WWYD - 3rd trimester long-haul travel

[welsh]

We lived in the US from 2004-2008 and DS was born there.
DH is going there on business in May.

If we went along, we have enough airmiles for DS and I to travel with DH in British Airways Business (Club) Class. Flat beds in the cabin so pretty comfortable.
The British Airways sale finishes in 9 hours!!! So I have to decide tonight.

I haven't been back since leaving.
I'd love to shop for the new baby, eat Mexican food and catch up with good friends and our old babygroup.
I know the city well, there's lots to do with DS like the Children's Museum, butterfly exhibit....fun things that we don't get to do here in Russia.


I will be about 31 weeks pg at that time.
If anything were to happen, I have my old OB right there, 2 miles from our hotel. From what I've read, flying doesn't cause preterm labour. They just recommend that you don't venture too far from your hcp.

Would it be easier to travel pregnant with DS than in 2 years time with 2 children?
My only hesitation is that it's a 10 hr flight. I'll get swollen on the plane and won't be able to rest because I'm chasing DS around the park.

Would you go?

[Jenica]

You might want to check if you would even be allowed to go. A lot of airlines restrict international travel for pregnant women much earlier than domestic travel. Also some countries won't let you in or out after you are a certain amount along. I think you are okay at 31 weeks but it might be close. My brother is a pilot for Qatar airways and he had to return to the gate and de-board a pregnant lady the other day because she was not allowed to be traveling because she was too far along. I'm not sure who's rule she was breaking though, the airlines, Qatar's, or the US's.

Other than that, as long as I was still having a low-risk pregnancy and had no history of premature birth, I would go. If you can travel in business class I would think the flight would be even more relaxing than just staying home. I wouldn't mind taking a long flight to nowhere right about now. Vegging out watching movies and having flight attendants bringing me whatever I wanted, that sounds nice.

[welsh]

BA let you travel, with a doctor's letter, up to the end of the 36th week for a single pregnancy.
ETA - Reading a bit about increased risk of thrombosis is making me veer towards not going.

[babsbob]

I think as long as you get and walk every two hours you would be okay. It just depends on how you think you'll feel. If you won't be too tired or uncomfortable I say go for it!

[mediumcrunch]

I'd go especially since you would have access to familiar care once you were here.
We took a family road trip from CT to WA when I was 32 weeks with #6 (3000 miles each way-4 days to get there, 5 days back-about 12-15 hours in the car each day). My midwife sent me with the necessary pertinent records and off we went with her blessing as long as we promised to get out and walk every 2 hours and I stretched my calves while sitting. My ankles swelled at altitude going over the continental divide but that is it.

[weliveintheforest]

I think I would go.

[RedOakMomma]

Does this mean you'd be staying long enough to have your second baby in the US? That might be kinda cool...something for your children to share.

At 31 weeks, I wouldn't worry about it too much. Stay hydrated, walk a lot and very frequently, and that should be plenty.

[welsh]

Originally Posted by RedOakMomma

Does this mean you'd be staying long enough to have your second baby in the US? That might be kinda cool...something for your children to share.

At 31 weeks, I wouldn't worry about it too much. Stay hydrated, walk a lot and very frequently, and that should be plenty.

No, we'd just be staying 2 wks! Then I'd fly home to the UK where I'd stay and have the baby.

[welsh]

Dilemma resolved for me

I just called our insurance company! I have 100% maternity coverage but the US is exempt! I could not take that risk on our savings...
Thanks for the input Mamas!

[MaerynPearl]

I will be moving from Illinois to North Carolina at 30 weeks... I would much rather fly than drive that trip (since driving will take about two days with a pregnant lady and two small kids), but alas we are driving. So to get up and walk around, we will have to take several stops making our trip even longer.

But I don't mind.

I say totally do it! There are lots of ways to make yourself more comfortable

[thefreckledmama]

Originally Posted by welsh

I just called our insurance company! I have 100% maternity coverage but the US is exempt! I could not take that risk on our savings...
Thanks for the input Mamas!

Did you look up travel insurance? I have heard that most policies don't necessarily cover maternity related issues, but it might be worth looking into if you're really wanting to go for a visit.

I personally don't think I'd travel like that at 31-33 weeks, but I usually become sluggish and lazy by then, and wouldn't want to be away from home.

[aikigypsy]

I think that you'd be fine at 31 weeks if you've been having an uncomplicated singleton pregnancy. If you were having more than 1 baby, or any serious complications, I would recommend staying home.

I flew back and forth US to Ireland early in my 3rd trimester last time with no problem at all, but that was only a 6-hour flight and no toddler in tow. Still, I think it should be OK.

[aikigypsy]

Ah. Just saw post #9. Too bad!