Plane Trip Tips

make sure you have a pillow to put behind your lower back. And where comfortable, loose shoes. I flew when i was 8 months pregnant and because of the altitude change my feet started to swell. So i took my shoes off and once we landed my feet were so big I couldn't get my shoes back on. My sister was wearing flip flops so we traded shoes but if she wasn't there i would of had to go bear foot. It was really bad. but hopefully that won't happen to you.

I never flew for that long of a flight when I was pregnant but I did fly several times. I ALWAYS brought several snacks with me that I knew I liked. And candy to suck on in case I got sick. Which did happen and sucking on candy helped a lot. Also, pack a sandwich or big bag of chips or something you like. You can't bring liquid but you can bring your own food through security. I always buy my own bottle of water after I get through security to make sure I have some if needed right away (flight service can be a bit slow) you may want to buy two bottles for a long flight. Flight attendants are always so nice to pregnant women, in my experience they always came by and asked me if I needed anything more to drink. I also recommend getting up and walking around to help with swelling of the ankles - rotating your ankles while sitting helps too. Also check into getting support hosiery for swelling ankles - they work GREAT! My doc wrote me a prescription for a really good pair. I also recommend getting a note from your doctor saying it is safe for you to fly. Some airlines will not let you fly if they think you look like you are fixing to pop. I did have someone ask at the gate how far along I was and I showed them the note from my doctor and they said ok your good to go, so they DO check. (I was about 28 - 30 weeks at the time) Bring some of your favorite pregnancy magazines or books and fill your ipod with relaxing music - it may be one of your last times to read, uninterrupted, for a long time. :)

One, make sure you get clearance from your OB for this trip. Two, contact the airline to make them aware of the issue. Hopefully they can get you an aisle seat in the first row. See if they have pillows or if you need to bring one. See if you can put your feet up. Make sure you have access to water. Take tums. Bring a "donut" to sit on. Have snacks available. Frankly, this trip sounds like it will be miserable at 30 weeks pregnant. Do you HAVE to go??? Good luck.

I can really relate to your question, as I was in a very similar situation back in January. I am an American living in Germany for 5 years now. We just had our first child 6 weeks ago, and back in January I had to fly to the states at about 30 weeks pregnant. One thing that helped me was wearing support knee socks (although in February and March, I used thigh-highs). These can be just ordinary travel socks, often used by older people who want to avoid trombosis etc., or they can be specially designed for pregnancy to relieve heavy legs and prevent varicose veins. I also requested an aisle seat and got up frequently to stand and walk around. Apparently pregnant women are advised to do this and not to sit longer than an hour and a half. Hope you have a great trip!

K.,
i traveled the great pacific at 35 weeks along. . . . so i've been there. look up some low sodium recipes and make them up as snacks for the plane. i was on my way to fiji and couldn't live without snacks because i'd have horrid indigestion. since you can't take water in now, buy the biggest bottle possible once you get inside the airport and then any time they offer water during the flight, take it too!!! try to eat low sodium for a day or two before going, and lots of water with lemon in it. and if possible, put your feet up. You should be fine. . . though if you're already having swelling, then you'll likely have a little more, but these eating tips will help keep the swelling down. have a great trip!!!!

K.,

Are you sure they are going to let you fly? I would check with your airline, as you may be too far along to make such a long flight.

If you do, I would dress very comfortably, loose layers, slip-on shoes, etc. I would bring lots of your own snacks, water, etc. Make sure to stretch your legs often. I would get up and walk around probably at least once an hour.

Good luck!!

Aside from all the stuff you do know, I'd suggest getting some compression hose (Ted stockings/other brand). They help prevent blot clots (DVTs). Any medical supply store will have them and any brand is effective. They'll measure you for an appropriate fit. They helped me a lot with fatigue, swelling, risk of varicose veins and clots

Hi K.,
The only advice I can give is to prepare to go into labor.
I hope you don't but, flying is something that can cause pre-mature labor. It sounds like you are headed back to Aussie land and will have the baby there.
If you tell the stuards you are 8 monnths preg. they will keep an eye on you. But also, be careful because they may not let you on the plane because they would consider you a health risk.
Take 2 pillows for your lower back and head. Get a seat in the isle since your going to go to the potty alot.
Don't use this letter to scare you but, just take some advice if you want, and move on.
I have 1st cousins in Aussie. I can see why you like it there. Good luck with your new baby and life!!

Get up and walk often! It will help mitigate problems with swelling and more importantly reduce your risk of blot clots.

First thing I thought of was yuor legs getting crampy. You can get ted hose from your doctor or he can tell where to get them. They are tight and will keep your legs from swelling. Make sure you get up and walk. A small pillow for your back would be good and putting your feet on your purse or something to keep them up would probably be nice as well. That was my main problem... hop ethis helps. The ted hose are awesome. Ugly but awesome.

Make sure you move around when you are allowed, to prevent clots, drink lots of water and find out what the food situation is these days, like can you bring your own etc...
Have a safe and happy trip....

Get up and walk often. Usually staff is very understanding of pregnancy, so speak up if you need something, like to go to the bathroom when the seat belt light is on. I'd take my medical records with me, too, if you have anything a doctor might need to know in case of an emergency. We've traveled a lot while I've been pregnant, although not that long. I found walking helped a lot with the swelling and later discomfort. Make sure sleeping is a priority when you get there. We've gone to Italy twice during two different pregnancies and we just planned day one activities to be a nap, but only on local time to help with jetlag. I felt great on our second day there. Have fun!

K., make sure you have a signed note from your doctor with you in your purse stating that it is ok if you fly at this stage of your pregnancy . Some airlines will not let you on the flight without it. Other than that, try to get a seat in an exit row towards the back or the front of the plane and on the aisle. You should get up and walk around when you can so your legs won't cramp up plus you can get to the bathroom easier. I usually took a pair of those warm and fuzzy ankle slipper socks on the long flights because my feet would swell up and get cold. Good luck!

Hi K.. I have ftravelled to Australia many times too, the last time I was 6 months post-partum and here are a few suggestions:
- if you haven't already, get a note from your doctor saying it is OK to fly.
- sit in a hard-backed chair at home (like a computer chair, and see if a small pillow at your back would be comfortable. If so, take it with you.
- Ask (beg if you have to) for an aisle seat so you can get up often for bathroom breaks. A bulkhead seat will allow you to get up easier without support form the persons headrest in front of you
- Get up and walk the aisle every 90 minute or more to keep up circulation.
- Take an empty water bottle and fill it once you get through security so you can have extra water on the plane.
- Take a lot of small snacks that you are used to eating.
- Try to relax on the trip as stess is not a good thing during pregnancy. Practice breathing exercises on the plane.
- Try not to make your carry-on bags too heavy.
Good luck.

I've totally been there! I flew to So Korea 3 times while I was pregnant (really pregnant) and it was rough. It's so tough to get comfortable, so I would recommend getting one of those neck pillows. That was the most comfortable thing for me and it was the only thing that let me sleep. Also ear plugs. I would also get up and walk alot becuase I was so worried about blood clots. Also do standard things like drink lots of water and keep some snacks around in case you get hungry. There were times when I was starving and we still had a couple hours to go between meals. Best of luck to you! It sounds like you go there often, so just enjoy the simplicity of going by your self. Flying with a child is a whole different ball game!!!