Air Travel - WDYT?

avakani

So, I want to go visit my parents this month for a few weeks. At my first OB appointment, when mentioning the dos and don'ts, my OB told me she doesn't recommend air travel at all through out the entire pregnancy. My family doctor who I visited before finding a good OB told me that she believes it's perfectly alright up to the 7th or 8th month. Everything I've read online or in the pregnancy books indicate that it is fine as long as there are no complications and you're not high-risk. I'm not high risk and so far my pregnancy has been quite uncomplicated, thank God.

DH and my mom want me to ask my OB again before I make any plans. The thing is my family is in Saudi Arabia and I am in Toronto, Canada. The total flying time is about 14 hours! I could choose a route that gives me a break in between, maybe a transit stop in London or something.

I don't urgently have to go see my parents and it's not an emergency or anything either. It's been more than a year since I saw them last and I miss them and my siblings too! Neither DH nor I have any family living here. 

Do you think travelling at this point just for leisure purposes, so far away is a good idea? Or am I just being selfish and putting my LO at risk for no reason?

vmm0016

I think if you take the trip sometime during 2nd tri you will be fine.  It is a long flight though. 

MrsCarroll.6-10-07

I know plenty of people that travel up until 30something weeks. You'll have to check with the airlines and see what their requirements are. Some require doctor's note or proof of how far along you are.

My OB said that travel up to 34 weeks is fine and if I would be on a plane in a car for long periods of time that I have to get up and walk to stretch and prevent any circulation problems.

GL to you....if it were me, I'd go. (barring any complications that come up)

jdn2009

I'm not allowed to fly but I'm considered a higher risk for preterm labor.  Initially I had a trip planned for Hawaii (only 5 hour flight) the OBs biggest concerned was staying hydrated and making sure I was going to be able to walk around and stretch my legs.  Being pregnant puts you at higher risk for blood clots.

jam1111

I don't think you're putting LO at risk ( I just flew (1hr ea way) at 24 weeks and will fly at 27 weeks (3 hrs ea way).....BUT that is SUCH a long flight and I think I'd be miserably uncomfortable.  Especially for a non-essential trip.  Can they come to you instead?  That's tough!  

If you do it, I'd recommend getting some compression socks to avoid clots.  Also walk every hour and stay hydrated.

Happy10th!

My OB said any travel is fine up to the 8th month.  I'm going on a 10-hour plane trip to Germany for two weeks when I'm 25 weeks.

avakani

They all can except for my younger brother, he was born in Saudi after we all got our citizenship so he doesn't have a visa or anything. His sponsorship application is in process but that could take forever! My mom doesn't want to leave him for such a long time because he's only about 5 and is really close to her. My entire family wouldn't be able to come anyway cause Dad's got work and it does cost a lot to bring 7 people all the way from the Middle East especially since they just traveled to Pakistan to visit our extended family in March.

 I'm going to ask my OB and then make a decision I guess. If she says no, I'll be depressed but DH will be ecstatic. He's against me going and leaving him alone. He's being a baby about it and is totally getting on my nerves.

schen0510

I agree that I think you will be fine if you travel during the second tri.  I have a business trip at 16 weeks and again at almost 19 weeks.  I have already flown 5 hrs at 12 weeks and everything was okay.  I am having twins so it is slightly different but I called my OB and they cleared me for my 16 week trip.  I go in for an u/s after I return and depending on the results they will let me know whether travel is okay by plane or not.

I would recommend breaking the flight up though.  5 hours was tough and I got up and walked around a ton to make sure I had good circulation.  We will be flying to Taiwan to visit my husband's family after the babies arrive so I understand the long flight situation.  It is tough when you are not pregnant so make sure you take care of yourself 10 times more now that you are!

I would ask your OB again.  Mine said 32 weeks for a singleton so you should be fine. 

