Flying While Pregnant

Usually it is 8 months or somewhere between 32 and 34 weeks. They just don't want you to go into labor on the plane.
K. A

1 mom found this helpful

if you are unsure about something ASK your OB that get questions all the time, trust me i know i always had them and i had more questions with my second them with my first.

my OB let me fly when i was 6 months along and i would NEVER do it again. it was horiable!!!!! i dont know where you are going but i was flying from NC to CO (military move) i wasnt able to get up and walk or move much on the plane. by the time i was in CO i just wanted to put my feet up i was so miserable... thats just my store you might be fine but please talk to you OB before you get tickets.

best of lucky and Congrats on the baby
A.

I believe its 8mos but you really need to discuss it with your OB. Congrats on the pregnancy! I am 31 weeks with baby 3...

Hi E.

I flew when I was seven months pregnant. They did not question me at all and I was pretty big. I had called the airline prior to flying to see there rules and they did not really have a rule unless you were so close that you could possibly go into labor on the plane.

The lady suggested that I get a note from my doctor stating it was ok for me to fly. I tried to do that but my doctor did not think that it was necessary and like I said they did not even question me. This was on southwest that I flew.

Hope that helps. Good Luck

Hi E.<
Congrats on the pregnancy! It is best to travel during your second trimester when you are feeling the best and are not too big yet! It varies depending on the airline and national/international etc- so it is best to call the airline. As long as it is not within the last month and you are not at high risk you should probably be fine. YOU HAVE TO CHECK W/YOUR DR. THOUGH. Some airlines ask for a dr. note if it is close to the due date. I had to fly a 9 hr. international flight 6 weeks before my due date and did fine, but it was very uncomfortable. Since you are going for a "babymoon" do it sooner than later so that you will enjoy it and not worry. This link may be helpful, but still best to call to make sure policies haven't changed. http://www.babycenter.com/0_airline-policies-for-pregnant...

In 1980 I flew out of the country at 9 months pregnant - past my official due date. I was never approached in any way by the airline other than the flight attendnats thought it was cool I was traveling. The company sponsoring my trip did ask me to bring a doctor's note saying I could fly, but it was never used. Everything went just fine.

Good luck and enjoy your trip.

K.

Congrats! You have to call the airline or talk to the travel agent where you are booking your trip because all companies have different rules, some say 34 weeks , some say 36 weeks and so on. Generally 8 months is the cutoff. Also of course you have to check with your OB and get a note from him to show to any concerned flight attendants. (that happened to me! They were like-"oh my god you are too big to fly!" when I was only 6 months). Good luck!

Hi E.,

I believe that doctors recommend no flying in the last trimester. I am not sure what restrictions the airlines have. Needless to say always check with your doctor if you are going to fly, even if you are only a few months along.

Happy traveling.

L.

I know it's really late - 36 weeks, I think. I flew in April last year with no problem. I was due the first part of July.

You are best off checking with your doctor and the airline you are going to use. Some airlines have a cut off date for pregnant women. I flew to Cancun when I was 6 1/2 months and I did just fine. Enjoy your babymoon and your baby!!

I used to work for America West. The majority of women are told not to fly in their 3rd Trimester by thier doctors. It is unsafe due to pressure changes, and if you go into labor unexpectedly and you are on a long flight... things might not turn out so well. If the attendants think you look like you are in distress before getting on the flight they will probably not let you on. Another possibility is that you could have sudden massive swelling in extremeties and need medical attention. I would say see your Dr before you go and get a "permission" note. It will basically say it is safe for you to fly. My next suggestion would be for you to drive someplace instead of flying. My dr has always recomended to stop every two hours and walk for about 10 minutes to keep everything cirulating.

Hey E..
I have heard that the rules and regulations are different with every airline. The best thing to do is to clear the travel medically with your doctor, be mentally and physcially prepared for the possibility of birthing in a strange place and contact the airlines. Most airlines won't forbid travel, but will require a doctor's note for travel. Have fun! :)

I flew to Hawaii when i was 36 weeks pregnant. As long as you have a note from your doctor okaying it, the airlines are okay with it.

