Planning a Pregnancy and a Trip to Europe
Flying at 7 and 3/4 months pregnant
I would like to attend a meeting in Washington, D.C., but I will be
about 7 and 3/4 months pregnant. My doctor advises not to fly in the 8th
month. I am just looking for some advice. Should I go?? And do airlines
have regulations about very pregnant women flying?
My OB told me the concern was (1) that one would inconveniently go into
labor on the flight; (2) one would not have a regular OB at the far-away
site. He did not think that changes in cabin pressure might bring labor
on, however, and I flew at about 7 months without any difficulty.
Clearly, it's possible to arrange for a doctor in DC beforehand, but the
first problem could be a real doozy. A flight to DC lasts about 6
hours, and one could be well along in labor by the end of that time. I
dunno, it's sort of a crap shoot at 8 months - but I have a LOT of
friends who delivered at 34, 35, 36 weeks.
On flying while 7 3/4 months pregnant. Most of the
people I know who fly that late in their pregnancy don't find it a
pleasant experience. I've known more than one couple who traveled in
the 3rd trimester of pregnancy and ended up with premature labor, in one
case a premie birth far from home. As the mom of 2 premie babies (but never
got anywhere near getting to choose whether to travel in the 8th month),
I can say that there are a lot of conference opportunities there in your
future, but this baby will only go through gestation once, and if you
encounter any problems, it's a whole lot nicer to be close to home and
to your prenatal care network. Premature birth may not seem that much of
an issue to you, if you'll be at almost 8 months, but even at that age
babies can have problems that keep them hospitalized for more than the normal
period, and flying home postpartum with a newborn wouldn't be all that
much fun either. Of course, probably the majority of pregnant
travellers have no problems, but I'd say go with the doctor's advice. Even
the "successful" late pregnancy travellers I know found it very
uncomfortable and in retrospect would have happily skipped the trip. So
consider the long term perspective--your career will recover from one missed
conference much more easily than you would recover from any complications
that arose out of the trip. Good luck!
I did this (flew to Michigan when I was 7 and half months pregnant)
this summer. I flew Southwest. When I called the airline ahead of
time to see if they had restrictions, they said I'd need a doctors
note saying it was ok, but on the trip out nobody asked to see it. On
the trip back somebody asked if I had one, but when I said I did but
it would take a minute to get it out, they said they didn't need to
see it.
In terms of whether you should go or not:does your doctor have a
reason that you shouldn't (i.e. is there a higher-than-average risk
that you'll give birth this early?). I didn't have any problems with
the flight--just walked around a lot and drank lots of water.
(My biggest fear wasn't medical, but insurance-related. We had called
Kaiser to see if I would be covered if by some chance I gave birth
early; the person in the business office said that I wouldn't be
covered if it was a "normal birth". When we pressed to find out what
a "normal birth" was--wouldn't a birth that early not be normal?--we
were told that they could only determine if it was normal after the
fact!)
I flew at 34 weeks, which my doctor felt was the latest I could do it.
Many HMOs have rules about leaving town when it gets down to 6 weeks
before the baby is due. I heard a horror story about a woman in
Southern CA who had driven a couple of hours away from home, went into
labor, delivered at a HealthNet certified hospital, but HealthNet wouldn't
pay because it was outside of her medical group (they specify how many
miles away you can go). If you do fly late in pregnancy, do try to keep
your feet up to avoid swelling and drink lots of water.
To the person who wanted advice about flying while 7 3/4 months
pregnant: do it if you want to, if you feel comfortable, and if your doctor
thinks its fine. I took a trip to DC when I was 8 1/4 months pregnant,
with my doctor's permission. I had one week before United would have
refused to let me fly, but they never asked to see a doctor's note or anything
like that. I loved visiting friends, getting some work done, and generally
travelling alone for what I knew would be the last time for a while.
My friends took beautiful care of me while I was in DC, and I hope you
can arrange for someone to do the same for you. The servers on the
airplane were also very helpful with lots of extra water, friendly advice,
extra snacks, and so on. Before I went I got some recommendations for
hospitals and doctors in DC, for "just in case," and checked into my insurance
coverage for out of area. I never needed it though, and you probably
won't either. I hope you enjoy your trip!