Good luck! 

luckyangel

I'm flying in a week, then again a week after that.  My doc said that as long as I move my legs while sitting (ankle rolls etc) and get up every 30-45 minutes and walk from front to back of the plane twice each time I'm up I should be fine.  I was paranoid and she threw in that she flew to India twice while pregnant with her son, so that made me feel better about my 3 hour flight.

susanlovestexas

I am not able to fly at all, but I have a disorder that causes blood clots and flying can increase the risk for clotting.

devansic

For a normal pregnancy, everybody advises that there's no reason you can't fly in the first two trimesters.

The cabin of an aircraft is usually pressurized to simulate being at 8,000 feet altitude. So, if you are feeling short of breath or have other reasons to worry about your body's ability to transport oxygen, you should talk to your doctor, because there is less available oxygen at that pressurization.  I once flew with an undiagnosed Upper Respiratory Infection and absolutely could not stay awake during the flight because I was not getting enough oxygen.

Finally, I agree with PP's that you will most likely be very uncomfortable during the flight, especially at that length.  I flew at 14 weeks across the country and was horribly miserable for the entire flight.  You may be younger and more limber than me, so if you choose to go I just agree that you need to make sure you get up and walk around every hour or so to prevent blood clots. 

BeanieWeanie

You should be fine. Some docs recommend against it because you're exposed to more radiation during air travel, especially long haul b/c you travel at higher altitudes. That said, as long as you don't fly all the time - i.e. if this is your only trip during the pg - it shouldn't be a problem. Also, you get less oxygen while you're on board, so making a stop in London or somewhere and getting some air and moving around to get your circulation going again might be a good idea. Have a great trip if you do decide to go.

avakani

Thanks ladies! Makes me feel better since DH has been telling me it's not a good idea and what if something happens yadda yadda yadda!

It's prolly just cause he doesnt want me to leave him alone for a month, he's such a big baby sometimes. I'll confirm with my OB and hope she says yes.

colliedog

I've just returned from a trip to England, all my family are there and wanted to see me before it was too late into the pregnancy.

I spent a uncomfy 10 hours flying from Las Vegas to Gatwick airport, but nothing harmed my LO. My Dr said it was absolutly fine to fly right up until 32 weeks (again as long as you are low risk and are having a fine pregnancy) in fact i am flying again at 24 weeks from Las Vegas to Florida for a girls cruise!

 So please before you get to uncomfy go visit your friends and family, enjoy the attention and grit your teeth to the teeny tiny seats.

If possible try to fly with extra leg room, or go premium class!

 

Anna&Matt

If you do decide to go I'd ask your doctor about Lovenox - it's a blood thinner injection you can take before you get on the plane each way (you can give it to yourself in the belly) that prevents DVTs which are a bigger risk while pregnant.

LindsE143

I would check with both your OB and the airlines...because it's actually an altitude thing why they recommend some women don't travel by air. ?GL!

epphd

I've already flown twice this pregnancy, and am heading to the east coast this weekend.  It's not as far as your journey, but I agree that as long as you break it up and make sure you have an opportunity to stretch your legs you will be fine.  My doc is fine with air travel until about 30 weeks.  GL and I hope you get to see your family!

tashacu02

Although my flight was a short one, I flew when I was 24 weeks pregnant and everything was fine.  As a matter of fact, my LO moved around so much more like she was excited that she was going on a trip...lol!  With a flight that long, just make sure you are walking around and stretching every few hours so you are as comfortable as possible.  Actually, a lay over may not be a bad idea, that way you get to stretch your legs and grab something to eat.  Safe travels

lbg832

With my last pregnancy I flew from Frankfurt, Germany. To Atlanta and then to New Orleans at 7 months.  12 hours in a plane is not very comfortable but she would up just fine no problems mid flight to report.  I'd suggest walking as much as you can during the flight. Don't be surprised if you swell up A LOT and find that the swelling pretty much sticks around afterward.  Try to get a low sodium meal option from the airline.  Drink LOTS and LOTS of water even if you're going to the bathroom every 10 minutes.  It's worth it. 

rose916

I just got back from Israel about 2 weeks ago now. I choose a flight where I was able to have a nice layover. I also tried to get up and walk often on the flight and wore my nursing socks (help with circulation)!