Your opinion on flying? 35/36 weeks

babymaker32 · March 2012

Ok - who's flown in their 3rd trimester?

I am considering a short flight (1 hour) at 35/36 weeks and I am not too concerened however my husband thinks I am crazy. What do you think?

caitlyn0216 · March 2012

Most airlines won't let you fly then. My OBs cutoff was 36 weeks. I probably wouldn't risk it.

acia · March 2012

I flew on 4 hour flights at 33 and 34 weeks with my first pregnancy. No one questioned me or anything, and I didn't have any problems. My doctor was fine with it.

As I understand it, the issue the airlines have is that they don't want you going into labour in the air for liability reasons - it's not like it's a danger to your health to fly at that point (though a long flight would be pretty uncomfortable and you'd have to make sure you're moving around enough to keep the circulation going, etc.).

If it's a short flight it's pretty unlikely that you're spontaneously going to go into labour and start delivering the baby before you land, especially with a first pregnancy.

xraychick07 · March 2012

I don't think you are supposed to fly after 36 weeks. Not only for spontaneous labor but something about being in the pressurized cabin of the airplane. I would definitely consult your OB before booking the flight.

carolinaem · March 2012

Airlines will let you fly that late. You may need a note from your doctor. I was cleared to fly through 36 weeks. Ask your doctor what they think.

shouldbworkin · March 2012

I wouldn't and I'm pretty liberal about this sort of thing. If you were driving and could come back anytime you wanted, it would be a different story. I wouldn't want to be in the position where you need to get home and you need to take a plane. Also, flying that late in PG is so uncomfortable!

mrs+harlow · March 2012

Most Airlines will let you fly that late on a domestic flight...check with the carrier ---they each have their own policies. I believe it's either up to 38-39 weeks actually. You might need a note from your OB, just check with the airline.

I have flown throughout 3rd trimester. I refuse the body scanners. My only compliant is its bloody uncomfortable to sit in that dang airplane seat!

shunt1983 · March 2012

I wouldds #2 was born at 35 weeks I had no reason to think he would. Do you want your baby born elsewhere, its not the flying, just ttraveling past 34. Thats just me now I cant travel in 3rd tri at all

KatFCo · March 2012

I flew just last week, at almost 32 weeks, am flying out again this week at 33 and then 2 weeks later at 35. Check with your dr--mine is checking me the day before each flight to make sure everything looks good. If your doctor's okay with it, there's no reason not to.

Definitely take a note from your doctor and make sure you know the airline's policies. And, to be on the safe side, research local hospitals to know where you would want to go just in case.

fryrat · March 2012

My doc won't let me fly after 30 wks. Definitely talk to your OB about it.The airline will need a document from them anyway.

lisa5ny · March 2012

shunt1983:
I wouldds #2 was born at 35 weeks I had no reason to think he would. Do you want your baby born elsewhere, its not the flying, just ttraveling past 34. Thats just me now I cant travel in 3rd tri at all

This....I wouldn't be worried so much about going into labor on the plane...but I would NOT want to have the baby in the area you are traveling to without my Doctor around.

Moneypenny424 · March 2012

I also suggest checking with your insurance company. if you have an HMO and give birth out of area that late (not unforeseen like delivering at 30wks or something), it may not be covered.

ksutt · March 2012

My doctor said no flying after 32 weeks - no matter the length of the flight. I live in Vail, and I was told to not even drive over the mountain passes down to Denver after 35 weeks

Aleja0918 · March 2012

I'm 36 weeks and flying to Vancouver on Monday for business. It'll be my last trip before the baby's born. My doctor doesn't have a cut off date but, this time, had to give me a note since it was requested by the airline for women who are 36+ weeks.

LilyPotter218 · March 2012

I had my daughter at 36+5 with no warning. No contractions, water just broke. She was in my arms less than 7 hours later. I say no way.

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