from CA to MN when I was 32 weeks.  I was fine.  Still very comfortable and enjoyed the trip.  My midwife had me travel with my health records and gave me a map she plotted out of hospitals along the way "just in case" but I didn't need it at all.  This time I'll be flying early in the third tri to Hawaii and plan to enjoy every minute of it!

salmphil

@JCWhitey‌ EXACTLY what I wanted to know. Thanks! I will def research destination hospitals and bring documentation. Great suggestions.

mudbug84

I'll be flying early in my third trimester to Aspen. I'm more concerned with waddling around in the snow and ice. But since I'm also a FTM, I am also curious to know if anyone has had any issues flying in their third.

Edited: there are many helpful responses in the post titled "flying", that I saw just after this.

lewispm

The post that is literally right under yours asks pretty much this same exact question. I answered there so feel free to take a peak.

salmphil

Thanks @Lewispm, just saw that! My phone most not have updated when I searched and posted mine just a bit after hers. You gave some great advice, thanks.

honkytonk_kid

MandJS said:

I haven't flown that late, only because I haven't had a reason to. HOWEVER. I DO plan to fly to CA for my mom's 60th in late January. As long as your doctor/midwife is okay with it, then go for it. Just... I'd recommend getting a "permission slip" style note from your doctor/midwife before the trip. Some airlines give more of a hard time than others. 

This is a good idea. You may never need it, but you would hate to get to the airport and have it become an issue.

ghostof5letters

I flew during both of my pregnancies up until 36-37 weeks. My doctor approved it (I wasn't leaving the country) and gave me a copy of my medical records just in case. I felt absolutely fine and people were very nice and accommodating. 

JenLa21

I'd just like to add that I would buy travel insurance for any travel booked during pregnancy just in case.

Edit because I'd "like" ... Not "Luke"

MrsLaurenandDan

I wouldn't. I was extremely low risk with my first. Then I started having contractions at 33w1d, and he was born at 33w5d. You just never know. And it's not just delivering there. My extremely healthy 33 weeker was in the NICU for 3 weeks, and (standard for preemies) not allowed to fly for 6 months. Not worth the risk for me.

ruemorgan

My ob said no traveling after 32 weeks, if I *need* to leave the area and take a flight, then to come in for a check up. I could see possibly traveling up to 35/36 weeks, but at 37 weeks your full term and I wouldn't feel comfortable with it.

jack12trip

How long of flight is it from where you are to Denver? I agree with PPs, you are probably safe if your midwife or doctor give you a green light, but safe does not necessarily mean comfortable. Depending how long the flight is, you could be very uncomfortable...and most travelers will not care that you are pregnant. No travel perks for your special carry on, unfortunately.

colleen4019

Also FYI check with your airlines. Mine requires my doctor (midwife for me) fill out a form that they provide on their website indicating that I am able to fly safely. I didn't realize it was even an issue until I saw a Pinterest article and I googled my airlines policies.

KateHack

I hardly ever get on here anymore, time seems to go by too fast... But I went this morning for a "travel check up". My husband and I are leaving on Friday for a babymoon in Hawaii. My doctor measured my cervix, and did an ultrasound to make sure he didn't see any signs of preterm labor. He also ran some additional bloodwork before writing my permission slip to fly. I'll only be 27 weeks, which I know is earlier than you, but I do have a piece of mind knowing that my doctor checked me over head to toe! He also mentioned moving around on the plane every 30 minutes to keep from producing blood clots. Hope this helps!

MangomamaFL

I flew in my 3rd tri. I didn't need to produce a doctor's note to fly.  But that was in 2003.

JCWhitey

FYI I don't believe a single airline requires a doctor's note until you are a week from your due date.  So anyone traveling over the holidays or in January should be fine as per the airline's own policies.  Likewise, having a doctor's note doesn't guarantee the airline will allow you on a flight because it's ultimately their decision, not your doctor's.  https://www.thelollipoproad.com/blog/travel-tips/travel-restrictions-pregnant.html

salmphil

Thanks for the recent advice, all. I'll be at week 33 and is a couple hours (2 - 2.5) plane ride.

CoozieInMyPurse

My doc allows flying for low risk patients until 34 weeks. I originally planned to go on a friend's bachelorette trip at 33 weeks, but I was so uncomfortable flying over Thanksgiving at 26 weeks that I've decided to ground myself. It's a comfort, not a safety issue.