Advice for airplane at 34 wks?

[MamaMorgana]

Next weekend I'll be flying from Denver to San Fran, a little "babymoon" for my husband and me to visit some friends and just get away. The flight is only about 2 1/2 hours. I flew in early December with no problems; not even any swelling that I was aware of. But I want to take some preventative measures this time around, since 34 weeks is pretty far along!

Advice to prevent or reduce swelling (face and feet especially)?
To prevent or treat headaches?

I'll bring some saline nasal spray for dry sinuses, and I guess some Tylenol...

THANKS!!!

[Jenica]

I'm going to be taking a 2 hr flight when I'm be 32 weeks for my baby shower so I'll be mooching off of this thread for ideas. I totally didn't even think of the whole dry sinuses, so I'm adding nasal spray to my list. Eye drops too, my eyes have been crazy dry all through this pregnancy. I heard not to take off your shoes in flight or you might not get them back on! Other than that, I plan on bringing snacks, cause peanuts just don't cut it for me

[SunRise]

Drink lots of water (I think you have to buy the bottles of water in the departing terminal which sucks because its expensive)

Make sure you have a doctors note to fly.

Do a google search for Sitting Yoga - and learn some stretches that you can do while sitting on a plane.

[SuzieQ3417]

I've been flying a lot over the past month, and still have a few more weeks of flying left (though I'll be done with travel by 32 weeks). Things I have learned?

- Get an aisle seat, preferably close to the back of the plane (for those frequent potty breaks!). Plus it helps with swelling to get up and move around a bit, so a restroom break mid-flight is perfect for this.

- Drink lots of water. While you can't bring a full water bottle through security, you can bring an empty one and just fill it up at a drinking fountain once you get through TSA screening.

- Wear comfy clothes, including comfy shoes. Slip on shoes are best, because you won't have to bend over and struggle when you go through security.

- Bring some of your own snack food. Airport food is expensive, and it's hard to find healthy choices (though they've gotten better and now at least carry fruit). Plus if you're stuck on the plane for a longer amount than anticipated, at least you won't starve (most airlines still give you snacks, but it's about 70 calories worth of peanuts, which won't always cut it)

- Make sure you can actually carry and lift your carry-on luggage. I was traveling with a laptop in my backpack, but the weight of it (in addition to other stuff I was carrying) has started to take it's toll on my back, so I'm finally leaving it at home. I wish I could say some nice person will help you if you are struggling to get your bag into the overhead compartment, but on the 10 flights I've taken the past few weeks I've only had one person offer to help (he was married and traveling with his wife and young child - clearly he knew how tough pregnancy can be)

- Be patient. Most of the time travel goes smoothly, but you never know what might happen. Just try and relax and don't let any surprises stress you out too much.

Enjoy your trip!

[MaerynPearl]

Originally Posted by SuzieQ3417

- Drink lots of water. While you can't bring a full water bottle through security, you can bring an empty one and just fill it up at a drinking fountain once you get through TSA screening.

pregnant or not that is the BEST advice...

[jecombs]

Get some compression stockings! I wish I would have had some when I flew while pregnant the last time because I had horrible swelling that lasted until I gave birth approx. 8 weeks later.
Personally, I would feel a little nervous about flying when I was that far along... because I had some issues with premature labor around 32 weeks. Just make sure your doc/MW knows what your plans are, in case something happens while you are on your trip.

[MamaMorgana]

"Compression stockings," that sounds interesting! Where might I find some?

[DeChRi]

Originally Posted by SuzieQ3417

I've been flying a lot over the past month, and still have a few more weeks of flying left (though I'll be done with travel by 32 weeks). Things I have learned?

- Get an aisle seat, preferably close to the back of the plane (for those frequent potty breaks!). Plus it helps with swelling to get up and move around a bit, so a restroom break mid-flight is perfect for this.

- Drink lots of water. While you can't bring a full water bottle through security, you can bring an empty one and just fill it up at a drinking fountain once you get through TSA screening.

- Wear comfy clothes, including comfy shoes. Slip on shoes are best, because you won't have to bend over and struggle when you go through security.

- Bring some of your own snack food. Airport food is expensive, and it's hard to find healthy choices (though they've gotten better and now at least carry fruit). Plus if you're stuck on the plane for a longer amount than anticipated, at least you won't starve (most airlines still give you snacks, but it's about 70 calories worth of peanuts, which won't always cut it)

- Make sure you can actually carry and lift your carry-on luggage. I was traveling with a laptop in my backpack, but the weight of it (in addition to other stuff I was carrying) has started to take it's toll on my back, so I'm finally leaving it at home. I wish I could say some nice person will help you if you are struggling to get your bag into the overhead compartment, but on the 10 flights I've taken the past few weeks I've only had one person offer to help (he was married and traveling with his wife and young child - clearly he knew how tough pregnancy can be)

- Be patient. Most of the time travel goes smoothly, but you never know what might happen. Just try and relax and don't let any surprises stress you out too much.

Enjoy your trip!

All of this! I traveled from Kansas City to SF regularly for work until I was 35 weeks. The above is perfect advice. HAVE FUN!

[jecombs]

Originally Posted by MamaMorgana

"Compression stockings," that sounds interesting! Where might I find some?

Most of the larger CVS's have them. You can also get them at med. supply stores.

[lizsky]

I was only 30 and 31 weeks when I flew, but my flight was a 6 hour cross country one. People had advised me to get up and walk around a lot, but I flew right after that incident on the Detroit flight, and it seemed like all the staff were extra nervous and strict. I could tell that the staff did not approve of walking for any reason other than the bathroom, so I ended up choosing an aisle seat and trying to walk to the bathroom that was FARTHER away from me, just to give me a chance to walk.

I agree with the water bottle idea. I brought a large empty one through security and was grateful to have it.

Glad you are flying for a fun reason!

[tigress]

Compression socks!! I got mine at a medical supply store. The only thing I can think of that would be more important than those is water--I flew at 24 weeks and drank about 5 litres for a 12 hr flight. And was still thirsty. The drinking also creates peeing, which forces walking. Have fun!

[mamabearsoblessed]

This is a great thread for me THANKS!!! We are going to Disney from CT in June~ I'll be 35 weeks~ this trip was a long time comin' and planned before we got our wonderful surprise . Direct flight to and from.
My m/w has no problen writing me a note, I am blessed with healthy pgs and praying all stays the same throughout the remainder of this one.
totally subbing~ thanks for the tips~ Wishes for a comfy, enjoyable trip to the op .