Hi E.-
My husband and I asked our ob/gyn about flying while I was pregnant. She said I could fly through my 9th month. The only thing they suggest is not flying too far away from home. We had to miss my brother-in-laws wedding during my 8th month because the ceremony was in Sweden! So, long flights over oceans may be out of the question, but an hour or two should be fine. I'm not sure of the airlines policies though.

E.,
I believe it is usually not recommended after the 3rd trimester. I flew in my second trimester across country and felt fine. Maybe you can choose to babymoon somewhere within driving range? Good luck,
J.

Hi E.. My very first time flying on airplane I was about 3 1/2 months pregnant I believe with my first baby. I spoke with my ob/gyn, and she told me that it is okay to get on the airplane. Depending on where you are seated, get up and walk around so it can help prevent you from getting blood clots. So to keep your circulation flowing do that. I once read that after you are about 7 1/2 to 8 mnths some dont recommend you get on an airplane. Some have said it's up to your ob/gyn or it's also on how you have been feeling throoughout your pregnancy. But I got on it and was fine, except for the long trip. I basically every hour or so (if I wasn't asleep)I sat in my chair and moved my legs around, or I would stand up and stretch. Than I'll get up and walk to the restroom. I didn't have any problems at all. So don't worry too much about it and enjoy our trip. :o)

As long as you have a "permission slip" from your doctor stating that it's okay to fly, you can safely fly as long as you're comfortable! I flew 1 week before my due date with no problem!

Have a wonderful pregnancy & a fun babymoon!

If you get a doctors note, you can still fly. Usually your doc will have a limit- I couldn't fly after 35 weeks.

First it shouldn't be up to the airlines but you need to get your OBGYN's approval regardless. If the airlines may have it in writing they may be okay with it but I always heard not to fly in your third trimester but I am sure women do. Always ask your Dr first as that is the best way to know.

My husband is a pilot and he says most airlines have a rule of 7 days (1 week) prior to your due date. Like everyone else said though, I would be more worried about what your OB said then the airlines...espeically if it is a planned vacation. My OB did not want me traveling within 6 weeks of my due date. I agree with the others that if you are planning a vacation, I would go during your 2nd timester. This is the "fun" time of your pregnancy. You usually do not have morning sickness anymore but you are not so big that you are uncomfortable and not sleeping. Anyway, good luck and congratulations!

Hi E.,
While I never flew pregnant, my sister did at 7 mo. with me. Unfortunately it was for a funeral, but the airline never questioned. She checked with her OB who ok'd the flying.

I would check with your OB recommendation, and when you do fly make SURE you get up and walk a lot because your feet will swell so much, drink lots of water, and MOST IMPORTANT try to get an isle seat! :) It gives you more room!
Congrats on your pregnancy, and have a great trip!

First and foremost, talk to your OB about your trip.

Secondly, don't travel too late in your pregnancy regardless of how your pregnancy has been. You would hate to go into labor while out of town.

Most airlines require that you are less than 8 months (about 36 weeks) or so to travel. But it is based on your honestly. Personally I wouldn't travel that late unless necessary anyway.

Make sure to drink plenty of water. If it's a long flight, get up and move around too.

And finally, have fun! Life is about to change, for the better :)

Each airline seems to have a slight variance to the policy but generally once you are in your third trimester you are out of luck.

It is 8 months when they suggest you not travel while pregnant. I know that some people are different. but the drs reccommend that you do not travel when your eight months pregnant.

My husband and I went on our honeymoon to Hawaii, a 6 hour flight, at 7 months pregnant. Much longer, and my doctor said that they wouldn't advise it. Most airlines will allow pregnant women on until 36 weeks. So as long as you do it before then, you should be fine.

