Flying while Pregnant

Yay, you are pregnant! But what about that work trip you have coming up or that vacation you had planned? Can you fly while pregnant? The answer is yes. People can and do. I traveled a lot when pregnant, international flights, and short-haul flights. I consulted my midwife, she said as long as I felt good, I was good to go. I always carried my medical notes in my hand luggage, so they were readily available. Compression socks, belly oil, medical notes, and snacks on hand, and off I went! Here is my 2019 flying while pregnant experience, pre-COVID 19, so now there are many more factors to consider, but hopefully, we will travel again soon!

First Trimester

Nausea and morning sickness is not a pleasant experience in general, much less on a plane. The risk of miscarriage is also greater, whether flying or not. I made a long-distance return journey at 7/8 weeks. I had just found out I was pregnant and was very nervous. The trip went well. Luckily, I managed not to be sick on the plane. I took plenty of snacks and water with me in case there wasn't enough on the flight. My morning sickness was the type that I would need to put food in my mouth within 30 seconds, or I was vomiting! I still felt a little nauseous at times; however, I was so sleepy it was lovely to have nothing to do but sleep and relax! 

Second Trimester

The Second Trimester is the perfect and safest time to travel. I think I made five long-distance trips. When I consulted my midwife, she let me know that although the body scanner was perfectly safe for pregnancy, she would recommend I did not go through the scanner due to the number of flights I was doing as it could be accumulative. Each time I flew, I would politely say I would prefer not to go through the body scan and kindly manually search me. I had a few funny looks, but you are carrying very precious cargo, and at the end of the day, you need to do what makes you comfortable.

I would always wear compression socks. Compression socks boost circulation and help relieve swelling, which is even more critical when pregnant. I put them on once I got through security and about to board, and I took them off once at my destination. As my bump got bigger, I would need someone to help pull them off! 

For me, another must-have was my belly oil or belly butter! Not only while flying, but always, I would carry a travel size in my handbag. As my bump got bigger, I would rub it on if I felt so much as a hint of an itch. I can happily tell you I have not one stretch mark on my belly. Now my butt, that is a whole other story! I'm a tiger Queen! lol

I also gave myself extra time at the airport. I am a seasoned traveler and have airport security, duty-free shopping, and boarding the plane down to a tee. However, when you are pregnant, you need to allow extra time for the waddle, peeing multiple times, putting your compression socks on, and lest we forget, getting more food and organizing snacks!

Third Trimester

Flying beyond 32 weeks is not advised. And many airlines do not allow you to travel after this. If your bump looks big like mine, you may also need a fit to fly letter from your midwife or health care provider in incase requested. Airlines have the right to refuse you if they think you are too far along. Babies are often on their schedule, and giving birth on a plane or in a destination you had not planned to, does not sound fun!

My tops tips for travel

• Only travel if you feel well enough to.
• Consult with your midwife or healthcare provider before traveling.
• Bring your medical notes in your hand luggage. 
• Give yourself extra time.
• Wear compression socks.
• Bring your belly oil or belly butter. 
• Bring extra snacks and water.
• Ask for an upgrade! (Who wouldn't want to upgrade a glowing pregnant mama if there is one available?) 
• Relax and enjoy the journey!