Flying in 1st tri

skcasey526 · November 2014

So I know it's early and only got my BFP this morning, but one of my first fears was flying.

DH and I got married last month and our honeymoon is in early january. Planning on asking the doc, but wanted to see what your thoughts were too...

wineandcake · November 2014

I flew regularly during my last pregnancy, we both survived. I would be more concerned with where you are going and whether everything was safe to eat/drink.

ChristyM87 · November 2014

It is fine. I am planning on flying around the beginning of second trimester and haven't given it a second thought

ashiscute · November 2014

I'm confused. Of course you can fly in first Tri. Just get an aisle seat so you can get up and pee every 30 minutes.

skcasey526 · November 2014

My concern is the pressure changes, but they are minimal, I know. Just being paranoid. We are going to sedona so won't need to worry about food/drink more so than I would at home. Thanks ladies.

forevergraceful · November 2014

Flight attendants don't quit flying in their first trimesters. It is fine.

lustuart · November 2014

I'm flying to Australia at 9 weeks and I felt the same worries as you but I didn't see any info online that would make me not want to go. I'm planning on packing a lot of crackers and bananas because my main concern of vomiting on the plane. Also, neck pillow and ear plugs so I can be as comfortable as possible! Have fun on your trip!!

JerseyML · November 2014

You are fine. Just let the doc know just in case there are any high risk pregnancy issues. If not, go and have fun. Don't drink the water if you are going to a place like Mexico. Just sayin.

UnicornBow · December 2014

@lustuart‌ did you have your flight yet? How d'it go? I'm flying London - Ottawa on Friday, I'll be just over 11 weeks. I'm a little nervous, but know it should be fine!

MrsC0409 · December 2014

Where did all these fears about flying in the first trimester come from lately?!

squeegoi · December 2014

Okay, so here's the deal on that, because I'm in the same boat.

The issue is with the pressure differential and the amount of radiation we're exposed to at those altitudes (but mostly the pressure). It is safest to fly in 2nd tri, specifically after 14 weeks, but there is always going to be a risk of m/c when flying.

Having said that, the likelihood of m/c is spectacularly low. Talk to your OB anyway, in case there is something specific to you that would prevent you from flying, but anecdotal evidence aside, the consensus is, "don't do it before 14 weeks, but if you do, you'll probably be fine unless you have a preexisting condition."

I was told that unless I have a heart problem (I don't), I'd be fine. So if you don't have a heart problem, you're probably fine.

squeegoi · December 2014

babymcdonnell2015 said:

I already flew once at 7 weeks and am flying again at 10 weeks. My OB said it's fine! She didn't say anything about the radiation or pressure. She did say I'm not able to scuba dive because of the pressure, but I think that pressure is a lot more dangerous. I'm not sure.

Yeah. It's really an issue for women with heart problems and other high risk factors like fibro, etc. In other words, people for whom flying is tough on their bodies on any day of the week are the ones who should avoid it when pregnant.

Damn, so many words. I can't speak today. Clearly I cannot brain, for I have the dumb.

MisSmartyPants · December 2014

Unless your doctor tells you other way, it is ok to fly.

katrinamorgan · December 2014

I'm 11 weeks and fly almost every other week for work and all is fine. Stay hydrated and move around on flights especially over 2 hours. Happy flying!

nikkisauro · December 2014

babymcdonnell2015 said:
I already flew once at 7 weeks and am flying again at 10 weeks. My OB said it's fine! She didn't say anything about the radiation or pressure. She did say I'm not able to scuba dive because of the pressure, but I think that pressure is a lot more dangerous. I'm not sure.

I've also flown a few times in the first tri. I always thought it was considered safe and my CNM was fine with it.

kris_tee · January 2015

I flew out the country to visit family for Christmas. I will be 12w tomorrow. Everything will be just fine.

Beachy730 · January 2015

elenetxu said:

What have you frequent flyers been told about those full body scan machines they now use at many American airports? TSA insisted it was fine; after telling them three times I wanted to opt out (the last time on the verge of tears) they finally sent me over to get a pat down. Are they ok, or were the TSA folks in BOS just trying to keep the line going? I don't think I have ever felt as frustrated while flying as I did opting out from the scanner today.

They are safe but you are supposed to be able to opt out easily when pregnant. I went through them at 7w with DS. I'm flying this weekend and likely won't go through it, but that's because I'll have DS with me alone, so they usually have me carry him through the metal detector.

frig05 · January 2015

elenetxu said:
What have you frequent flyers been told about those full body scan machines they now use at many American airports? TSA insisted it was fine; after telling them three times I wanted to opt out (the last time on the verge of tears) they finally sent me over to get a pat down.

Are they ok, or were the TSA folks in BOS just trying to keep the line going? I don't think I have ever felt as frustrated while flying as I did opting out from the scanner today.

My doctor said it was fine, that the amount of radiation in them was so small that I didn't need to worry. I flew at 7 weeks and am flying again at 13 weeks.

laurabroder · January 2015

elenetxu said:

What have you frequent flyers been told about those full body scan machines they now use at many American airports? TSA insisted it was fine; after telling them three times I wanted to opt out (the last time on the verge of tears) they finally sent me over to get a pat down. Are they ok, or were the TSA folks in BOS just trying to keep the line going? I don't think I have ever felt as frustrated while flying as I did opting out from the scanner today.

As others have said, they are fine. I'm a frequent flyer and have chosen to opt out. You can opt out for any reason (you don't even need to give a reason).

JennyJensing · January 2015

Have you had any morning sickness? You may want to get some Zofran before you go, just in case. When DH and I flew to Mexico last time, I was about 12 weeks. My seat wasn't next to a window and the plane moving back from the gate really messed with my equilibrium and made me queasy. GL!

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