Flying in the first trimester? « Back to Group Discussions

[brooklynkat]

Hello,

I'm new to this community and very happy to be here after many years of infertility. I'm wondering how everyone feels about flying while pregnant? I always thought that flying in in the third trimester was something to be cautious about, but my doctor seemed concerned when I told her that we'd be taking a few flights in the first trimester. (not experiencing any cramping, bleeding or complications at this point) Hubs and I are flying to Barbados :) from NY this weekend, and I wasn't concerned at all, but now I'm feeling slightly worried. We're then going to Singapore in February, right at the end of my first tri. Any thoughts? Thanks!

[CraftyMcGluestick]

I don't claim any training or special knowledge, but I flew several times in my first tri with DS and one round trip at the end of second tri. I got short-term swollen feet on the last flight, but no other problems and nothing that didn't clear up quickly. My main concern with first tri flying is feeling so sick. But they do provide barf bags!

[cardigan]

We took a long planned trip to Europe over the holidays. I found I was preg 2 days before we flew. And I'm off to CA a few times in the next 3 weeks. Have not discussed this with my doctor, but will bring it up at apt on Wednesday. I was miserable, but didn't puke.

I credit this to:

-tons of ginger candies (careful, one took a filling out)

-hard candies

-lots of pretzels/saltines

-various beverages that at times are drinkable,

- riveting podcasts and trashy novels to distract me

- air vent on FULL BLAST

- comfortable layers of clothing in case plane was too hot or cold

The worst parts were:

-cab to airport after not getting much sleep the night before

-watching and smelling girl across the aisle puking

-pigeon flying inside by gates

[HippieIncognito]

I flew throughout my pregnancy with DD and will be flying twice around 14 and 16 weeks with this one. I don't know what the issue would be.

[carmen358]

There are lots of theories on why some feel like it's not a good idea to fly in the first or third trimester....or not all according to some. Google it and you can see for yourself. I have to fly to Japan at around 23 weeks for work and while I wouldn't choose to fly while pregnant, for my own reasons, I'm not going to worry about the one time. I'm sure you'll be fine

[porcelina]

I don't think the concern of traveling the first trimester is normal pregnancy symptoms, it is more the worst case scenario where something goes wrong. What if you turned out to have a miscarriage with hemorrhaging, or an ectopic, thousands of miles away from home, or in a place with suboptimal medical care? These are the kinds of things doctors worry about because they see a lot of them in their practices. That said, you can't live in constant fear of what might happen and, unless you have a history of poor outcomes in early pregnancy (like I do), it is probably not something you should worry about.

[carmen358]

I think it's also a fear of the radiation exposure.

[somegirl99]

I flew a lot last pregnancy, mostly for work.  My OB was only concerned about the last couple of months.

Flying in the 1st and 2nd trimester was not a big deal for me.  Try to get an aisle seat so you can easily get up and move around and go to the bathroom.  Don't forget that you are at higher risk for blood clots while pregnant so just be sure to keep moving.

Also I made sure I brought a big bottle of water (or two!) on board with me because it's hard to get enough from the drink service on board.  Either buy water after security or bring an empty bottle with you and fill it at a water fountain.

Now I did also do a business trip to Brazil at 7 months.  I had agreed to it at 4 months, thinking it would be more of the same.  It was absolute torture.  At that point anytime I sat in a normal seat (anything but my yoga ball), it would push DS's feet up into my ribs and cause excruciating pain.  So you can imagine that all that sitting on the flights (SFO to Houston, Houston to Sao Paolo, multiple domestic flights in Brazil, and back again) was tons of fun.  I couldn't get enough pillows in the hotels to get comfortable at night, and was absolutely exhausted for the work days.  Plus it was only when I was on my way there that I had the realization that if something did happen, Brazil was probably not the best place to be, with their 99% c-section rate, so that was stressing me out.  

No more long trips (and preferably no short trips) in the 3rd trimester for me anymore!
 

[porcelina]

Originally Posted by carmen358 

I think it's also a fear of the radiation exposure.

That too -- though I read that the amount of exposure is so minute it is really not of concern, even for those women who are flight attendants!

[carmen358]

I've heard the same - I think it's a very remote risk. I wouldn't be concerned with one or two flights.

[Stormikris]

I am one that started bleeding on a flight. From Seattle to Los Angeles. I had previous spotting with that pregnancy. But on the flight started passing clots and large amount of blood. Spent all afternoon evening in the worst ER I have ever been to. Baby ended up being fine in the end. 2 days later got on a flight to London. Definitely was a very anxious fearful time waiting for the plane to land and getting to an ER.

[porcelina]

Originally Posted by Stormikris 

I am one that started bleeding on a flight. From Seattle to Los Angeles. I had previous spotting with that pregnancy. But on the flight started passing clots and large amount of blood. Spent all afternoon evening in the worst ER I have ever been to. Baby ended up being fine in the end. 2 days later got on a flight to London. Definitely was a very anxious fearful time waiting for the plane to land and getting to an ER.

OMG, that must have been so nerve-wracking and stressful!! I have been through my fair share of spotting and passing clots. I'm so glad things turned out well for you!!

[porcelina]

Double post
Edited by porcelina - 1/11/13 at 3:03pm