Has anyone flown overseas while pregnant?
 

Hi. My husband and I have a three week trip to the USA (from Australia) booked and paid for November. However, we were hoping to start trying for a baby and were wondering if we should be doing so if we know we are going overseas? We're concerned about any effects air travel would have on the pregnancy. I was just wondering if anyone else out there has flown during pregnany, especially early on. It would be interesting to hear anyone's experiences. Thanks.

I flew a lot during two of my pregnancies, and had no trouble with the flights during the first few months.<BR><BR>I did hemorrhage after a flight when I ws 20 weeks along with my son. The flight had encountered turbulence and an extreme pressure drop (people were screaming from the pain in their ears).<BR><BR>I have two friends who went into premature labor during or immediately after flights when they were 6 months. As far as I know, nobody has done any research about the effects of flying in later pregnancy, but I think that since it's already July, you'll be fine in November.

If my math is correct, if you were to get pregnant instantly, you would be early in your second trimester in November. Of course, few people get pregnant instantly, so it might put you in your first trimester.<BR><BR>I have flown pregnant twice - once at 2 months and once at 4 months. The standard message is that the second trimester is the best time to travel during pregnancy. You are usually over any nausea, fatigue, etc. of early pregnancy and not yet so huge that you need to fly on a cargo plane.<BR><BR>If you are having a normal pregnancy, it is certainly safe to travel in the first 5-6 months with reasonable precautions (keep hydrated, watch what you eat, allow for rest, etc.). But no one can predict what your pregnancy will be like.<BR><BR>We found ourselves unexpectedly in a similar situation, and kept our travel plans from US to Bahamas. It was fine. <BR>Obviiously it is a longer trip from Australia.<BR><BR>Another idea - in the US women sometimes arrange for a pre-pregnancy visit with an Obstetrician to "interview" them. If this is done in Australia, you might want to do that at home and ask his/her opiniion - or your regular primary care MD may be able to give you info.<BR><BR>Good luck on your pregnancy and have fun on your upcoming trip to US. If it were me, I would keep plans - much easier to make this trip now than with a baby or little kid (and you have no idea how much less money you have to travel once you have kids!)

I have flown twice while pregnant; once at six months; and again at seven and one-half months, and encountered no difficulties during the flights. While on the plane I walked every thirty minutes or so for exercise and to prevent swelling; and took a copy of my current medical records along, just in case.

I can't imagine having morning sickness stuck in a plane for nearly a day. Why not try and get pregnant while you're here in the U.S. on vacation. You'll be relaxed, in a good mood and probably some nice settings for romance. And you'll be able to tell your child later about where he/she was conceived.

Since we are all doctors here, you came to the right place!<BR><BR>Or have you bothered to ask your doctor about this? I realize this is a travel site, but had no idea that it included obstetrics while traveling.

You obviously didn't read the thread on unpasteurized cheeses in pregnancy. Lots of medical experts on that one.

Kylie, your husband must reserve his seed until November, then inseminate you the evening after you first arrive in the USA.

My wife was 5 months pregnant when we went to Italy in 1996. Her biggest complaints were 1) forced to stand in an elbow-to-elbow mass transit train from Rome's airport to the train station (no gentlemen any more); 2) the 3 hour tour an American priest gave us of St. Peter's (stone was hard on the girl's feet) and 3) the winding staircase to our Venice pension to the top floor. She handled the flights like a trooper.

Flew one time from California to Europe at about 4.5 months pregnent. Ended up swollen pretty bad on the plane to the point my shoes didn't fit when I landed.<BR>I also ended up with pre-term labor and was in and out of the hospital and on bedrest and meds for the entire duration of the remaining 4 months. I do NOT know if there is a direct correlation with pre-term labor and flying but I have spoken to alot of women who seem to have had long flights in the week or two before they were diagnosed. But please check with your Dr.

Suzy-You stated you flew a lot during your pregnancies and had no problem. Then the next paragraph states you did hemmorrhage after a flight. Excuse me but wasn't that a problem?? DUH!<BR><BR>Kylie-Ask your doctor not the morons here who have no idea what your medical history is....

x, sorry I didn't make myself clear enough for you. I said I had no problems *in the first few months* but when I flew later, I had a close call after a flight that had serious pressure problems.<BR><BR>Regarding relying on only doctors for advice: 25 years ago, they were telling moms it was OK to drink during pregnancy. Then somebody put two and two together, figured out Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, and now pregnant moms know it's not a good idea to drink. Likewise, until somebody seriously studies the risks and complications of flying during pregnancy, we just really don't know.<BR><BR>For those of you who have a lot of faith in the medical establishment and its decision-makig process, I strongly recommend last Sunday's NY Times magazine -- now they're completely rethinking all those recommendations for low-fat-high-carbohydrate diets.

I agree with holding off until November and then see if you can conceive on the trip. If not, then back at home later. I did fly a lot while pregnant, but I also was allowed to smoke and drink while pregnant back in the Dark Ages. Thank God I never had any problems with either kid but I shutter when I think of it now.

