Would you go on a plane while pregnant?

Question

My OB said it is ok to travel on a plane before 36 weeks but after the birth and death of the baby on a plane last week I am a little anxious.

We are still deciding whether to go, but I am currently 29 weeks and it will be somewhere in next 2-3 weeks.

Would you do it?

What, if any, are the risks?

Answer 1

I heard its bad for the baby no matter how early on in the pregnancy you are.

Answer 2

i didnt think airlines liked to carry people after your 28th wk unless they have changed there views but if you decided to go make sure you dont sit for long stretch your legs more often been pregnant for risk of dvt

Answer 3

i would have said i would go until you said a baby died i wouldnt do it  

Answer 4

That case was not related to flying based on what I read. And of course it is safe. After decades of pregnant women flying, if there was substantial evidence of even significant risk they would err on the side of caution and prohibit it.

I flew at 35 weeks with my last pregnancy. No problems whatsoever.  

Answer 5

I was in the military and was required to fly quite a bit during some of my pregnancy and my little man is just fine. Be sure to get up and move often and get your blood pumping but other than that you will be just fine. The only reason I'd say not to go is if you are deathly afraid of flying, as stress can cause preterm labor way more than a plane could.  

Answer 6

Flying during pregnancy is 99% safe.  Plenty of women have done it, plenty of women have been fine.

But I have a problem with that other 1%.  I personally would not take the chance.  

Answer 7

I did fly when I was about 17 weeks pregnant, and I was fine aside from swollen ankles. Make sure you drink PLENTY of water, as the air in the plane is very dry and can cause you to dehydrate faster. I'm going to fly again in a few weeks, I'll be about 32 weeks. There is a lot of info that you can find on the internet with suggestions to make the flight more comfortable. Good luck, and if you go I hope you enjoy your trip!

Answer 8

I would go and have fun. In fact, I traveled internationally (14+ hours each way) this summer at the beginning of my 4th pregnancy (I'm currently at the end of my first trimester), and I flew 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 the 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 try to get the name and number of a doctor where you will be staying/visiting in case an emergency comes up.

To keep herself 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 she 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...

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

Answer 9

yes and I have. When my twins were 2 years old and I was 6 months pregnant I flew from CA to CT. I didn't have any problems what so ever *shrug*

How would flying affect the baby? Cabin preasure? The baby is not breathing regular air so how would that affect the baby to the person who said that? The baby is inside the womb, they don't breath air. They are completely protected in there. It's not like you are on an amusement ride being tossed around. You are just sitting on the plane. If it were a problem you would hear of more people hving babies die on a palne but I have never heard of it at all until you just mention the one you heard of.

Answer 10

I read the story, I think the right one and they said the baby was still born at birth. I'm thinking it wasn't because of her flying. They said it was a short flight. I am going to be flying at 28 weeks and I have no choice. I'm a little bit scared now though.  

Answer 11

its been said as long as your not near your due date or before three months that it is safe to travel i traveled on a 4 hour flight at 4 months and my daughter was fine i found it hard on a small aeroplane to keep mobile though. There obviously are a lot of risks due to cabin pressure as you feel it your self so baby must feel it a lot more good luck with your decision hope this has helped