Traveling While Pregnant

I flew at 29 weeks, against my doctor's wishes. I was fine, but I freaked out the flight crew. I also swelled up a lot quickly. If you don't have to go, I would stay home.

I traveled with my first while pregnant (about 36 weeks, 32 years old). I flew to California from the east coast. no problems!

Don't go unless you don't care if you give birth in DC! My first was 36 weeks and my second was 37 weeks. Not worth it!

Isabel, my understanding is that the doctors and airlines do not like for women to be traveling that far from home once you have reached the 34-36 week mark. Especially flying. I would take the advice about speaking with your doctor on this issue. While the flight is only about an hour, anything can happen while you're away and the last thing you want to be is far from home and in labor.

To be honest, I would tell your boss, important meeting or not, that you are no longer allowed to travel outside the state, due to your pregnancy.

When I was 37 1/2 weeks pregnant with my 1st, my husband's great aunt passed away and because he was so close to her, he had to go. We debated on whether or not I should go. I happened to have a doctor's appt the day we were to leave, we were only driving from MA to NJ, and then back the following day. My doctor said it was fine for the 24 hour period; I wasn't dialating, the baby hadn't dropped, etc. Everything was fine, but on the way back I began to feel like I was "leaking" more then the usual pregnancy leakage. We got home, I called the doctor and was told to go to the hospital. Sure enough, I had a slow leak in my water and my son was born the next day. Who knew? But I'm glad we hadn't stayed longer in NJ and that we didn't have to fly.

It's not worth the risk to yourself or the baby to be traveling that late in your pregnancy. Work or not.

Sorry to be a downer, but...

I would check the airline website for their policy, since many airlines will not allow you to travel that late in your pregnancy. I flew from New Hampshire to Texas when I was 6 months pregnant, but 8 months is pushing it. Even if the airline does allow it, I would definitely talk to your OB before you commit to the trip.

Make sure you are ALLOWED to fly, not by your doctor, but by the airline. I agreed to go to Florida in early July with my sister so I could watch her son while she went to Daytona and ended up having to DRIVE to Florida from Massachusetts because I was past 30 weeks pregnant. We drove and it was fine, but check with your airline.

K.

Stay really well hydrated before and during the trip. Wear loose shoes (something you can slip on and off) and comfortable clothes and try to elevate your legs or move around a little during the flight if you can. Don't eat too much beforehand but have a snack for when you get off the plane. Try to board first if you have a window seat, or last if you have an aisle seat - and also so you're not standing in the aisle forever waiting for everyone else to get settled and stow their stuff overhead. Sometimes the bulkhead seating offers more legroom and you don't have to try to squeeze into a seat when the person in front has it reclined! The emergency row sometimes offers this, but you may not be allowed to sit there if you are not capable of offering assistance to others in an emergency. Sometimes they have rules. If you can't get a good seat assignment beforehand, ask the flight attendant to ask if someone will switch with you. Enjoy!

O.K. – Hate me.
When I was pregnant with one of my kids. My husband won a trip to the Bahamas.I didn’t go. I worked full time until I delivered for all my kids. But, my kids came first. I stayed close to home.This is the time to take it easy. Let someone else go. The job will need to be done when you’re not there. Or, if your child gets sick. Will you leave the child to go to a business meeting when it’s not feeling well? I would hate to be on a plane, sitting next to you with turbulence and have your water brake. At this point I would think about the baby and others. Yes,everyone will be nice to you. (What else can one do)? But they will wonder – What was she thinking? Just my two cents.

Hi,

After four pregnancies myself, I would just want to ask...is there any way out of this trip? Personally, I would never, ever travel more than 45 minutes drive away from my OB after about 32 weeks. If you went into labor now, you would get stuck in some hospital in D.C., with strange doctors, and if the baby needed any extra care because of the early arrival, you could be stuck out of state for weeks. I've had some early contractions, and can vouch for how scary it can be, even when you are at home. Most OB's don't recommend traveling at all in those last few weeks.

That being said, if you have to go, make sure the plane is properly pressurized (some of the smaller ones are not) for the baby's health, and make sure you get up and walk around if possible, to prevent blood clots. Be alert for any signs of preterm labor, and make sure you don't "wait until I get home" if you do experience anything. Go to the nearest hospital, even if you it's in a strange city!

Best of luck for a healthy pregnancy and delivery!

I would check with your doctor about this. I too have travelled and will be for work during my pregnancy, but my doctor does not want me flying after 35 weeks. Also, check with your insurance company and the airlines. Some insurance companies will not cover the cost of your delivery if you choose to travel outside of your "home" territory after a certain date - mine is 35 weeks. And airlines get a little nervouse when someone is flying that close to delivery. Although it is not an absolute NO, I would make sure that you have things lined up "just in case".

