long haul in third trimester

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to get some advice or opinions on flying long-haul in the third trimester. I'm due to go back to the UK for 2 weddings, and generally to see family and friends, and will fly out when I'm 31 weeks and back at 34.5 weeks. British Airways allow pregnant women to fly up to 36 weeks, so I'm OK in terms of rules and regulations, but I know it's nto exactly the ideal time to fly. I wasn't even worried about it to be honest, as it's my first baby so I think it's unlikely to be early, plus we're travelling business class so I won't be too uncomfortable hopefully. I also quite enjoy flying so I don't think it will be stressful. Then my mum came to visit and started to make me worry by pointing out that if something happens while we're in the air (I start bleeding or go into labour etc) I can't get medical help. Has anyone else travelled this far into their pregnancy, and if so can you share your experiences? I should mention that so far I have had a 'normal' pregnancy.

I've looked through some old threads on this subject but couldn't find anyone else who had flown quite this late into their pregnancies!

Thanks,

Fruitjuice

I had a long-haul flight back then when I was 30-weeks pregnant......also business class.......also with a normal pregnancy...! It isn't a problem, but it's very uncomfortable after a while sitting in the seat. Take off & landing were unpleasant as well as the baby moved up pushing into my stomach- had no idea if they can feel the pressure within the plane! I'm very surprised though that BA takes women up to 36 weeks of pregnancy.....I delivered at 37-weeks and that is only one week difference to their legal limit ?????? Are you sure?? I thought it was 7-months???

Thnaks for your reply Starandshine!

Yes, both BA and Cathay allow flights until 36 weeks, as long as you have a letter from your doctor saying you're fit to fly and stating your due date.

Wow - 37 weeks is quite early - was it your first?

yes first one- came early- that's why it sounds scary to be able to fly till 36-weeks.......I think as long as you are in business class & getting up/walking around a lot you should be fine......I would check with a doc in Europe before you fly back to HK at 34 weeks to make sure everything is ok..............

I travelled extensively with my two first pregancies, including long-haul with absolutely no problems. However on the second pregnancy I did a trip to the UK at 35 weeks and found it very tiring. I then delivered my second at 37 weeks, so it was a pretty close call. With my third pregnancy I've travelled a fair bit, but I won't travel after 33 weeks, just in case it's early!


Just make sure you keep well hydrated and move around a lot. You may get more swollen than normal too.

"if something happens while we're in the air (I start bleeding or go into labour etc) I can't get medical help."


Most likely your delivery will be without complications, and it will take some time. So most likely there will be time to get the plane on the ground. Any fellow passengers who complain are grumpy old men regardless of age.


But think of one thing: If you are over Iran you'll have to either turn back to India or fly on the the Gulf. In other words it's not a given that a suitable alternate will be available within 1-2 hours.



Just for the record, our #2 came at exactly 36 weeks.