Flying when pregnant

**Pregnor** · 07-08-2008 18:24

Hey everyone. I'm flying to melbourne for a holiday in a few weeks will be 24/25 weeks for the flights.

I was just wondering if I am supposed to tell the airline before we fly? We are going with Tiger, and all the info I can find is conflicting. I dont really look pregnant, i could probably just wear a baggy jumper and noone would notice

Also, anyone have any travel tips for pregnant ladies?

**Jesska08** · 07-08-2008 19:28

i think they just dont like you flying within 2 weeks of your due date, incase of u going into labour?

thats what they told me last year

**leajones22** · 07-08-2008 20:14

They cant really deny you a seat but to be on the safe side, see your doc or middie and get a letter saying that you are safe to travel. It can't hurt in case they question you.

I have just come back from Fiji and my doc gave me a letter and i was never asked for it but better to be safe than sorry. If they do ask it is usually to make sure that they are covered legally in case anything goes wrong.

**Amused** · 07-08-2008 20:22

I was told that they need a drs letter after 36 weeks, you should be fine though. Have a great time!

**dormouse** · 08-08-2008 00:31

I flew to Sydney when I was 23 weeks pregnant & never told the airline. I was also huge by then so there was no mistaking that there was a bub in there.

The only thing to note is if you were planning on getting travel insurance as we did. We were told that they won't insure you after 24 weeks. I don't know if that is just HBF's policy, or if other insurers will let you pay a higher premium...

**cindye** · 08-08-2008 09:50

Hi,

I flew with Qantas when 37+ weeks pregnant and I had a letter from my OB saying I was ft to fly, but wasn't even asked for it, or given a second glance.

The Qantas website said that you only needed a letter if you were past 36 weeks AND carrying twins OR had pregnancy complications. I emailed them to check I was fine to fly and they said it was "a good idea" to have a letter, basically to prove I didn't have any complications.

I don't think at your stage there would be any need for documentation, or even inform them.

Definitely request an aisle seat though, and have a little walk every so often to keep the blood flowing!

HTH

**moonke** · 08-08-2008 10:17

if it's a short flight (less than 3 hours) then you'll be fine.

you only need a referral after 36 weeks.

Longer trips like o/s may be different. Best check with your midwife/doc.

**Yamachan** · 08-08-2008 12:45

I recently flew at 23/24 weeks and I was ok on the short flight from Melb to Sydney. But the flight from Sydney to Fiji was a bit hairy - I was wearing compression stockings and my ankles still swelled up.

Depending on the length of the flight grab yourself some "sexy" compression stockings and my OB also recommended drinking lots of water.