Hope this helps.

Drink lots of water. Get up and walk around. You'll be fine.

Hi Maria,

Obviously you'll want to consult your OB or midwife prior to booking your trip. You still have a couple months and you want to make sure nothing about your pregnancy changes between now and then. All the airlines need is a written letter from your OB/midwife authorizing you to fly at 36 weeks--then they cannot keep you off the plane.

You didn't say whether your trip was just a day or two or more than four. If more than 4-5 days, I would also find out the name & location of the nearest hospital to where you'll be staying/working, and see if your insurance company or even your company's employee assistance program will recommend a local OB, just in case.

I flew Boston-Rome-Paris when I was 31 weeks, but that was a long-haul flight so I needed to get up once an hour, stay hydrated, and keep my legs elevated during the entire flight AND when I was sleeping (because of swelling). DC is such a short flight you probably won't even be allowed to move around. If you are, do so, but still keep your legs elevated as much as possible during the flight.

Most respondents were so negative--BAH! The only reason you hear about "in the air" deliveries is because they are incredibly RARE. Even delivering while traveling away from home is quite rare. And first time moms, statistically, typically deliver later rather than earlier than their due date. Obviously you feel this trip is very important, but I assume that you are concerned primarily about yourself and your child. If you absolutely have to make the trip and can't get out of it (although avoiding the trip is likely best at that stage of pregnancy), just do your best to prepare, but do NOT pack other people's fears... that luggage is best left behind!

Good luck, N. (1st time mom at 36 who traveled a lot while pregnant, 2nd time mom at 37)

Hi Maria,

It looks like your doctor gave you the ok.

I did fly when I was very pregnant, too. The things I would suggest are,

1) Give yourself plenty of time to get through security--it is not fun to feel rushed and have to move quickly when you're that pregnant. Make sure you have shoes that slip on and off easily, because they will have to come off to get through security and you're not going to be comfortable bending down to get your heel in or lace something up!

2) Call ahead to see if you can get an aisle seat, so that you can use the bathroom freely and walk around. even if you can't book ahead, ask an agent at the gate. (One one leg, I couldn't get switched from a middle seat, and it was awful.) Ask for water immediately; you don't have to wait for cart service. It is important that you keep hydrated, and it's easy to forget to drink when you're on the road.

3) Take people's help! They will offer it to you. Let someone give you their spot in line, help you with your bag, etc. Ask for their help if you need it.

4) Bring snacks (& water, Tums, etc.) with you. You don't want to be stuck in an unfamiliar neighborhood and not know how to get what you need.

5) This is the time to spend the extra money to make travel as easy and convenient as possible, not to buy the cheapest ticket. (Your boss should agree!) See if you can get a shuttle ticket. If you can get a flexible ticket, you can cut your trip short if you need to get home and just jump on the next flight. After all, most of the time labor is a long and drawn out process, and you generally have many hours notice that things are starting to happen. And make sure to fly into the airport that's closest to your meeting. For example, Dulles is a haul from the Hill.

Good luck!

I would call the airlines, most of them will not let you fly when you are that far along. At 36 weeks you are considered full term and you can go into labor at any time. You really should think twice. Also, what does your doctor think? Mine said I should not fly after 7 months. Hope this helps.

check with your ob because I didn't think they would allow travel that late in a pregnancy...

check with your airline and your DR- you may not be able to travel at 36 weeks before you buy tickets.

I did several trips with both pregnancies and a 1 hour flight should be easy - longer flights as I did were more challenging. drink lots of water; allow EXTRA time and bring a good book

You need to see what your condition is at that time and confer with your Dr. Depending, he may ask you to not fly.
During my first pregnancy I used to fly weekly. Then as my due date became closer, my Dr told me to stop. My husband travelled frequently also. It was the best thing for all of us!

At 36 weeks you really shouldnt be traveling. I would think twice about it!

Isabel,

I have no personal experience to offer, however vessel carriers such as airlines and cruise ships have restrictions on pregnancy...you should check with the carrier before purchasing tickets. Maybe the train would be a better choice?

Drink lots of water and keep your feet up as much as possible.

I hate to rain on your parade, but I'd ask your doctor if you should actually be making a trip like that. Since I gave birth at 37 weeks, and was so miserable the week before, I think it is entirely possible that you'll be feeling much differently about taking a trip at 36 weeks than you feel now.

I don't really have any advice, but for you to stay home. Unless you have already checked it is a good bet that the airline will not let you fly. Many airlines have restrictions as to how far along they will allow pregnant women to fly, irregardless of the distance.

I agree with the majority here - no trip! You really shouldn't be flying, and there is absolutely a risk that you can go into labor at any time. It honestly bothers me that your work would expect that of you. I am a career person as well, so I understand that work seems so important, but really your healthy pregnancy has to come first right now.

