Flying @ 34/35 wks

Hi All,

I am a bit up in the air on what to do with this one. Today, my sis has asked if I would like to baby sit her son over a weekend in June, in Sydney. This would mean to I would be flying over to Sydney at 34wks pg and I would be return before I hit 35wks. I have read the article on the bellybelly main site and it says that flying while pg is OK and explained the guide lines of a few different airlines.

Is DVT the only thing that need to be thought about or are there other things that need to to thought about before flying??

My pregnancy has been pretty complication free, there was only one time where my blood pressure was a little too high. I do suffer from swelling/fluid retention, Ive had this since about 20wks. Is the swelling something to be concerned about, could it get worse while flying?

I am seeing my doc tomorrow for a checkup, so I will talk to him about it, jsut interested in what others think.

I'm not sure about this, but I think I read (while I was pg) that domestic flying is safer than international, something to do with the different altitude?

So is my swelling classed as odema? My doc hasnt really said anything about the swelling so it makes me think that he thinks the swelling is within the normal range for pregnancy..

I guess another factor is sitting in a place for so long! If it was only an hour flight, yeh sure that would be ok but its a decent trip and I am bound to get uncomfortable and I am only 32 wks and am going to get bigger. I may be OK now, but in 2 weeks time I could be sufferring from bad back pain and if I was to cancel on my sis, then she would be stuck?!!

Any swelling is called odema Veronica, just the technical term ;)

Veronica I would ask your doc opinion and see what they reccomend and make your decision from that. If you want to go but doc says its not safe then best to take their advice, but if you want to go and they give you the all clear i'm sure it will all be fine :)

There are probably things they can advise you do to prevent DVT if its okay to fly :)

My friend flew from Syd to Melb to have her baby (complicated story) at 38weeks, and was told it was fine to fly by our obs, she just needed a letter for the airline.

Before we moved down to Melb we decided it would be easier to fly... i was 33-34 weeks at the time and Jetstar and Virgin Blue both said no to me....and i had a complication free pregnancy, not a thing wrong.

The main thing airlines are worried about is you having your baby in the air LOL so if you get a letter from your carer late in pregnancy they are fine.

hi, i flew at 26 weeks from Gold Coast to Sydney and i was uncomfortable then, I wouldn't like to have to sit for 4-5hours from Perth at 34weeks. But then i have bad back pain so that could have been the reason.

I asked my OB about flying before i went and he said it is wise to get in writing from the airline that they will accept you as if there is an emergency (touch wood) and you go into labour and they have to divert the plane then you are up for the costs. I know there is a clause too with travel insurance in regards to covering you when your pregnant but not sure 100% what it is.

I guess at the end of the day if your comfortable doing it and your OB is happy then go for it, but if you've got doubts it might be easier to stay at home.

personally - i would like to think that my sister could find a baby sitter a wee bit closer.
I wouldnt do it. Sorry. You will need to get the ok from your obs, as well as get the ok from the airlines that they will take you.
I think that long on a plane (and you are tall as well) it is cramped enough, without having the extra pain and discomfort of having a belly. I know for me now, at 36weeks, its hard to get comfy in a sitting position, and have really felt like that for a couple of weeks. Bubs stretchs right out, feet under my ribs, and push's down. I have had days when it is to uncomfortable to sit at all, and have spent the day walking around.

It is sweet of your sister to ask - and sweet that you want to do it, but, i just dont think its very pratical.

I flew from the USA to Australia at 33 weeks pregnant. I moved around a lot, I had my legs up on DH's lap, I took my 3 yr old to the toilet lots and for walks around the plane, I did stretching exercises, kept my legs and feet moving, drank LOTS and LOTS of water. So, more toilet trips! I was fine. The only time I stayed in one place for an hour and half was when I was sleeping. It was such a long trip and with a large belly and a 3 year old too but it wasn't that bad considering! The staff were very understanding of my need to move around!

Thanks for all the comments in regards to my lil issue.

I saw my doc this morning for a check up and asked him and he straight away said No. So time to tell my sis the bad news..

Caro - I am not too fussed about not going. I was thinking about it all yesterday and all last night and on the way to the doc and I decided before even seeing the doctor that I wasnt going to go cause anything can happen in 2 weeks time and I dont want to leave my sis in the lurch if I couldnt end up going.

The doctor I am seeing is Dr Stamopoulos. He's just a normal GP that I have seen my whole life, so its been really great dealing with him during my pregnancy. I am only with him until 36wks and then off the Joondalup Hospital. I actually think many many years ago Dr Stamopoulos used to deliver babies, but not anymore..

And yes, my sis was going to pay for my flights. She had the money put aside already for his partners mum to do it and they would have needed to fly her over too. The lived in perth up until Feb this year and then moved over. If she still lived here then looking after her son wouldnt be an issue cause my mum would do it no worries, or I would even do it!