I'm not sure why they recommend not flying besides being away from
your doctor close to your due date. One thing to consider is the change of
pressure when you descend and ascend. I think one reason my baby was born
three weeks early is because there was a high pressure system moving through
our area that night - there were about thirty babies born that 24 hour period
at Alta Bates. A nurse told me that many babies were early and labor
came on becausa of water breaking and that it is common when there is
a high pressure system. I guess any weakness in the sac can be tested during
changes in pressure. That said, I have no idea if that has any bearing on
someone who isn't yet 36+ weeks and if a plane can cause that kind of problem.
I'm sure your question will draw a response from just about everyone
who's ever traveled pregnant, but here's my two bits anyway.
I flew from Amman, Jordan to the U.S. at the end of the 7th month of
my pregnancy. I had heard that was about the latest airlines will let
you fly, and just to be sure I wouldn't have problems I obtained a paper from
my doctor certifying my due date. I can't remember if anyone actually
asked to see it. I suppose if you don't show much (I was HUGE) you might
get away with flying later. (?) The rumor I heard about why the airlines
are reluctant to let you fly when you're very far along is that the stress
of flying (pressure changes etc.?) might cause you to go into labor early
(?) and in any case they don't want you to deliver on board. The other
rumor I heard was that if you do deliver on an airplane, the airline will give
you and baby free flights for life -- supposedly a friend of a friend of
mine received this privilege (for her labors.) (Ha ha.) At any rate,
personally I would never WANT to make a long flight after the 7th month --
my flight from Amman was *extremely* uncomfortable and in spite of my
efforts to take regular strolls in the airplane, my feet and ankles swelled
to almost double. Even at 7 months I'd never do a long flight again if I
could help it! Sorry all this info is only ancecdotal -- but you can always
call the airplane you plan to travel with and ask for their policy.
Discuss this with your Ob/Gyn of course. If you really want to go, make
very good plans. Find out where the nearest/best hospital for delivery
is near your meeting. Figure out all the insurance stuff. Make sure that
you are comfortable giving birth in Wash if you need to. Or on the plane.
Have a plan for your husband/partner/coach. Realize that most babies
are full term, but yours could come early.
I flew across the country to attend my sister's wedding 5-6 weeks
before my due date, with my OB's go ahead. Other doctors in the same
practice disagreed with my OB, but after much consideration (particularly
since I had complications in the second trimester) we decided to go. Had it
been something less important to me than my sister's wedding I don't think
I would have flown. But as it turned out it was a wonderful trip. As
for airline policies: I've been told that most airlines do not allow women
who are 8 months or more pregnant (4 weeks prior to due date) to fly,
though a letter of permission from your doctor may sway them. I brought a
letter from my doctor just in case, but was never questioned about it. Our OB
said there wasn't any danger in flying itself, but what everyone is
concerned about is that a pregnant woman could go into labor unexpectedly or
have some other complication during the flight. If your pregnancy has been
smooth then it may not be such a difficult decision. (I think there is
a lab test that costs $200 that can estimate whether you are likely to
go into labor in the next two weeks; I didn't take it but considered it.)
I was relieved during our flight when I found another very pregnant mom
sitting in the seat in front of me! Good luck!
I flew to Vermont for a week, returning on the first day of my last
month of pregnancy. My midwife approved, I had no risks, and I took
along a letter of my midwife's approval. No problem with airline, but
I did wear loose clothes to avoid extra attention.( I also checked with
my HMO about what would happen if I delivered there.) I had a great time,
although the long flight left me with such a sore lower back I had to
find a chiropractor there to treat me. Have a great time!
After reading the postings regarding flying when pregnant, and having
had a trip planed for my 30 week of pregnancy, I realized that perhaps
I also should contact my doctor to get their advice. I belong to
Kaiser and can tell you that the advice nurse all but laughed at me
when I told her my situation. She said that she would forward the
message to my doctor but could tell me immediately that the doctor was
NOT going to approve it. Granted, my situation is slightly different
as I was planning on flying to a wedding one day, and returning the
next. Wanting to get a second opinion, and make sure that Kaiser was
not overreacting to prevent a potential lawsuit I sent email to my
father-in-law who is a retired general practitioner. Below is his
reply. Hence, my trip has been cancelled.