I agree with the plan to ask your doctor now, so you can figure out when to start trying to get pregnant.<BR><BR>I've flown at 3, 5, and 7 months. The 5-months-pregnant trip was to England from the US. The others were cross-country in the US. None were as long as yours will be. I had no problems at all, except wishing to gosh I could have a drink after helping out with a harrowing medical emergency that delayed one plane by 2 hours. <BR><BR>A somewhat mercenary tip: if you do get pregnant before the trip and are on the cusp of needing maternity clothes, start wearing them for the trip and you'll get extra-special treatment by some people.

kam-I think you must SHUDDER.<BR>if you shutter you must be either a camera lense or something in someones window.

So, tell me, Suzie, since you are so anti-doctor, pray tell, who delivered your last child/children?<BR>What a bunch of crap!

Flew at 4 months pregnant Hawaii to California roundtrip, and at 7 months pregnant Hawaii to Portugal and back. My advice: Reserve an aisle seat, get up and walk frequently, drink lots of water, and try to elevate your feet whenever possible to avoid swelling. <BR>If anything, morning sickness would be a bigger worry than flying itself. My first pregnancy, I couldn't get up, much less go anywhere for months. <BR>Since it really isn't that far off, you might consider just practicing between now and November and then really trying to conceive after your trip....

I flew on business with my first child at about 4-5 months. I couldn't even consider it during the first 3 months due to terrible morning sickness. I found the experience awful. The plane was cramped & hot, carrying luggage was terrible, I was always worrying about getting bumped into by people and/or their luggage, not to mention sitting in airports, eating airplane food and just being so tired (which goes along with pregnancy). Afterwards, I did have a minor problem which required a call to my physician (similar to what an earlier poster mentioned). I am now pregnant with my second and will not fly at all during this pregnancy. Everyone is different so it's difficult to say what is right or wrong for you. Best of luck!!!

I'm not anti-doctor, I just realize that they're not perfect. Nobody knows everything. <BR><BR>Obstetric policies are always changing, based on new knowledge: for instance, weight-gain recommendations have increased drastically since the 60s.

Kylie, Wayne and you should refrain from intercourse until November, then discretely do the naughty no-no on your flight to the USA. Children conceived at high altitudes have natural advantages over children conceived at sea level.

Kylie: It's only 4 months until your big trip - wait until you get back to conceive. Why would you want to have morning sickness or any pregnancy complication while on a 3 week trip so far from home? And, if you're not pregnant, you can have a few drinks while on vacation, too. Personally, if I wasn't preggers now, I'd delay it.

Kylie, have plenty of sex NOW!!! Conception is a joy not to be put off. Do it nightly if you have to.

Hi Kylie,<BR><BR>Great question! You could be absolutely fine, but on the other hand you could be miserable. <BR><BR>I went to St. Bart's when I was 4 months pregnant and felt fine; however, I could not drink and some foods are off limits. I also felt kind of fat in my bathing suit! So, I didn't have as good a time as I might have if I had not been pregnant. <BR><BR>Since you have already booked your trip and you are not pregnant yet, why don't you buy travel insurance so in case you are too sick to travel, you will be covered (make sure you read the fine print of the insurance for coverage).<BR><BR>Have a great time!<BR><BR>JB

JB, that's the best advice in this whole thread! Since you aren't pregnant yet but have already booked the trip, definitely buy some travel insurance. That way, if you get pregnant but are having any complications you can get reimbursed for any cancellation fees. Good luck!<BR><BR>P.S. However, if you are interested in a bunch of anecdotal stories, I did fly a bunch of times during the first and second trimesters of my pregnancy. It was for business and truthfully I would have rather stayed home. No serious problems, just discomfort and nausea.

I'm just starting my 3rd month right now, and I have to tell you, I've never felt worse in my life. No way would I want to go on a 3-week vacation right now. I am extremely tired all the time (usually I'm a 7-hr/night sleeper, but now I need 9 plus a nap if I can swing it), constantly running to the bathroom and nauseous most of the day. But, I also know plenty of people who have traveled a lot during pregnancy and been fine. Everything I've read states that air travel shouldn't have any adverse effect on a low-risk pregnancy (it will probably be harder on you than on the baby).<BR><BR>That said, the average couple can take up to a year to conceive, so it may not even be an issue. It will usually take at least 3 or 4 months. It took some friends of ours over a year, but we managed to hit it our first month - you never know.<BR><BR>If you do get pregnant and still want to go on the trip, be sure that you're prepared with plenty of water and snacks on the plane (I am starving ALL the time), and invest in some Sea Bands (accupressure bands for seasickness - they have been a lifesaver for me). Realize that you'll probably need to take it easy more than usual, so schedule time for naps and don't plan too many late nights out.<BR><BR>I know a few people who have travelled overseas (US to Europe), mostly when they were 5 or 6 months along, and they were totally fine. Good luck!

Everyones pregnency is different but whats typical is that moms-to-be generally feel better after the first trimester. I also felt tired and sick to my stomach the first three months and after that felt great right up till the last month. <BR>Weird and wonderful things can happen when you start your family but if you're healthy and reasonably fit now, listen to your body and you'll be fine in almost any situation.

I travelled during all my 3 pregnancies between austria and usa and never had any problems, not even at 34 weeks.<BR>make sure you keep walking around to prevent circulation problems and drink plenty of water.<BR>since you are not pregnant yet maybe you want to wait to avoid problems and worries alltogether.you may not even get pregnant right away.<BR>it's also nice to have a baby that was <BR>"made in usa" - i have 2 out of 3<BR>good luck and enjoy your trip - it's lovely here!!

Kylie, to be safe avoid flying after your first trimester.