NY-->LA at 32 weeks?

jjtyler · March 2014

I negotiated a pretty amazing thing at work and the shoot was supposed to happen in NYC. It has since moved to LA on Tuesday. It's a pretty huge deal for a very high profile project and I should be there if I can. My direct report just started 4 weeks ago and I don't 100% trust that she can pull it off without my help yet.

Would you go? I fly business class (pre-boarding fully reclining seats, etc) thanks to my pregnancy and my assistant would be with me. My husband is not pleased. He thought my flight to and from LA two weeks ago was the final journey.

I spoke with my doctor's office this AM and the nurse said absolutely not to flying at 32 weeks. She was so certain and so final about it, I didn't even question her.

When she transferred me to the scheduling nurse to discuss scheduled C-section, I just reiterated with her what the nurse said more as a confirmation and to put the matter to bed once and for all.

She happened to be sitting with the doctor, who said no problem, feel good flying and we'll see you next week. I hung up all sorts of confused. I mean, I know the doc is the doc, but I don't want to regret anything.

Xath · March 2014

What @kitchencolors‌ said.

If your pregnancy is progressing normally and your OB is ok with it, you should be fine. I flew up to 35 weeks with my first and had no issues. Check with the airline as well to see what their policies are. Some require a doctors note for 3rd tri flying.

cbrust · March 2014

I think you should trust what your doctor recommends; if you've have an uneventful pregnancy thus far and there's no reason to worry then you're probably fine. I second finding out your insurance coverage just in case though!

Another thing to check is to see if the airline requires a doctor's note. I flew at 28 weeks and they mentioned that had it been I think 32 and beyond they prefer a doctor's release to fly.

jjtyler · March 2014

I am leaving Monday afternoon, attending the shoot, and flying home Wednesday.

No idea about my insurance, but know my company does supply "disaster coverage" if anything happened to me while on their clock.

American Airlines doesn't require anything prior to 36 weeks.

likeabel · March 2014

You'll probably just want to find the closest hospital that is in network for while you're there. Have a great flight and make sure you get up and stretch your legs occasionally!

talkthewholetime · March 2014

I would just be aware of your insurance policy's out of state delivery payments like the other posters say.

Also, it's unlikely but if you were to have a baby in California, you'd have to factor in staying there and recovering until you're able to fly home (with a newborn), and the strong possibility that your husband would miss the birth.

It's SUPER unlikely that would happen, but it's something to consider when weighing it.

Mittens14 · March 2014

I asked my doc for the same thing, flying from NYC to LA at 31 weeks, and she said absolutely not. Mostly due to the fact that I'm a RCS and not a candidate for VBAC so if God forbid anything happened while I was there I would be looking at having major surgery, by myself, 3,000 miles away from home and then be stuck there for at least a week or two before I could fly home and then flying home with an unvaccinated newborn. It wasn't worth the risk to me, not only that, but she would not give me medical clearance if the airline requested it...

bumpuser9353653 · March 2014

I flew from DC to Dallas at 30 wks and the nurse said they don't worry about anything prior to 34 or 36 weeks. She just said drink extra water and walk as much as possible on the flights.

If your doctor is ok with it and your pregnancy has been uneventful so far, I think you'll be fine. You have an assistant to help you carry stuff so that's a plus.

Ladiebug710 · March 2014

I would go.

vszapp · March 2014

Honestly it will prob be fine, but be prepared for staying there for awhile if you do end up having to deliver. I have a colleague who went on a cross country trip and her water broke at 30 weeks. She was stuck there for months...

Funnygirl34 · March 2014

I'll be flying at 35 weeks! My doctor was concerned at all, and just told me drink a TON of water the day of the flight and make sure I am back by 36 weeks.

jjtyler · March 2014

vszapp said:

Honestly it will prob be fine, but be prepared for staying there for awhile if you do end up having to deliver. I have a colleague who went on a cross country trip and her water broke at 30 weeks. She was stuck there for months...

This is my fear. I flew to LA and back 2 weeks ago and was fine. Just now that I am so large, I guess my fears are growing as well.

Miggg · March 2014

I would go since it sounds like an important project but be extra careful and take care of yourself. I traveled last week @ 33 weeks, ate some food I shouldn't have and got sick. It really sucked being sick and 8 months pregnant and hundreds of miles from home. Partly my fault though, shouldn't have risked the sketchy hotel buffet..

vszapp · March 2014

jjtyler said:

vszapp said:

Honestly it will prob be fine, but be prepared for staying there for awhile if you do end up having to deliver. I have a colleague who went on a cross country trip and her water broke at 30 weeks. She was stuck there for months...

This is my fear. I flew to LA and back 2 weeks ago and was fine. Just now that I am so large, I guess my fears are growing as well.

Yeah, I think (hope!) this scenario is pretty rare, but needless to say she was *totally* unprepared for that! It's tough enough to have a preemie, but when it's not at home, I think it's much harder.

mrsbtobe20122 · March 2014

kitchencolors said:
How does your insurance work if anything happens in another state?

Aside from that if your doctor says it's okay I'd go if it's just a couple of days.

Take a copy of your medical records just in case.

This. I live and CO and flew home for a long weekend in DC this weekend for my baby shower. The flight attendents made sure I had a seat close to the restroom and really spoiled me. I have a copy of my prenatal and am having a blast.

I'd go. Especially since its such a quick trip.

Marcella05 · March 2014

I flew to LA from Dallas at 30 weeks and doctor was fine with it. It's usually 35 weeks on up that are the worry weeks. Nonetheless, be safe, healthy, and prepared (just in case).

ShannonSky · March 2014

Can DH go with you? I was planning to fly with my family to DH's sister's wedding this weekend at 34 weeks, but now that I'm pregnant with twins it wasn't worth the risk. And my doc said no (would have been yes with a singleton). I'd be worried about blood clots on that long of a flight, and if something did happen, DH would likely not get to you in time for the birth.

frasey · March 2014

I flew to FL with DD alone last week. Flying itself was fine. It was the "with DD alone" part that wasn't. So as long as your doc and insurance are cool, then do it!! I checked w my airline and they said under 36 wks was fine w them.

jjtyler · March 2014

Just to update you guys. I don't think I am going to go. It's killing me on a professional level. BUT, personally I think it is smart for me not to go. I am swelling, exhausted, and not feeling great...can't imagine how I will feel flying cross country and back in less than 48 hours.

KYPharmD · March 2014

I just flew to LEX to LA last week (at 31 weeks). My OB was fine with it. Aisle seat, lots of water, and keep you legs moving (flex your calves) to keep blood flowing. Have a great trip!

apinkpelican · March 2014

I'm sure it was a tough decision to make. I'm sure you would have been fine but better safe than sorry-especially if you aren't feeling well. Can they Skype/FaceTime you in to consult for any of the meeting/shoot?
A friend of mine flew to TX from NC at 34 weeks for work and ended up having LO in TX. Her husband had to fly down and they were down there for several weeks before he was transferred to a NC nicu. They are home and doing well now but it was tough for them.

Marcella05 · March 2014

@jjtyler it's all about knowing your limits... and it sounds like you are listening to your body. Good for you. It's not the end of the world if you miss this one. Hope you feel better!

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