When Is the Last Date I Can Fly?

I haven't been pregnant for a few years, but when I was pregnant, most airlines wouldn't allow international travel after 7 months. Good luck.

I flew at about 36 weeks (Ontario to Seattle and back) and everything was just fine. I asked the Airlines (Alaska)and they said they can't refuse a pregnant woman from flying as that is considered discrimination.

I flew round trip from Guam to the east coast via Japan (about 30 hours each way) returning at the beginning of my seventh month. I had middle seats most of the way with non-English speaking male strangers on the aisle. Needless to say, it CAN be done but I wouldn't want to go any further than that in the pregnancy, and would definitely recommend getting wherever you're going as soon as you can. Also make sure you get up to walk frequently (even if you're not motivated by the need to pee!) ;-) This is much easier if you spring for an aisle or upgraded seat - defintely worth the money.
One other thing to keep in mind that I learned in Guam, barometric pressure changes associated with Guam's typhoons have been anecdotally credited with triggering labor in women a month or less away from their due date. Wouldn't want to test the correlation of pressure changes in the airplane to labor halfway over the "pond."
Good luck with your travels and your delivery!

Hi T.,
When I was pregnant I had to fly A LOT. My OB told me to stop flying at 32 to 34 weeks, and I did. I guess different OB's will tell you that you can fly up to about 36 weeks, but I think that's cutting it kind of close especially on longer flights.
Just remember to get up and walk around when you can so you don't get adema in your legs, drink lots of water to stay hydrated, and watch out for hemorroids(sp?). Oh, and don't forget to pack some snacks.
Good Luck! S.

I also live overseas (Germany), but opted to have my son there. In my opinion, the prenatal care and in-hospital care was better than I would have received in the States. But if you're in a non-Western country, I can understand wanting to come back to the States for the birth. While I didn't fly during my pregnancy (sometimes I had to fly because of my job), my (German) doctor said 32-34 weeks would be the last weeks that I should fly. If you end up flying to the States, get an aisle seat because you'll need to use the toilet a lot due to pressure on your bladder from the baby. Your seat neighbors will appreciate you not having to step over them every hour.

Hi,
1st check w/the airline & your doctor. Also since you said you are flying a lot make sure you are drinking lots of water and walking around a lot. I got a blood clot w/my 1st pregnancy and it was partially due to the cross country flight I took. Being pregnant can cause clots especially when you are flying. Take care.

T.,
I asked my OB the same question and he said 36 weeks, but ask your airline, they may have their own restrictions. I think the fear for Doc's and airlines is that you might go into labor while in the air with no medical help.

I flew at 34 weeks - everything was fine and I think I could have handled it even later. I think the airlines will only care if you look like you're about to drop the baby! Mostly though, it depends on how your pregnancy is going and it's up to you and your doctor if you should or shouldn't fly for medical reasons.

HOw long would your flight have to be? My doctor ok'd a flight for me when I was in my 7th month. Some airlines do not allow pregnant women to fly in their third trimester, so you have to double check that also.

The medical field used to agree on 34 wk and airlines stated the same restrictions. Now some say 37 wk as the absolute last flying time for a healthy pregnancy. Each airline has its own restrictions. On a long flight, 34 would be much safer. Also, remember to ask your doctor because each woman's pregnancy is unique. Drink plenty of fluids and get up to walk every 1-2 hours to prevent blood clots.

Yes, check with the airline, and your doctor. Only your doctor would know your health condition and your pregnancy status.
take care,
~Susan
www.cafepress.com/littlegoogoo

Hi,

I was going to deliver in LA after living in NYC, but my insurance kept me in NYC.

US Airlines will let you fly within a week of your due date with a note from your Dr. Without one, you can fly four weeks before your due date.

I flew at one week, two weeks, 20 weeks, 22 weeks, 28 weeks, and 33 weeks without any problems. But many people get uncomfortable.

Here is what you should do.

1. Find a Dr. in the US. Many Drs won't take you as a new patient just to deliver.

2. Check out what the airlines say. Many international airlines won't let you fly as late as US ones.

3. Get support hose to wear when flying.

4. Go with the flow. You never know what is going to happen.

Good luck.

W.

I heard it was the middle trimester that was best to fly. I flew from LA to Berlin about 2 months pregnant because I didn't know I was pregnant, but nothing bad happened. I guess everyone is a little overcautious with pregnant women. I wouldn't worry about it too much, but the altitude and the swollen feet will probably get uncomfortable. Good Luck! And by the way, any country that you happen to deliver in will give yoyur child double citizenship, whatever yours is-American I assume, and then wherever they are born.

My Swedish friend, Monica, flew to Sweden 2 weeks prior to her due date to deliver in Sweden.

I flew in that 34-36 week window. A straight flight from Georgia to Hawaii, gave birth six weeks later. While I no medical complications that would have made flying a problem, the flight was extremely uncomfortable for me. On top of all the regular pregnancy "joys", you spend several hours in a cramped space, with several strangers, poor ventilation, and all the other air traveling blues. Aside from sitting in the aisle, make sure you are dressed extremely comfortably. It really helped me to be traveling with my husband. He was able to help me get up and move around, make sure I was comfortable (well as comfortable as I could possible get anyway). I had a lot of cramping and backpain, so I took a lot of tylenol and motrin w/ me. You may also want to consider paying that little extra for more space. Good luck

My doctor said I could not fly past 34 weeks.

I travel frequently for my job and was told 36 weeks is when I need to put a halt to it. I think my last cross-country trip was at 34 weeks, and I was fine except reaching under the seat for my laptop was difficult! Be sure to drink lots of water and stretch your calves and legs as much as possible, especially if you have the swelling problems I did.

many airlines have policies regarding this. if you intend to be travelling during your last trimester, you will want to check the individul airlines' policies. some require a doctor's note saying that you are ok to fly if it is the last month (because they dont want you going into labor in the air) or some if it is the last three months. and for some, it depends on the distance you are flying. if you are concerned about you or your baby's welfare, check with your doc. Good Luck!

Hi
Check different airlines. It varies a little from airline to airline. I flew over seas about 2 months before my daughter was born and I really waited until last minute...

Presumably you will on the airplane for a long time, so you should factor that in before you make your decision. You will be far more uncomfortable near the end of your pregnancy than you are now. It's good that you're flying a lot now because it will help you determine your tolerance level. I would say closer to 30 weeks would give you a little "comfort cushion" before you get into the tail end of your pregnancy. Sitting for such a long time can be very h*** o* a very pregnant bod, and the pressurized air sure isn't going to make it any easier. :)

T.

the best way is to check with the airway company that you are going to take.
take care
A.

it varies from person to person. ask your dr. i will be flying when i am 30 wks pregnant. just see what your dr says.

Everybody is different thus every pregnancy different. You should check with your OB. I used to work in the Intensive Care Nursery and have seen many babies born early from a mother who was on vacation and who doesn't even live any where near the hospital she delivered in. This puts quite a strain on the family as daddy will have to find a place to live and will, most likely, not be able to commute work while the baby is in the hospital.

Typically 36 weeks is the last that an airline will let you on, but do you really want to stray too far from your doctor/hospital/delivery center? I know I was terrified to even drive too far once i got into the 8th month.

Check with the specific airline you plan to fly with, as they are all different with their requirements. A general rule is 36 weeks with a note from your doctor stating how far long you are and that he feels it is safe for you to fly.

I would also say to get an aisle seat since you may need to get up a few times to use the restroom.

http://www.pregnancy-info.net/wellbeing_flying.html