My doctor recommended doing leg circle exercises, drinking tons of water, and getting up to stretch frequently because pregnant women are more susceptible to blood clots. I did this and I was fine. Also, ask for an aisle seat so you can get up to pee with less hassle! I actually did some yoga stretches and fully stretched my legs out about every couple of hours. My baby had a harder time adjusting to the pressure changes, so I also talked to him and rubbed him to soothe him until his pressure naturally balanced out.

Also, make sure you know where the closest hospital is. I called the hospital in Hawaii, made sure they took my insurance, and made sure that they can handle premature babies since I was only 7 months. I printed out a map and me and my husband drove by it to make sure we knew where it was.

Good luck! We had a blast on our honeymoon in Hawaii. We did lots of swimming, snorkeling, hiking, beach bumming, and drove to the top of a 10000 ft volcano to watch the sunset! So don't let people tell you that you are limited!

Probably best to ask your doctor about this one!

I was a flight attendant years ago for TWA and at that time (in the '70's) it was no flying past 8 months. That was the limit. I would check with my doctor and call the airlines to see what their policy is. Also, some airlines will post this type of thing on the web site.

I flew from Vegas to denver while pregnant with twins at 5 months, and the pressure from the plane, made me feel like I push.. It was not fun, and I was so scared. I had flown previous to that, and I was fine.. It really is up to your own discretion, but personally I would not fly after 7 months.=)

Many airlines don't want you to fly after seven months due to the risk of labor from pressure changes. I have known women to fly in the ninth month without problems. Often you just neede a note from your care provider.
I'm a midwife and my listing is Gentle Birth Services if you are interested.
D.

I flew at 34 wks with both my pregnancies and the airlines never even asked. I think if you don't tell, they don't care. Just clear it with your OB first, b/c things may change as you progress in your pregnancy. I didn't have any complications with mine.

You know, I would advise taking your "babymoon" any time between 4-6 months during your pregnancy. This will most likely be the time you are done with morning sickness, and your body in the full swing of carrying a developing baby. Not to mention, your feet won't get puffy and swollen, as mine did when I drove in the car for a long trip when I was nearly 8 months pregnant! My hubby called me 'puffins!'

It varies by airline sometimes. My doctor told us it was safe to fly up until 8 1/2 mo. Talk to your dr and see what they recommend.

Usually up to 36 weeks, but you will probably need a note from the OB to verify how far along you are and get an OK from them. I'm not sure how comfortable you'll be sitting in a seat for too long though.

If you call the airline that you want to use, just call them and ask, but I believe you can be a little past your 6th month.

Little about me: First time mom of a almost 11 month old little girl. Married for a little over 2yrs. but have been with my husband for a little over 9 yrs.

I agree with 8 months. Anyway, you'll need to check with your doctor and get his approval. I do know two and have heard of more women who have delivered away from home on a last trip "before the baby comes". One was only 34 weeks along. As far as traveling, it can be very uncomfortable, so you might want to go earlier, mid-trimester, when you're feeling great and not tired from being big and not sleeping on top of uncomfortable travel. Anyway, congratulations! I'm 17 weeks with #3 and it's the best life-changing experience you'll ever have!

You're not suppose to fly to the last month. I would try to do your vacation within your 2nd trimester. That's when you'll be feeling your best. Have Fun and congratulations.

I heard this rule also, and needed to take a flight from AZ to UT. I asked my midwife about it, and she said that they should let me fly with a doctor's note. I was about 8 months pregnant, but I hide it rather well. I was definitely showing, but not really large. The airline never asked me about it. I went prepared, but never needed it. I would ask the specific airline and see. Maybe I just got lucky.

M.

E.
I would suggest calling the airlines to see what there policies are since it may differ from one to another. I would also ask your doctor for his advise on how late in your pregnancy it would be wise for you personally to fly. Probably doing it as soon as possible will be your best bet. It sounds like a great idea. I hope you and your husband have a wonderful time.

You need to check with your O.B. DR. and then with the airlines you plan to fly with.

D.

