Can you fly on a plane if you are 33 weeks pregnant?

Question

Can you fly on a plane if you are 33 weeks pregnant?

Answer 1

you can but its not fun! i flew over 21 hours when i was 5 months pregnant and again to come back home when i was 6 months pregnant. it was the worse experience ever and i like flying. if you do fly while this far along in your pregnancy sit on an isle seat squeezing by people to get up and use the lavatory isn't fun, and the foods they serve on the planes might get you sick, like it did to me. if its a short flight i wouldn't worry too much just hold your belly and breath! lol any where past this time though try not to fly because the air pressure can cause you to go into premature labor. talk to your doctor first and try to have fun

Answer 2

Yes, you can. My mom did it.

Answer 3

You can, but will need medical clearance. Here's American Airline's policy on flying while pregnant, most airlines have similar policies, but check the website of the airline you plan on flying with to be sure:

http://www.aa.com/aa/i18nForward.do?p=/t...

Answer 4

I flew last weekend and at the time I was 27 weeks pregnant. You can, but it's really uncomfortable. The baby is affected by the pressure also. He was kicking me a lot and I felt lightheaded and unstable when we landed. Those seats in coach are very tight and constricting. Getting up to use the bathroom is a nightmare. Also my doctor told me it wasn't a good idea to fly past 26 weeks because there is an increased chance of DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis). If you do travel make sure you check with your doctor to see if you have any risk factors, and if he/she says don't fly then don't risk it.

Answer 5

Most airlines do not have a policy against pregnant women traveling on their airplanes. The restriction usually comes from a doctor or health plan (insurance).

For example, a health plan may not cover a birth if you are more than 50 miles outside your coverage area. You should find out what (and where) they will cover you.

You do also have to keep in mind, that if you do buy a ticket and then miss your flight because of the pregnancy, you are not entitled to a refund or waived change fees.

Answer 6

You are safe to travel by plane from the beginning of your pregnancy all the way up until the end portion of your last trimester (usually 9th month - 36 weeks) and can manage what ever kind of trip(s) you want to do as long as you and your pregnancy are healthy and the pregnancy is progressing normally. As long as everything is fine, air travel does NOT increase the risk of miscarriage or pre-term labor, and poses no other risks to you or your child.

It is the last four weeks (once you reach the 9th month - 36 weeks) that women are usually prohibited from flying. This is because after 36 weeks, a women can go into labor at any time, and the airplane is not made to handle such situations. For one, there is no guarantee that a doctor will be on board a plane, plus, should any complications arise during the labor and delivery, the plane does not have the medical equipment to handle such situations and it could put the health of the mother and child in danger.

You need to get a check-up from your doctor to make sure that you are in fit enough health, and that the pregnancy is healthy enough to allow for you to fly. Many airlines will require a medical certificate from your doctor dated 24-72 hours before your flight.

All airlines make up their own rules and regulations regarding pregnant women. Some do not restrict travel at all, no matter what stage of pregnancy a women is in, and others start to restrict at 7 months, although the majority restrict around 36 weeks.

While traveling I advise you to keep your medical records, and the name and number of your doctor. You should also get the name and number of a doctor where you will be staying/visiting in case an emergency comes up.

To keep yourself safe and comfortable on the trip, follow these simple things:

*drink plenty of water

*avoid caffeine

*don't eat food that causes gas for at least one day before you travel (pressure builds up as you ascend through the altitudes and could cause pain)

*walk around as much as you can (up and down the aisles)

*stretch while sitting

*wear loose fitting clothing

*wear slip on shoes (your feet may swell)

*wear maternity support pantyhose or socks

*try to get an aisle seat or a front row seat for more leg room

*eat light foods

*eat small meals or snacks at frequent intervals rather than big heavy meals

*do not eat salt

*Wear your seat belt just under your abdomen (depending on how big you are, you can also ask for a seat belt extender - just be sure that that too goes under your abdomen)

*relax

I traveled internationally (14+ hours each way) last summer while pregnant. I left when I was 13 weeks and returned when I was around 30 weeks. I also did another short (3 hours each way) international trip (left at 32 weeks and returned at 34 weeks). My daughter was born 23 December and is perfectly healthy and happy. I have also traveled internationally at various stages with my first two pregnancies (my children are now 8&6).

I wrote an article about traveling while pregnant. It gives more in-depth information if you'd like to reference it: http://jamiehassen79.angelfire.com/pregn...

If I can be of any more help or assistance, please feel free to contact me.

Answer 7

Here is what Continetal's website advises.....

*Women in any stage of pregnancy are accepted for transportation on Continental.

*Continental policy requires a doctor's certificate within 7 days of anticipated delivery. This should be advised when the reservation is made. However, boarding will only be denied if physical signs of labor are present.

*Women beyond the seventh month of pregnancy should be advised to consult a physician prior to traveling.

*Regulations regarding the use of seat belts must be observed.

I would check your specific airline and with your dr.