Flying

[cakemama579]

Hi mamas.  I'm a nervous nelly about flying, and I'm taking my DS across the country with me in two days.  Everything I've read tells me that it is safe to fly while preggers.  I can't help but worry!  Please, someone talk me down out of the tree and onto that plane!

(needless to say, DS is super excited to go on an airplane!)

Please help me in praying for a safe, uneventful flight(s)---6 hours with just me and my 3 year old!

(Oh, and any pointers on how to keep him occupied for that long are greatly appreciated)

[egmaranian]

I can't give you any pointers on flying with a toddler, but I can say that flying while pg is quite safe if you're not experiencing any high risk symptoms.  I took a 3 hr flight when I was 36wks pg with my DS and it went fine.  Just try to get up and walk around as often as is convenient/safe.  I'd also have some snacks handy as well, because you never know what the airline will provide in-flight.  Because of how far along I was when I flew, I had a note from my doc for the airline giving me "permission" to fly...I don't think you'd need that at this early stage.

You'll be fine!  Have a safe trip!

[Baby_Cakes]

I flew at 16 weeks last pg to Hawaii.  10.5 hour flight (still think that was insane, pg or not) and was just fine.

Hmm, we flew to Puerto Rico (about 3 hours) with DD when she was about 18 months.  Nursed on take off, landing, and basically whenever she wanted.  Kept her happy and refocused her when she was about to melt down.  Brought a travel magna doodle, some Uno cards, and a coloring book with just a few crayons.  But make sure all the toys are NEW so it's exciting for them to open and keeps them occupied!

Bring a ton of snacks.  Crackery things, sweet things, candy.  Even if you don't normally offer this kind of stuff, it can be a lifesaver.

You will probably still have to get up and walk a bit.  DD just got plain antsy.  I hope you got him his own seat b/c that will save you a ton of stress and headache!!

Have a good and safe trip!  You can do it!

[Peony]

I've flown during every pg. I'll be taking a trip in June this time. My biggest issue is usually the 50 billion times I need to pee! A 3 year is easy on a plane, I buy nice, cheap, little toys, think from the dollar section at target, and my kids get their own little carry-on suitcase once they are one that we will with the toys, snacks, books, coloring book/crayons, all sorts of things, and they are happy as clams. 

[cakemama579]

Thanks for all the tips.  Snacks and activities-- check!

I just get so, so nervous to fly, and it doesn't help that DH isn't coming this time.  It all stems from 9/11 I think.  How do I kick the fear?!?  Think I'm going to have to bring some seriously zen reading material with me to chill me out. lol.

[Kkrpata]

I am the same way.  I'm a grown woman who gets all teary at takeoffs and landings.  I'm terrified of flying too, and I think it stems from 9/11 for me too.  But it doesn't stop me...I've flown to Hawaii while pregnant with my second and left my first at home, and took both the kids to the Caribbean last December.   I just have to talk myself down...and pray.  It's hard, I understand.  Good luck, I'm sure everything will be fine :)

[kristenyostdc]

I am the same way.  VERY nervous to fly.  You just have to take deep breaths and stay calm.  And it's totally safe to fly at this stage on pregnancy.  I flew to CA which is a little over 6 hours from where I am right after I found out I was pregnant this time.  I was a nervous wreck and felt sick, but still did ok.  I did have to get up and pee a lot and I felt really bad for making two people get up.  But what are you gonna do?  You'll do fine.  You'll probably be to busy to worry since you'll be flying alone with your little one!

[sarahmck]

I've flown at every stage of pregnancy.  I know that it's important to keep hydrated, particularly in very early pregnancy.  But we're talking very early, like 2-6 weeks, and you're past that.  That said, I flew on the day I conceived (no, not a mile high conception!) with both of my kids and, well, they're here.

I recommend those reuseable drawing books where you use a water pen to color them in.  Or a travel aqua doodle.  We have one of those and it's been a big hit for 4 years.

Have a good trip.

[bethrw]

In my first pg I flew to Malaysia and back in my first trimester as well as shorter domestic trips at least three other times later on in the pg and was fine! Just drink lots of water and walk around to keep blood flowing well. I recommend getting an aisle seat (good for pg mamas and good for toddlers). This pg I took a 4 hour plane trip and was fine. I wouldn't worry about it too much.

[bethrw]

oh yes, for the toddler get the color wonder markers and book - they only color on the special paper! They're great for plane travel. And have lots of snacks. And don't do early boarding. Wait until the end, so there's less time for the toddler to get fidgety.