"The third trimester is a time when complications occur, which can be
abrupt. As an example, if membranes rupture in the seventh or eighth
month, labor can be very rapid, all within the period of an airplane
flight. Although the odds are fairly low, such complications,
unfortunately are common, and you would have much better chances for a
favorable outcome if you are near your physician and hospital. My answer
was always no. My usual response was that, although you'll miss the
wedding, it is far better to visit later, and show off your new baby."
Planning a Pregnancy and a Trip to Europe
My husband and I are going to try to get pregnant soon. I am in my
early 30's. My husband is off his medication at this time since it would
cause birth defects. He can't be off his medication for too long. So, in
terms of timing, we hope to get pregnant soon. However, we also want to
take a trip overseas for 2 weeks before we have a baby. I have not researched
this out yet and did not see anything in the archives about it. This is my
first attempt.
Here is what I need advice about: In terms of morning sickness, nausea,
this being the first baby, pregnancy risks, doctors, weather, airplane
flight/altitude, eating unfamiliar foods.... is it ok for us to travel
overseas to Europe? Once I get pregnant, will I get morning sickness right
away? When does it usually happen? Would it be too risky to travel to Europe?
If things go as planned, I might be 3 or 4 months pregnant at the time we
travel to Europe.
I don't think it is risky at all to travel to Europe during your third or
fourth month. Although, no one can guarantee how you will react to pregnancy
and if and when you will have morning sickness, most people feel better once
they begin their second trimester. So, it is best to wait until your fourth
month if possible. I know I got a second burst of energy in my second
trimester. In my first I just wanted to sleep.
Also, you did not mention where in Europe you are travelling. Just be
careful with food and water if it is in a more desolate or underdeveloped
area. If so, I would always pass on the ice and be careful about what you
it (i.e. some areas leave the mayonnaise at room temperature.) But, if it
is in one of the bigger cities, I am not as careful. For example, I still
take ice in my drinks, but prefer bottled water, which most restaurants
serve anyway.
Don't give up your trip to Europe while you are pregnant, as long as your
doctor agrees. It will be harder to go later!! Enjoy this time alone.
I am european and when I was 4 month pregnant (first time) I did the
exactly reverse of what you want to do now - a long trip to the USA.
I can tell you possitively, that it is no more risky to be pregnant i
Europe than it is here, Here is some advise:
-after 4 month you will be comfortable about your pregnancy, and
will probably have asked all the initial questions already
-Morningsicknes will probably be over by that time.
-Food: Take care only to eat pastorised milk and milk products
(cheese!). Do not eat raw eggs. Most water is safe to drink in europe
and in places where it is not you can by bottled water.
-flying is no risk at that time
-If anything unexpected should happen docters in Europe are exactly
as good as the american ones. Remember to get a health insurance
-take it easy! Do not try to se Europe in one week. You will
probably need more rest than usually.
Good luck, Bine
For what it's worth, here's my story:
I got pregnant in mid-July at the age of 37 and went to Europe (England
and France) in late October. My nausea (total misnomer to call it morning
sickness - it lasted 24 hours a day and even woke me up during the
night) began right on schedule - exactly in between the first skipped period
and the second skipped period. (I didn't learn this until after it started,
so there was no suggestibility involved either). The interesting thing was
that the nausea was MUCH better while I was overseas - it virtually
disappeared! Even travelling on the plane (a very crowded flight in
coach, sitting next to a guy with really bad B.O.) wasn't that bad. At the
time I thought "great, it's gone" because the trip occurred at the beginning of
the 4th month, but when I got home, the nausea came back, almost as bad as
before! I don't know if there was something different about the food,
the schedule, or simply that I wasn't working! Anyway, it worked out great
for me - we had a fabulous time and I am SO glad we did it - but I had a
textbook pregnancy and a "perfect" 9-lb baby who arrived exactly on the
due date - so you should also talk to your doctor to find out if there is
any reason why he/she thinks that overseas travel is a bad idea for you.
