Advice about flying

I flew to New Zealand and back at 20 weeks, and I didn’t enjoy it! If you do go definitely wear compression socks (I asked my pharmacy about what level of compression is needed as they vary and some are meant for medical problems) stay hydrated and get up and walk around/stretch really often. I didn’t wear the socks on the final leg of the trip (LA to Heathrow) and my calves were super swollen by the end. At that stage of pregnancy the airline might also need a fit to fly letter from your GP so check their policies

I personally wouldn’t and I can see it’s your third so worth taking that into account as well 🥰 Sounds like an amazing trip, although your heart is with baby which I think most women would be the same x

I would speak to midwife/doctor first. You will need a fit to fly from them anyway otherwise the airline won’t accept you.

Hey. Im flying at 32 weeks, although shorter haul that LA. Checked with my midwife and she gave me a fit to fly letter, told me to wear flight socks. I went to Boston last month and was totally fine. I’d check with your midwife.

I honestly can’t imagine anything worse than a 10 hour flight that far along! I flew to LA last year (long before I was pregnant) and I struggled with it then! Although you may be more comfortable in business than I was in economy lol. I would chat to your midwife and weigh up any risks etc and see how you feel. Does sound like an amazing trip, do you think it’s something you could do in the future instead of now?

It’s actually more to do with the fact that you could technically go in to labour than medical. My husband was born at 35 weeks. And nephew at 36 weeks.

The Airline doesn’t want to be responsible if you give birth or get into difficulties whilst on their planes as it costs a fortune for them to return/divert a plane and potentially repatriate you. Also the USA is one of the riskiest places as the cost of healthcare is so high. Imagine going into labour there. Most important to me would be the insurance to ensure I was 100% covered - that’s usually what the DR note is for. To say they don’t see a medical reason why you shouldn’t travel.

It’s not really about danger apart from maybe DVT but in Business class it would be fine as you can elevate the legs. It’s also about comfort. I flew Singapore - UK - USA - Singapore - UK at 18 - 20ish weeks and it wasn’t too bad but I was getting less and less comfy. I find even an hour train to London now is horrid and I can’t get comfortable.

I personally wouldn't go.. yes it sounds like an amazing opportunity but God forbid anything happened you're such a long long way from home it's a bit too risky x

I won’t be flying after 28 weeks and have kept flights under 4 hours since I’ve been pregnant after reading this: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/travelling/

I would check with the airline if they even allow you to fly at that stage of the pregnancy. We were thinking about a Christmas get away and some of the airlines won’t even let me fly. I then mentioned to the midwife for her views and she wouldn’t recommend at that stage. Mainly due to all the other factors that others have mentioned .

For what it’s worth I’d do it. An opportunity like sounds amazing and what a story to tell him/her.