Travel and Pregnancy???

Question

I am planing a trip to Dominican Republic and I will be 29-30 weeks pregnant, that will only happen if the pregnancy is normal. The flight is approximately 4 hrs each way,

did anyone go away during their 3rd trimester and do you have any suggestions.

I really want to go.....

thank you

Answer 1

I flew to Vancouver from Edmonton at 30 weeks and that was fine. You have to ask your doctor and they will let you know. Also, check with the airline and see what their policy is.  

Answer 2

It depends on a lot of stuff.

First off what does your doctor say?

Will you end up paying for any procedures that occur for emergencies in another country(some insurance companies will not cover that if you travel in the third trimester or not at all. This might include Medicaid as well)?

What is the quality of care if you needed help?

How would you feel if you needed to deliver in another country and couldn't have your doctor, just some random doctor?

If you are married, how does your husband feel about it?

What is the airlines policy?

Ask yourself all these questions.

I traveled when I was 7 months pregnant, but I stayed within the US for insurance purposes.

Answer 3

Ask you doctor.  If you are that far along some airlines will not let you travel unless you have a note from your doctor.  Your doctor might say that is too long sitting in one spot.  When I drove a far distance when I was that pregnant, my doctor advised me to pull over, rest and walk a little before I start on my journey again, you can't do that on an airline.  Check with your doctor and the airline that you will traveling on.  

Answer 4

Many women can safely travel that far along. There are risks, though, and some airlines will not let pregnant women onboard after a certain number of weeks. Contact your airline, and get a definate answer from them. The last thing you need is being allowed to fly over and being past the allowed time when its time to come home.

As far as medical complications from air travel... premature delivery caused by pressure rupture of the amniotic membrane has been known to happen. The flight length is short enough that you might not go into labour on board, even if you do rupture, but you're at a much higher risk for the cord to move between the baby's head and the cervix, or even flush out past the cervical opening (cord prolapse). Furthermore, if there is any problem with the placenta, the reduced oxygen in the airplane cabin can be enough to cause fetal distress, with it's own complications from meconium in the amniotic fluid. You can, and should, get up atleast once an hour to walk up and down the aisles. It'll help keep the blood flowing, reducing the chance of a blood clot. Airline attendants are used to people doing that, even if they aren't pregnant. You might also see if you can get a bulkhead seat for extra leg room.

The last question is 'how comfortable will you be in the DR?' Are you planning very relaxed activites or were you planning on getting out and being active? If you were planning on a lot of active activities, maybe plan some more relaxed ones too. How are you with the sunlight, heat and humidity that'll be there? Make sure you've got enough clothing that will be comfy and cooling (lighter colours, natural fabrics, etc). There is nothing wrong with going for a nice relaxing tropical vacation as long as you're prepared and ready to make it just that.