Flying during first trimester?

brefghilmn · April 2014

Hi, I am currently five weeks and I had a miscarriage in December (my first pregnancy). I just told my parents yesterday about this pregnancy, and now they are urging me to cancel all flights that I have planned for the first trimester (a weekend trip cross country in two weeks for a surprise bachelorette party for my best friend - we're not doing typical bachelorette stuff, just going to Disneyland and out to dinner....and my sister's graduation in four weeks). I've told them that everything I read online says that it's okay to fly during the first trimester, but they insist that I be extremely careful and that 'the Chinese way is different than the American way.' They say that if anything happens again, I will regret it, which is, of course true - I wouldn't want to do anything that would harm the baby. I'm just not sure whether flying is actually harmful. I'm not sure whether I'm asking a question here or just venting - I guess my question is -- is there a sliver of truth in my parents' advice or has anyone else stopped flying out of being extra cautious?

LaxMOM44 · April 2014

I've said this on another post, but I am a flight attendant and I am still flying. I will be stopping in May but that's from the fatigue not due to anything medically related. I fly up to 100 hrs every month and I have a gorgeous healthy 10 month old daughter sitting beside me who was in my tummy while I worked for two out of the three months in first tri. Just make sure you bring lots of food and water and have a great trip!

wendyld · April 2014

I also cannot speak to your cultural traditions, but from a medical safety standpoint, there's no reason not to fly.

emsrdh03 · April 2014

wendyld said:

I also cannot speak to your cultural traditions, but from a medical safety standpoint, there's no reason not to fly.

This exactly. I flew twice during my 1st tri when pregnant with DS. I also have a friend who is a flight attendant, she continued to work throughout her pregnancy.

ZAP12 · April 2014

I flew from Guatemala to Michigan in my first tri last time. The only bad thing was that I still had ms and I was miserable. The flight attendants were extra attentive and helpful (maybe because they were afraid I would puke in their plane, but still...). My daughter is a happy almost two year old now.

brefghilmn · April 2014

Thank you so much everyone! Super helpful. I think I'll just have to find a way now to handle my parents

if anyone else has a different opinion, feel free to share!

Smoby1231 · April 2014

I'll be flying to London during the first tri and my doc is totally fine with it! My last pregnancy I flew all the way till week 32!

RayRay007 · April 2014

I'm flying this weekend. I take the precautions like drink lots of water, and if it's a long flight, get up and walk around and take a low dose aspirin to help prevent clots . This is usually more important in later pregnancy I think but I do it in first tri.

mc0113 · April 2014

I wouldn't cancel anything. My doctor said you can fly until 3rd trimester. My husband and I are going to China for 2 weeks next month and I'll only be 8-9 weeks and my doctor said that was fine. It was what I would be eating that concerned her more- no water from the tap and being careful with street foods.

iloveac · April 2014

I'm flying next week. My doc told me first and second tri is fine to fly. I've never had a miscarriage, and I don't know if that changes anything.

skidderdo · April 2014

wendyld said:
I also cannot speak to your cultural traditions, but from a medical safety standpoint, there's no reason not to fly.

This. I flew every month of my first pregnancy, up until 2 days before I delivered.

skidderdo · April 2014

In fact... I just flew to Chicago this weekend. Most miscarriages are caused my genetic abnormities. I don't know of any medical literature that says flying is contraindicated during 1st trimester, unless you have some other random medical condition that would make flying dangerous (heart, blood clots, etc)

allonsyalonso · April 2014

I agree with PPs. I flew at 9 and 11 weeks when I was pregnant with DS and I think my doctor urged no flying past 28 weeks. Ultimately, this one comes down to your personal comfort level, I think.

pamelanathan2011 · April 2014

I am flying this coming week and I am nervous because it took DH and I a few years with help to get a BFP. I am just trying not to think about it.

jayellekay · April 2014

kristenkm2012 said:

I'm flying this weekend. I take the precautions like drink lots of water, and if it's a long flight, get up and walk around and take a low dose aspirin to help prevent clots . This is usually more important in later pregnancy I think but I do it in first tri.
Hi there, Did your doctor specifically tell you to take Aspirin? I'm a pharmacist and Aspirin is a big no-no in pregnancy. It's a category D drug, which means that there have been trials which showed positive fetal harm. I would never recommend Aspirin in pregnancy to a patient unless the risk outweighs the benefit. Just FYI.

I'm not RayRay, but I also take a low-dose (81 mg) aspirin daily. Both my RE and my rheumatologist have suggested it, saying there is scientific evidence it helps moms with autoimmune issues (I have RA) achieve successful pregnancy. Something about helping blood flow to the placenta, which is apparently a problem with autoimmune.

damerida · April 2014

I have three flights planned in my first tri! No plans on canceling any, in fact I booked one after our BFP. My SIL is a flight attendant and she worked through the first two trimesters of both her beautiful children!

marriedinaugust · April 2014

I flew in my first and second trimester last time and have a flight in a few weeks this time. It is safe. Just stay super hydrated and walk around if needed just in case you get leg cramps but that normally comes later in your pregnancy.

Meether · April 2014

I flew a ton to Europe during my first trimester with dd for work. I think 6x? Then I did some US traveling and I was fine. However, my coworker lost her baby at 16w and her dr has ordered her not to fly at all this time around....but we fly wayyy more than you described. I also saw at the drs office, the only reason to avoid flying is that you might feel uncomfortable because of the confined space and restrictions. I'd keep my flights.

Want a personalized experience?

Flying during first trimester?

Best Answer

Re: Flying during first trimester?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards