Flying-I am pregnant and considered at high risk for premature delivery?

Question

I am going to be 30-31 weeks when I am separated form the military. I have the option of either driving home (40hrs from FL to CA) or flying. Most airlines are saying they have no restrictions, I am worried that this may induce premature labor. I would be flying with my 15month old. Because I am military i am worried that my dr's will just be wanting to clear me to go and not look into the actual safety of flying itself. What would you do? do you think i am over-reacting? Should I drive instead....my worries with that is i would be cramped in a 3 seater truck for 40+ hours. Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

I understand the whole military deal, go to an outside doctor and see what they  have to say, bring up the point of driving cross country with a 15 month old as well, because the drive would be WAY longer and more stressful, and the stress alone from that could also put you into premature labor, Good luck! and congratulations

Answer 2

most airlines wouldn't recommend you FLY that late b.c if you go into labor the flight attendant don't know how to deliver a baby...why wont you just wait until after the baby???but i would say Grey Hound but that's still pushing it

Answer 3

You are not supposed to fly in the 3rd trimester due to the cabin air pressure.  It could cause you to go into labor early.  I have had friends that got notes from their doctors along with medical records and were cleared to fly.  I would rather than drive...

Answer 4

I would fly. I think that the 40 hour drive with a 15 month old would be way riskier then the flight.  

Answer 5

I traveled internationally (14+ hours each way) this summer at the beginning of my 4th(!) pregnancy, and I also made that same trip 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 and are normal, happy, healthy, lovable kids).

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 once you reach your third trimester (27 weeks). By the time you reach your eighth month (32 weeks) almost all airlines will require a doctors note.

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 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...

I've also been flying internationally & domestically with my children since they were each 2 months (now 8&6, & 8 months). At least three trips a year are the children & I traveling internationally (14+ hours each way) alone. We do another 8-10 international & domestic flights a year as a family. Due to this, I have also written a small article about flying with children that goes more in-depth, gives security rules & regulations for the US, EU, UK, & Australia, offers tips & tricks for the travel, etc.

http://www.angelfire.com/jamiehassen79/f...

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

Answer 6

i was flying all the time during pregnancy. they say from 8 month on you should not fly anymore as the pressure change can effect the pregnancy. if you and your baby are healthy and you are not already in risk of pre labor it should be ok to fly until 8 month.  flying during pregnancy itself if both are healthy is no problem.i know many who were flying even beyond your months. no one can give you a guaranty of course.my longest flight was from europe to Australia when i was 6 month preg. just note that most of the food i was served i was not allowed to eat during pregnancy and to be stuck in this seat was also not pleasant.  when driving you can do stops in between and you can stay somewhere over night. what ever you do both will be exhausting spec. with a toddler who wants your attention. doctors do not want to be blamed if something goes wrong so you will never get an 100% ok from them.  if you fly try to book a seat that allows you easy access to the toilets and to the aisle and pack something to eat for you in case you can not eat what is served on board.

Answer 7

You need to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor, individually.  Make an appointment just to talk about this, and make sure all your questions are answered.  Don't let them rubber stamp this.  In fact, you could even have them write their recommendation down on one of their little pads, so their a*ses are on the line...

Also:

Here's what this article said:  (http://www.attract.wales.nhs.uk/question...

There is limited high quality evidence on the risks of flying during pregnancy.

The Merck manual states that uncomplicated pregnancy, though 36 wk, is not a contraindication to air travel but specifies that high-risk pregnant women must be individually evaluated.1 They also state that pregnant women should wear seat belts below the abdomen, across the hips and that thrombophlebitis is a specific risk.

Merck also indicate that pregnant women are at higher risk of developing deep vein thrombosis and recommend frequent walks around the cabin and short-movement exercises while seated.

Good luck, and congrats!