I think most airlines let you go until 34 or 36 weeks, but your doctor will recommend that you get up and walk around a lot to keep the circulation going.

they don't like you to fly in your third trimester. unless there are any complications with the pregnancy and depending on how far you are going you'd probably be fine to go up until your 7th or 8th month.

I flew to Cabo Mexico when I was 35 weeks pregnant. Everything was fine. I do know that the only restriction is if you go on a cruise the ships wont let you board if you are pregnant. While in Cabo I happened across a OBGYN and he said that if you feel good then why not? Just make sure you drink a lot and put your feet up whenever possible. Have fun!!

They do not like you to fly after your 6th month as it can start your labor early. I would go before your 6th month if you are going to go.

My doctor told me to stop flying between 28 and 32 weeks. I flew at thirty from Hawaii to the mainland and had no problems and then 2 weeks later flew at 32 weeks (just a short flight though). I haven't gotten very big during this pregnancy so no one said anything at the airline. Just in case I had my doctor write a note for me when I left Hawaii. Make sure to get a isle seat so you can drink plenty of fluids and be able to get up frequently to use the bathroom and walk down the isle every hour or so. There are also leg stretches you can do to keep the blood circulating through your legs to prevent blood clots. I tried to rotate my ankles and stretch my legs as much as I could.

I flew when I was 4 months pregnant and I was fine. OB's recommend not flying once you reach your 3rd trimester. Just make sure you're able to walk around a little and stretch out.

Being a parent is very fulfilling but demanding too, so enjoy this time together because your world will never be the same once the baby's here. Relax and have fun on your babymoon!

M. N., mom of an 8 yr old son and 14 month girl :-)

I have flown with no questions as to how far along I am. I have even looked quite pregnant. I think it is just a rumor.
N.-mother of four

I flew at 7 months. But it depends more on how healthy your pregnancy is. We chose to get travel insurance for the first time, just in case. My friend flew at 7 1/2 months. If your pregnancy is healthy, you should be okay up until the last 7 weeks pre-birth (or so -- depending on what your own mother's pregnancy/births were like). I would check with your doctor or midwife. Be sure to drink a ton of bottled water on the plane, get up to walk around frequently, and do not wash your hands in the plane bathroom (full of nasty bacteria -- bring antbacterial gel instead).

Hi E.,

It is generally 7 months but it is a question for your doctor not the airlines. I traveled up into my 7 month.. Hope this helps.

Your OB or midwife will be able to best advise you, but if you have a normal pregnancy and the baby seems healthy, you can probably fly anytime up until your 36th week of pregnancy. That was the case for me, anyhow. My OB did give me a note, though, just in case the airline asked. They didn't, but I carried it in case. Have fun on your "babymoon!"

You can go online to most of the airline websites and they will let you know about traveling while pregnant. For example, here is the link for United: http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6722,52347,00.html who will allow you to travel up to 9 months pregnant with a doctor's note, but why would you want to do that? You should be fine traveling so early on with your pregnancy. I asked my doc about it because I travel a lot for work. She said just to make sure you move your legs about a bit while flying. We are a little more prone to clotting. I say go for it and happy traveling.

I flew at 7 months - the only new thing I have to add to all your responses here is that if you can't get the kind of seat you want when you book, call the airline and tell them you need an aisle seat near the bathroom (for instance) because you are pregnant. I was told the first few rows are held by the airline (I flew Frontier) for requests just like yours (I ended up with an aisle seat in row #1) - they also said that all the agents love to help with pregnancy requests (and they did) plus you can go ahead and preboard so you don't have to stand up too long while getting to your seat - congrats and have fun!

I flew two days prior to giving birth, so it really depends on the airline. Check their websites for their official policies.

I remember flying when I was about 28 weeks pregnant and the doctor told me that if I was, if I remember right, 32 weeks I would have not been able to fly. Just double check with your doctor and congrats!

