Those that have travelled by air...

labbylover03

Did you go through security as usual?? Or request to be patted down? We're flying tomorrow and it makes me nervous to walk through the machines. Also, any other advice? My dr just said to stay hydrated and get up once an hour to stretch legs...which shouldn't be a problem since I'm sure I'll need to pee! carrying on meds shouldn't be an issue as long as they have my prescription on them right? Sorry for the flying pregnant newbie questions! TIA!

njohnson1972

While I was pregnant, I asked to be patted down.

Otherwise, it was no big deal.  I flew at 5 weeks, 18 weeks and 32 weeks.

WhiteGarden

I flew without a problem at 17 weeks.  Absolutely no issues... I asked my doctor about the scanner before I left and she said it was fine.  Personally, if I were traveling every month (like I did with a previous job), I would not want to go thru the scanners quite that often, but I did it the one trip (and back) without worrying.  It was a little funny, too, because when i went through, there was a guy there (mid-40s) who was really not happy about the "radiation" from the scanners and causing a bit of a stink with the TSA agents.  Here I was with a little tummy at the time and I walked right through after him.  My 20-week anatomy scan showed no issues, if that's somehow reassuring as well. 

GypsyEsq

I walked through the mag, really wasn't concerned about it at all.  I find in general that flying makes my morning sickness (all-day sickness) worse so if you're prone to feeling sick right now you might want to keep some crackers in your bag or whatever your go to cure is.  Have a fun and safe trip!

ELF4321

The regular metal detector is no big deal, but I did decline to go through the xray machine when they were screening everyone after Thanksgiving -- had to wait a few minutes for them to get a woman tsa agent over there to do the pat down, but it was no big deal.  That's the only time I've been selected for extra screening like that, but I would continue to opt for the pat-down if it comes up again. 

Although the manufaturer claims the machines are safe, that is totally dependent on the machines being maintained properly and only used at the levels prescribed by the manufacturer --- I don't have enough faith in the TSA to trust that they are testing and repairing the machines regularly to make sure the xray levels are what they are supposed to be.

ELF4321

Oh, another suggestion -- if the flight is longer than about an hour, I'd recommend taking a small pillow to sit on -- I didn't do this on my first flight and my tailbone hurt for days afterwards from the uncomfortable seat. 

I am Marla Singer

I flew at 16 weeks. It wasn't bad at all. I was quite annoyed at the other passengers (one set next to me brought in quesadilla leftovers from an airport resturant, and I thought I was going to be sick), but nothing else was that bad. I did go through the scanner thing- but it wasn't a big deal, and baby is doing just fine. 

I did have to wait to go through customs super hungry- and I thought I was gonna get sick or pass out- so I suggest making sure to eat and bring food/snacks with you...

Don't stress too much, it's not a big deal! 

STL34

I went through the metal dectectors.  My MFM said they were fine.  You can't go through the x-ray machines if you are selected for those, though.  With my meds, I got a doctor's note, but they barely even looked at the meds.  So, the prescription should be plenty!

MyHusbandMyHero

I flew at 27 weeks and just went through security as usual. Wear comfy pants my big mistake was wearing maternity jeans and it was awful! haha Have a good flight! -- OH and I ALWAYS carry on my meds unless its liquid, it wont be a problem!

Jenny952

When I was pg, I also asked to be patted down.  I actually flew quite a bit when I was pg, and especially in the first couple weeks.  It was no big deal and I just made sure to drink plenty of water, and get up every hour or so.  Happy flying!