Airplane travel during first trimester

jgesi · December 2014

Hey ladies.

I have a trip scheduled next weekend. It's about a 2 hour flight each way, and when I found out I was pregnant I didn't think twice about it. However a couple people have asked me if I'm still going, which prompted me to do some research. I guess it's not as straight forward as I thought. Anyone have experience with this?

SwivelChair5 · December 2014

I left for a trip the morning I got my BFP. Air travel is fine while you are pregnant.

Some people choose to get a pat-down instead of going through the security scanner. I searched the bump and found many threads on this topic.

jesselayne8 · December 2014

You will be fine. I am flying Wednesday. FYI: you get more radiation in the air than you do in the security scanner.

shelbeans82 · December 2014

I am traveling/flying in a week and a half and my Dr said its not a problem.

Enjoy your trip!

aRBe · December 2014

Nothing to worry about, I flew at 30 weeks, Dr said anything past 36 weeks I should check with them first.

ShellyR · December 2014

I've taken 4 flights in the past 9 days. I chose the TSA pat down. The only issue I had was nearly ralphing during a rather rough landing tonight.

jgesi · December 2014

Thanks everyone, I feel much better now that I can shut down all the "helpers". It's amazing how everyone who knows you're pregnant seems to have an opinion they want to share with you. It's annoying already. @shellyrae6‌ I'm so glad you didn't ralph.

deslau · December 2014

We just got back this afternoon! And oh my was my nausea horrible during take offs! It didn't help that our DD wanted to sit on my lap! Cold ice water in a water bottle helped, you can bring through security the empty water bottle and just fill it before you get on.

myfriendscallmemeg · December 2014

My only experience was on a tiny 2 seater plane. So so sooo nauseous.

I think you'll be good flying commercial! Pack minty gum & a cool water bottle! Good luck!

jgesi · December 2014

That sounds absolutely terrible @NanaCook‌

ShellyR · December 2014

karnelac said:

I flew a bunch with DD1 and always just chose a pat down. I did have this one TSA lady give me quite the snark when I told her I was pregnant (wasn't showing yet) and it took everything in me not to go off on her. Also, try to pick a seat toward the front of the plane and you'll be less likely to get motion sickness.

This. I was the 2nd row from the back last night because I was rushing home, hopped an earlier flight, and lost my original seat assignment. I think that's the reason I almost ralphed. Also, if you are towards the back, you are much closer to the onboard restrooms which may or may not smell lovely.

Meeeow · December 2014

I flew the day after my BFP. It's cool until third tri ...

lindy27 · December 2014

You will be fine! I flew to/from Europe last pregnancy at 6 and 9 weeks. I got a bit more motion sick than normal but that was it.

katelynann2011 · December 2014

I have a trip planned for the middle of March and to my understanding- flying is fine up until the final weeks of pregnancy.

MrsMenneals · December 2014

Hey guys! All this advise sounds great so far! I'm a flight attendant and as long as you stick with the metal detector/ or pat down. (Opposed to the X-ray scan). You should be fine! Make sure you have something to chew on take off and landing to help with your ears popping and drink plenty of fluids! If the flight is longer than two hours.. Make sure you get up and move your legs (as long as the seat belt sign is off, or else somebody may give you a hard time!). But remember, flight attendants are there to inform, not enforce! They technically cannot do anything to you if you ABSOLUTLY need to get up and pee (or #2 ... I'm sure you'll be happy you have to at this point, constipation is the pits) the only person who could do anything is FAA. They've been known to fine passengers who refuse to listen to the Flight attendants. ( although rare, it can happen). So if the turbulence isn't bad, and you gotta go, GO! Oh and happy flying girls!

aRBe · December 2014

Thanks @MrsMenneals‌ great tips, forgot about the x-ray scan. Do you need a Dr's note or do they take your word for it?

MrsMenneals · December 2014

They should take your word for it. Approach the TSA agent who is usually in front checking to make sure people are complying. Say "hey I'm ___weeks pregnant. I don't feel comfortable going in the X-ray scanner." If you mention that you're uncomfortable or feel unsafe, it shouldn't be an issue. But it could take a couple minutes for a female assist pat down.. So plan accordingly!

)

ShellyR · December 2014

@MrsMenneals, it is my understanding that anybody can opt out of the body scanner for the pat down, not just pregnant ladies. Is that accurate? I've watched dudes opt out multiple times.

MrsMenneals · December 2014

@ShellyR‌ yes that's right! It doesn't really matter the reason.. However, depends on the TSA person.. Sometimes they're having a bad day and think you're just trying to make their job harder. I've met them all.....But It's good in our case because everybody loves a pregnant women

myfriendscallmemeg · December 2014

jgesi said:
That sounds absolutely terrible @NanaCook‌

It was all fine & dandy until the pilot tried free falling for fun. Then he got to hand me a barf bag. Hahaha.

jgesi · December 2014

NanaCook said:

jgesi said:
That sounds absolutely terrible @NanaCook‌
It was all fine & dandy until the pilot tried free falling for fun. Then he got to hand me a barf bag. Hahaha.

Lol @NanaCook‌ , sounds like he got his!

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