Greetings and question re Travel

[suzyq]

Hello All!

Former sep 15 Mum grouper on TB, which has kind of become boring and redundant now so I've made the move over here I'm 7 weeks and 3 days today

Have a question I guess more for STMs:

Hubby and I are planning a trip to the U.S. in early Feb (we live in Asia) we plan to see his family and break the news in person. pending the go signal to travel from my OB today, we're preparing for what will be a long haul flight.

Has anyone here done long flights in the first tri? What was your experience, and what challenges did you encounter if any?

I really hope our doctor says its ok to travel-I'm on my way to my U/S as I type this! would be so wonderful to tell DH's parents face to face instead of on the phone

Thanks in advance for any replies/advice cheers!

[xcrissx]

I think you'll be fine in first tri. Take hourly walks up and down the aisle to prevent blood clots (although honestly I think those aren't really a big concern until later months). If you have MS that will suck. Take some baggies and buy lots of snacks.

Have fun at your ultrasound!

[bazingaa]

Bring lots of little snacks and plenty of water to stay hydrated. This early I wouldn't imagine you would have any other issues.

[kcrkcs]

Welcome

[suzyq]

Lol right now the MS is pretty heinous! I'm desperately hoping it will have somewhat subsided by then!

Thanks for the welcome and well wishes! So excited for U/S-hope to hear heartbeat!

[euphony]

Welcome. No advice, but safe travels!

[ProfEDD]

Welcome! My cousin just flew to Europe in her first tri, she said it was fine but that sitting near the bathroom was key.

[andtheheartbreakers]

Stay hydrated and lots of little snacks so you don't get hungry. There should be no reason you can't fly during your first tri!

[suzyq]

andtheheartbreakers based on my research I'm thinking it should not be a problem! (fingers crossed anyway)

ProfEDD Absolutely- even not pregnant I always ask for an aisle seat. I pee a LOT normally lol!

I suppose the next thing to deal with would then be... jet lag- UGH.

[eliza040502]

I just flew from the east coast of the U.S. to Europe. Not quite as long, but still long. I'm very early in the first trimester, and don't have too many symptoms, so it wasn't bad. I did bring granola bars with me and bought a huge bottle of water (the airline was way too stingy on water). Both helped. Good luck!

[London]

Welcome! Hope you have a safe and comfortable trip.

[suzyq]

Thanks for all the replies!

Update: doctor had given us the go for the trip-hooray!

AND saw our little "pea pod" today with heartbeat of 147 Bpm! so surreal to see the little thing beating!

[estrellas]

I've done long-haul flights while pregnant, and will again - we also live in Asia (Indian subcontinent) and are back in Canada on home leave, where I got my BFP, so once we're done with things here, we fly home to India. I did intercontinental travel when I was 5-6mos last time, too.

You'll be fine in 1st tri (and 2nd) for travel. You can get compression stockings if you want to, but I would suggest the following:

1. Book an aisle seat for sure. Somewhere near-ish the bathrooms, but not directly proximal to them (row before/behind).
2. Depending on what symptoms you have, you may want to flag yourself as pregnant in the flight booking: this will alert the cabin crew that there's someone on board who may require special attention, and prepares them. That said - you'll still be in 1st tri and may not want to announce it that way, even to people who will never see you again.
3. If you do flag yourself as pregnant, have a doctor's note with your EDD just to cover your butt. You shouldn't be asked for it (I was never asked when I was traveling in 2nd tri), but it may be useful, especially if you do need to have medical care in your travel destination for some reason.
4. BRING ALL OF THE WATER. Pack a refillable water bottle, and then fill it up when you're through security. Also remember your prenatal vitamins or any medication/supplements you may need. Keep that water bottle full, because you'll get even more dehydrated flying while pregnant than you would normally.

[Deleted]

I took a 6.5 hour flight Tuesday and have another today. I travel a TON for work and have about 10 trips planned in the first tri. My advice is similar to everyone else, drink water, walk around, sit on the aisle. If you can swing it I would get business class. I fly business for work and it makes everything a lot easier and more comfortable. And aisle seats make it easier to get to the restroom, all that water will make you have to go about 20x a flight! Lol. Good luck! Have a great trip!