Long haul flight, anyone?

Hi Gals!

Hope everyone's doing well today. Tell me, am I out of my tiny, pregnant mind to even consider flying long haul while pregnant with twins?!

Provided I could get clearance from my OB next Tuesday, I'd really love to see my family in the UK. There's six of them and only one of me (well - three!) so obviously it makes sense financially if nothing else. I'd love so much to give them all big big hugs and let my mum make a huge fuss over her eldest daughter, pregnant with her first grandchildren!! She's coming for the birth but can't really afford to do two trips.

We're looking at a 12 hour flight, I'd be on my own and about 18/19 weeks when I travelled for one week. DH is working crazy hours at the moment so he can't get the time off work. Obviously if my OB says no then it's out but we're also concerned about comfort levels, break in my routine, not being near 'my own things' etc. Hmmm. I don't know what to do!

If anyone has experience or travel plans of their own I'd love to hear from you!!

Thanks ladies!
M

 

I flew from Okinawa, Japan to Traverse City, MI (14 hrs + 1 hr) when I was 12 weeks and flew back at 14 weeks; so I wasn't quite as far along as you.

Make sure you drink a TON of water and get up and move around as much as possible.

Also, I would have someone carry your suitcase(s) for you - it doesn't seem like much, but you don't want to do any more lifting than you have to. Your carry-on should be ok.

And make sure you have enough time between connections to slowly meander to your next gate - we had to run at one point and I thought I was going to die.

 

I flew across the US when I was 23 - 24 weeks, but I flew with my DH. Ditto the drinking lots of water and moving around. It was uncomfortable, but no problems for us.

Good luck!

 

I flew at 16wks with no problem. Do drink a lot of water and get up and walk. I did have some swelling in my feet and legs after the flight, but I did'nt get up and walk.

 

I flew from Bulgaria to the Midwest at about 19 weeks pregnant. I was lucky enough to be in business class, so I had plenty of room to stretch. Drove 8 hours from Nebraska to Wisconsin at about 22 weeks. I then flew from the Midwest to Washington DC at about 24 weeks. Then DC to Mexico at 26 weeks. Then Mexico back to the Midwest at 32 weeks. I did fine the whole time.

Pay a skycap to lift your luggage. Drink lots of water. Get up and move about. Clear everything with your doctor. Have the name and number of a good doctor in the UK should something come up. Don't travel once in the UK. Have all your friends and family travel to see you at a central location. If you have a long walk on your connection, ask for wheelchair or handicap assistance.

Have fun!

 

I flew from the Midwest to CA at 16-17 weeks and a transatlantic at 24-26 weeks (in business though), and it went OK, but was glad I didn't have to fly again after that (I was by myself with my oldest at the time).

 

I flew from Denver to Switzerland (with connection in Frankfurt) when I was 17 weeks pregnant, and back at 19 weeks. My perinatologist and OB both gave me the OK, and it turned out that was the perfect time to go -- from 16-22 weeks was the only time in my whole pregnancy that I felt really good! Other than having to eat ALL the time (which can be challenging when traveling in a foreign country) and having some trouble sleeping, it was no problem. I was even able to take 1-hr hikes, though I stayed away from anything too strenuous.

I was flying by myself -- DH and I were vacationing together, but for various reasons, had to fly separately. My in-laws did pay for an upgrade for me from coach to business class, which was a huge help -- look into it if anyone in your family has a lot of frequent flier miles! For one thing, you get more food in business. Also, it's just more comfy all around. But I would have done OK in coach too, though I would not have been as happy.

My OB suggested that I wear pressure stockings -- they weren't comfy, but helped ease my fears of blood clots. I also got up and walked the aisles every couple of hours. And I drank tons of water.

Have a great time!

 

It shouldn't be a problem as long as you don't have any complications. You're still pretty early in the pregnancy. I flew to Hawaii at 22 weeks and we had a wonderful time. Like the others have said, try to get an aisle seat, drink tons of water, and get up to walk around at least every 2 hours. Have fun!

 

I'd do it, HAVE FUN!!

 

I felt great then. I would, provided you get the okay from your OB.