I did a quick google search and found this--it's a yahoo question and the best answer chosen seems pretty thorough, especially if you do decide to travel. good luck!

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=2008012022052...

Hi Maria,

Congrats on your up-coming birth. Traveling at this stage of the game is not usually favored. I would highly recommend you speak with your obstetrician. They can advise you correctly, everyone is different.

Good luck! :)

Maria,
I had a very similar experience. I was due April 27 and flew the first week in April to DC. It really wasn't bad at all. People were very thoughtful and gave up their front seat so I had more room. You need to get a doctor's note b/c supposedly the airlines might not let you on. I wore a big jacket to cover up and no one questioned me. Have you doctor check you a few days before, just in case to check for dilation, but because it was my first baby, my doctor was not concerned.

The flight to DC is so quick. Good luck!
Deb

Hi,

I would immediately set-up an ob-gyn or a midwife in D.C. just in case. I'm sure you're being told to not fly at this far in advance and they may not allow you to at the airport. You may have to travel some other way because I don't think you can travel at 36 weeks.

E. P.

Do check with your health insurance company. Should you go into labor some insurers won't cover you if you're more than an hour away from home, within 4-6 weeks of your due date. Labor, delivery, and newborn care at the hospital costs many thousands of dollars that you wouldn't want to be stuck with!

You probably will not be allowed to fly. Most airlines have specific rules preventing women from flying after about 7 months (30 week). I really would recommend against it. I flew a few times when I was in my first trimester and I got very swollen and was terribly uncomfortable.

I flew you Europe and back at 30 weeks. It wasnt "that" bad, except the jet lag. I had to get up and move pretty often. But really it wasnt that bad. Some airlines will want you to have a note from the dr saying its ok for you to go. I cant remember the site address, but there is a site out there that will tell you the rules and regulations on flying while pregnant.

Check with you doctor. I don't think you're supposed to fly after 36 weeks.

Hi Isabel. Have you checked with your doctor? What does s/he say? I have to agree with a lot of the other posts - I am pretty sure it is against flying regulations to allow pregnant women 36 weeks along or more to fly. I am also surprised your company would allow it as it is a liability. I would stay home!

Hi Isabel,

Congratulations on the new baby. I'm a travel agents and the only advise I have is just to make sure that you check with your OB first to make sure he/she says it's ok for you to travel and then I would double check with the airline to be sure they'll allow you to fly at 36 weeks. I haven't had to check on this lately, but in the past some airlines had requirements of how far along a woman could be to be allowed to travel on their airline. If all of that checks out then just be sure to wear comfortable shoes so that you're not walking through the airport in high heals (your back and possibly your legs will most likely be aching by 36 weeks)and try to use luggage that rolls so that you don't have to carry anything heavy. I hope everything goes well.

Jen

Hi Isabel,

I drove from CT to VA when I was about 30 weeks pregnant and the only thing my doctors told me was to take my file with me in case I ended up delivering while I was down there. Other than that, I had no issues. I didn't even need to make any emergency bathroom stops...haha!
I would suggest talking to your doctor to see if they are alright with you taking the trip. I have never flown while pregnant so I can't give you any advice in that regard, but be prepared for anything. You might even want to look into local hospitals in D.C. just so you know where they are in case you go into labor.

You will need clearance from your OB, from what I recall.... but I can suggest getting up and walking and stretching the legs!! Keep hydrated as much as you can and then some more. It is hard because then you have to go pee so often but it is VERY important. Bring snacks to keep yourself on track with getting enough to eat...although it is suppose to be an hour...the prep, preboarding and waiting stages add on so much more time.
Walk and stand int he airport before you get on the plane.
Pack light for the airplane so you do not have too much extra to carry.
Have a great trip and safe flight

Honey, there is nothing more important than your baby - at 36 weeks you shouldn't be getting on a plane or worried about traveling anywhere. Anything can happen at this point. That doesn't even touch the fact that you are getting more uncomfortable by the day. Do yourself and your unborn baby a favor: stay put and take care of the both of you.
Best wishes!

This may be totally absurd medically (I didn't do any research), but my first reaction to your post was to worry about the air pressure rupturing your amniotic sac, especially if you are close to due time already and partially dialated. Again, just my gut reaction, but I'd be sure to wear a super-huge pad if it were me. And take a change of clothes in your carry-on. And your medical chart.

Good luck! Let us know how it all turns out, especially if your have a child named "Delta"!

You should also check your insurance. It is my understanding that if you travel at 36 weeks or more, and go into labor in another city, then your labor costs might not be covered by insurance. I'm not sure if it's true, but it's worth a quick call to confirm!