I had to fly when I was 37 weeks, no problem. Check with the airline you are flying with and review their policy. If you are flying late in your pregnancy, I recommend you bring a doctor's note just in case, but nobody even questioned me, and I was huge!

check with the airline you plan to fly on some of them are 34 to 36 weeks or like Southwest can be only 14 days! You will also want to check with your Dr. and remember the way your feeling and the condition of your pregnancy at the time of trip can dictate if he/ she will let you fly at all. Enjoy your babymoon and your upcoming bundle of joy!

I'm 28 weeks prego. My doctors basically told me I can fly up to 32 weeks, however, an airline will require a letter from your doctor stating it is okay for you to fly up to that point. Once the airlines notice your "bump" you'll need that letter. Have a great trip!

E.,
Airlines do not recommend flying past 36 weeks. Your OB, however, will have other ideas and would probably prefer that you not leave past 30-32 weeks, just in case you were to have a problem away from home. Talk to your OB about it, but if you do decide to go somewhere as late as 32 weeks, it is a good idea to have a note from your doctor, and maybe a copy of your prenatal records in case you have a problem for some reason and need to be seen at the hospital. Enjoy your babymoon!

Hi,

Fly jet blue if you can. I flew from NY to AZ 9 days before i had my daughter. Jet blue has more leg room and more room to walk and they willalso give you a whole row if its open. They were really good with my!

you can usally fly right up to the end of your pregnancy as long as you have a letter from your Ob/gyn that says you can.

but i suggest you probibly don't want a really long flight at the end as it just isn't all that comfortable.

good luck.

I am quite sure the answer is 8 months. Good luck and have a great time. Iris

As long as your OB says it is safe for you to fly, they don't want you traveling via airplane or even a cruise ship once you enter your third trimester. You should be fine to go on your "babymoon" with your husband this spring. Hope you have a great time.

Hi E.,
I was in the same situation and found that the airlines we checked with didn't want the liability after 8 months. They don't want to have to make an emergency stop for early babies for obvious reasons. I still flew in my 9th month though... shhhh!

Hi E.,

Every airline has a different policy so you have to check with them.

L.

It isn't the airlines that won't let you fly, it is your doctor. Usually third trimester is the cut-off. You should try to take your baby moon earlier anyways because by the end you will be so big and exhausted you might not have as much fun as if you went around 6 or 7 months.

Usually it's 8 months but I'd strongly recommend checking with your doctor no matter what. You will enjoy your "babymoon" more if you do it early when you can move more comfortably anyway.
Congratulations! And have a lovely time.

I flew to Europe when I was five months pregnant. Most airlines will let you fly unless you are 38 weeks and beyond. If you are nervous about it, just ask your doctor to write a note that says you are okay to fly. I did that just in case they asked any questions. Taking a "babymoon" is such a needed thing because after the baby is born, you won't have the opportunity to do that for awhile. Have fun!!!

I was told during my first pregnancy you could fly up til 30 weeks with no issues.

I was told by my doctor not to fly after 6 months and do not travel at all even by car after 7 1/2 months. I went on a short trip by car at 7 months and everything was fine. I ended up having my son at 8 months. My pregnancy was very normal I had no problems the whole time I was pregnant and he was healthy. I would talk to your doctor before you plan any trip:) Best of luck to you:)

I flew when I was 6mos and 8 mos pregnant with my daughter... and again when I was 5 mos and 8 mos pregnant with my son. My dr said I could fly right up until the end as long as I was comfortable with the idea that he may not be delivering my baby! He did strongly recommend that I get up often during the flight to keep the blood flowing in my legs (not hard to do when you have to go to the bathroom every 30 minutes).

Hi E.,

I am 25 weeks and planning my babymoon as well! My doctor has advised that it is safe to fly up to 36 weeks in pregnancy. My sister-in-law is also a flight attendant and she flew for work until she was 36 weeks pregnant. Have fun on your babymoon! We're looking at Hawaii because we want to stay in the US (in case of complications) and want to be somewhere warm by the beach.

Jenn

I think your not supposed to fly/travel when you are in your third trimester...I would just call your OB and ask