Random advice, if you do it, take LOTS of snacks for the plane (they
practically force alcohol on you but are very stingy with the food, and
then wonder why people get "air rage"), and stay in places where you can
have snacks and drinks handy in your room (even our cheap Paris hotel had a
little fridge in it). We visited a lot of museums which was great because they
have good food and bathrooms. Bring roomy clothing that allows for growth - I
was much bigger at the end of my two week trip than I was at the start! -- the
three to four month point is when you really start to pop out, and you don't
want to be flying back in tight jeans! (I actually wore the same black knit
drawstring waist (maternity) skirt the entire trip, which was perfect
for me, it was so comfortable I could even sleep in it, yet looked fine at
restaurants & theatre). As for different foods -- I ate what I felt
like, within reason (which for me meant resisting raw oysters in Paris,
although I did eat a little brie and several times had a glass of wine with
dinner, which I know are both considered felonies by the Pregnancy Police).
It sounds like you should read a book about the early stages of
pregnancy. People's individual experiences will vary across the board, I
imagine. When it comes to morning sickness, mine was bad enough that it
made me throw up just driving two miles to work in the morning. Traveling
was the last thing I wanted to do. Also, I started my morning sickness the
first day I was supposed to have gotten my period. Usually it will go away
at 3-4 months, but not always. All I know about travel is that you should
not be flying definitely the last month of pregnancy. Talk to your ob-gyn
about travel concerns. P.S. my husband was on his way to a one day business
trip the day I went into labor - three weeks early... so you never know.
In response to the question about traveling while pregnant, I offer
the following advice. I traveled to Germany, France and Turkey when I
was 5 months pregnant, and again to British Columbia when I was 7
months pregnant -- all times without problems. As many women will
tell you -- the first thing to do is have your doctor ok the trip.
This is the most important factor in regards to pregnancy risks. The
general philosophy of most OB's is that if you are having a
non-difficulty pregnancy, it is ok to travel. (2) I did have nausea
on the flight, on trains and in polluted cities (such as Istanbul)
and therefore carried a cloth handkerchief dotted with peppermint oil
in my pocket. I found that when I felt sick, I would take out the
scented handkerchief and smell the peppermint oil. The scent helped
to soothe the nausea. At the suggestion of a friend, I tried the
peppermint oil and amazingly it worked (there are many aroma therapy
suggestions on pregnancy out there in several books if you are
interested in other remedies.) (3) I suggest carrying snacks with you
at all times. Often when traveling your meals are not scheduled at
regular intervals. I found that always having something to eat (and
plenty of water of drink) with me really helped me get through the
times when we couldn't find someplace to eat. I would joke with my
husband that before we planned our tourist activities, we needed to
remember to feed the pregnant lady first. Eating in Europe is no
different than here, you'll find plenty of healthy choices. For me,
however finding healthy choices in Turkey was the big challenge. In
addition, finding public restrooms in Europe is a lot easier than
finding one here. (4) Be sure to rest often. We also scheduled this
in during the day. It will help to keep up your stamina and therefore
your interest in seeing one more site. (5) On the flight you should
not have any troubles with the altitude (only later in my pregnancy(
at 7mos ) was I very uncomfortable during the descent). I suggest
walking around a lot during the flight. Don't be shy, and move around
often and do stretching exercises. Having an aisle seat was also
important. One more piece of advice, Europe is a very modern place
with wonderful medical services and resources. So you'll be able to
travel in peace and enjoy yourself. Good luck and have a wonderful
time.
Another thing to consider in traveling during the first trimester is
jet-lag. We flew back to Europe, where we were living last year, after a
longish-visit back home. I didn't realize that I was pregnant, I was just
amazed at how difficult it was for me to get over jet-lag that trip; I felt
like I had to sleep half the day for the first few days. If you were to take
a trip of only one or two weeks, even without nausea, a significant portion
of your trip could be wasted sleeping.
The opinions and statements expressed on this page
are those of parents who belong to the
UC Berkeley Parents Network and
should not be taken as a position of or endorsement by the
University of California, Berkeley.