Flying While Pregnant - Fairfield, CA

Dear R.,
I know this from first-hand experience.
Flying during pregnancy is not usually a problem unless there are already problems or complications with the pregnancy.
Flying, in and of itself, doesn't really have an affect on pregnancy. But, pregnancy can have an affect on your flight if you go into labor on the plane. Usually, during the last month, flying is out just because of the chances you could go into labor.
You aren't pregnant yet....so cross that bridge when you get to it.
And good luck with starting your family!

HI R.~
I think it's a personal preference as well as what your doctor says.. I flew to So Cal (quick flight) at 36 weeks and was fine. Although I had a great pregancy.. so it just depends on how you are feeling..But you don't want to fly much after that though in case anything happens.. you'd want to be close to home. Enjoy!

I was always told last timester.

7-71/2 months I believe.

R.,
I work for an airline and I think that our policy is to have a doctors note when you are about 8 months pregnant that says it is ok for you to fly (although I don't think you would be very comfortable flying at that point, especially if it is your first pregnancy, I know that when I was pregnant I had a little more cramping than usual when flying, as I do when on my period). Every airline has their own rules, so ask them. Also, even if you fly at 5 or 6 month I would still have a note, it is sometimes hard to know how pregnant people are and it is better to be prepared before the flight.

Also, keep in mind that taking an infant on a trip may be a hassle because of all the "stuff" you need to bring, but when they are breastfeeding and not walking yet, it is a lot easier. I took my 3 month old to Venezuela when my father died there (had no choice), and flying was a lot easier than being with a 1 or 2 year old that can't understand they need to sit and be quiet. It is great to just shove a boob there and keep the baby content. haha.

Good luck with baby making!!

K.

it depends upon the pregnancy but usually up to 32 weeks isn't a problem. However if you look really pregnant the airline may request a letter from your doc saying that you're safe to fly. I flew when I was 26 weeks but took a letter anyway b/c I was so huge. No one asked but I'm still glad I had it.

One really nice thing about flying while pregnant is that you get to pre-board.

Airlines allow it until week 37, I flew internationally about 4 times during my pregnancy in the 1st and 2nd trimester. My last trip just at the beginning on the 3rd trimester was really exhausting so I would not recommend flying late in the pregnancy.

36 weeks but just make sure you know where doctors are in case you have an issue.

Hello, I used to be a flight attendant and did fly/work while pregnant up until about 20 weeks. At my company, flight attendants were allowed to fly up until 27 weeks w/ doctor approval. I think doctors have different opinions on how late in a pregnancy women can fly, determined by how well (or risky) the pregnancy. Some airlines also have restrictions, or require doctor approval, for women (very) noticeably pregnancy. Just be sure to ask questions to your doctor, let them know the length of the flight and if you're going to an international destination. Hopefully you do get a chance to get away with your husband! Best of luck.

they say once you are in your last trimester you really shouldn't be going anywhere that will change the air pressure... not even on road trips. it can put you into preterm labor, in some strange country, state or town. LOL i took a chance and went to tahoe with my husband and i was 3 months shy of my due date. however, i went against doctors advice. talk to your doctor. if you are a low risk, sometimes its' not big deal. i had all my kids early so i was considered high risk.

Hi R.,
I think it all depends on how your pregnancy goes and your doctors recommendations. I know some people who were put on bed rest at 5 months so traveling was out. There are others that have no problems and travel up to a month before the due date.
My recommendation is make your plans and let life happen, things have a way of working out.
Take care,
L

Hi R.,

I'm pregnant right now and am planning a trip from CA to AR for Christmas. I'm going with my boyfriend and our 2 year old. I'll be 8 months pregnant then.

I suggest reading the guidelines for the airline you plan to use. The one I'm using says they allow women up to 8 months pregnant to fly, but they require a notice from the doctor saying they are OK to fly.

It depends on the pregnancy really. For me my doctor suggested I not travel, even drive, when I was about 7.5 months along. You might want to ask an ob-gyn. Good luck!

T.
Founder
www.theparentpack.org

we were told 36 weeks but to ask the airline. some want doc's note of approval. i've flown at 36 weeks and was ok. good luck!

Most doctors will not let you fly once you start your 3rd trimester.

You can always go to the airline's website and look it up. Some airlines are different, but most airlines allow up to 36 weeks.

R.,
Buy travel insurance (be sure to look at the reasons they'll let you cancel a trip before you buy) and go for it (the trip and starting a family ;0).
C.

I flew twice while pregnant and doctors vary in how late they will let you fly. Usually not in the final month at the very least. Also check with the airline because some of them have specific rules on how late they will let you fly. It is not because there is a danger to the baby, but they do not want you to go into labor on the flight, as I am sure you don't either.
Enjoy your trips and plan to have LOTS of water because flights dehydrate you, one other tip is to sit on the isle for all those bathroom breaks and because sitting longer than one hour when you are pregnant can exacerbate swelling of feet and lower legs and it bad for clotting.
Have fun and enjoy your pregnancy!

Hello R.,
I am a labor and delivery nurse and the docs usually don't recommend flying after 36 weeks. The main issue isn't that it is harmful to your baby but the airlines kind of freak out when they see a pregnant women on the plane and the last thing they want to do is make an emergency stop to let a laboring mommy to be off the plane. Good luck!