Flying While Pregnant

Many women will be told that they should not fly while pregnant, especially near the end of the pregnancy, but my pregnancies have never stopped me.  I flew home to Colorado for my baby shower with Honeybun at 24 weeks and again to my Nana’s funeral at 28 weeks.

During my pregnancy with Sugarplum, I moved to Ireland, made a trip back to Florida, visited Paris, Belgium and London before making a final stop in Colorado on my own with Honeybun before flying back to Florida for Sugarplum’s arrival (at 37 1/2 weeks pregnant).

And while I didn’t travel nearly as much with Doodle or this pregnancy, our latest return to Dublin and stop in Massachusetts clocked 20 hours of flight time and I will admit, the going out flights at just over 29 weeks were much more tolerable than the final return flight at almost 32.

Most people think that pregnant women are not allowed to fly the last part of their pregnancy, but this is simply not true.  Every airline has their rules for carrying pregnant women, but most US carriers do not put restrictions on expecting mommies (unless you show up clearly in labor!) though European carriers are much more strict so you definitely have to check the individual airlines policy before booking anything (some carriers also required a note from your healthcare provider stating you are “fit to fly”).

And it is always a good idea to clear your travel plans with your midwife or doctor before booking.  They can advise you whether or not it is safe for you and baby to fly and/or be too far away from home and give you advice on how to stay healthy.

Generally, pregnant women are advised to do the following when flying:
-Stand up and move around frequently as blood clots are much more prevalent in pregnant women.
-Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and use the restroom frequently.
-For extra long flights, wear support pantyhose to help blood circulation in the legs.

That’s all the “practical” advice, the stuff that will keep you healthy, but what about being comfortable?  We all know, the cramped quarters of commercial aircraft are not fun anytime and a baby on board definitely does not help!  So here’s my top tips for comfort when flying while pregnant:

flying pregnant

  • Bring a hoody sweatshirt.  This was something I did for the first time on my most recent trip but it was a lifesaver!  Not only was I able to hide my belly at check in and avoid any unneccessary drama, it also kept me warm and cozy on the overnight flight, provided me with a great pillow on shorter flights and I was able to use it as lumbar support when my back was bothering me or baby got up under my ribs and I needed to stretch out and give him/her a little space.  I also wore it around my waist through the airport which saved both luggage space and helped to support my belly from underneath during the long treks through the airports.
  • Wear comfy, slip on shoes.  Most adults still have to remove their shoes while going through security at the airport and while slip-on shoes are must for me any time I travel, it’s even more important when I’m pregnant since the last thing I was to try to do while managing a ton of luggage at the security check point is also struggle to tie or buckle my shoes!
  • Bring a refillable water bottle.  You are not allowed to bring water through the security check point unless you’re traveling with a small child so I bring my refillable water bottle and fill it up as soon as we are through security then again before we board the airplane.  This prevents having to pay for expensive water in the airport or having to wait for it once you are on the plane.
  • Carry snacks.  I’m not kidding.  The time from when you get on the plane until any snacks are served can be quite a long time, especially if there is turbulence or you are on the wrong end of the aircraft (which changes with each flight!)  Plus, having your own snacks saves you money and ensures what ever you have will quench your hunger or cravings and will not upset a finicky stomach.
  • Be fidgety.  We spend our whole lives being told not to fidget and sit still.  But for me, traveling with three kids, usually wedged between a car seat and a sleeping one, getting up to move around “frequently” is not always possible.  So instead, I fidget in my seat.  I change my position frequently, roll my ankles, tap my feet, open and close my knees, stretch my legs as much as possible and just keep moving!
  • Don’t hold it.  Where as Honeybun has found a new love for using the lavatory on her own, I have always HATED airplane bathrooms and avoid them at all costs.  But I’ve also learned how hard it can be to hold it when you’re pregnant and how long it actually it is between when the seat belt sign comes on for landing and you can get to a proper airport bathroom (especially when you travel with kids!)  Plus there is the unexpected turbulence which can keep you hostage in your seat for extended periods so I’ve learned to suck it up and use the lavatory throughout the flight even if I don’t feel like I have to go.  My bladder always thanks me (a good panty liner isn’t a bad idea, either!)
  • Pack your bags sensibly.  Try to arrange things so what you need on the flight will be easily accessible under the seat in front of you, nothing is worse on an airplane then trying to contort yourself around your baby belly to get something in the bottom or back of your carry-on bag!
  • Wear stretchy clothes.  Before our recent trip I still had some “fat” jeans that I could squeeze the belly into but I knew better than to try wearing them on the plane.  Definitely go for elastic waist maternity pants or leggings and a comfy t-shirt. Being confined and uncomfortable is only made worse by restrictive and irritating clothes!