https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 15 May 2026 17:13:34 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-feel-uncomfortable-flying-while-pregnant#post-1032256 Tue, 20 Aug 2013 18:28:16 +0000 plantains 1032256@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am not a nervous flyer so in your position I would definitely go. I flew for work up to 36 weeks and it was great. I wouldn't have wanted my superiors to see me wanting unnecessary pregnancy concessions before I was even uncomfortable. It seemed best to save that for the end when it counted the most. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-feel-uncomfortable-flying-while-pregnant#post-1032255 Tue, 20 Aug 2013 18:27:58 +0000 LemonLong 1032255@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would go, I flew 8 times during my pregnancy, mostly for work. There were always a ton of preggos on the planes and at the airport too. If you are worried about medical complications, while you are there, I would print out directions to the nearest hospital, and make sure DH has a passport. Since its a work event would there be other coworkers there? Maybe make sure you have their cell phone number so you wouldn't be alone if something happened. Chances are nothing will go wrong, but knowing you are prepared in case it does might lessen your anxiety. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-feel-uncomfortable-flying-while-pregnant#post-1032244 Tue, 20 Aug 2013 18:16:25 +0000 Pink Champagne 1032244@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would go. I flew 6 hours to Hawaii and back at 28 weeks. Lots of water (you probably cramped because you were dehydrated) and get up frequently to move around. My dr told me to take a baby aspirin before takeoff to help thin my blood.<br /> As long as you've had a healthy pregnancy, I wouldn't worry about flying. Also, it's not like you're flying to a third world country- we have very good medical care here in the US, and as long as you're staying in a decent hotel, the staff should be well trained to assist in getting help should you need medical care. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-feel-uncomfortable-flying-while-pregnant#post-1032159 Tue, 20 Aug 2013 17:12:35 +0000 Ree723 1032159@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrsnoop: You should be fine if you've had an uncomplicated pregnancy so far. The chances of something happening at 23 weeks are very, very low, and if something did happen, your DH isn't far away. Does he have a passport so he could fly at a moment's notice if need be? That may be reassuring just to know he could get to you if need be.</p> <p>As for cramping, is it possible you were dehydrated? Flying obviously dehydrates you so much so if you hadn't significantly increased your water consumption, that could be to blame. Also, you didn't say how far along you were when you flew last time but if it was in the first tri, cramping is very, very normal, whether you're flying or sitting at home.</p> <p>Personally, I would go. 23 weeks is still early and in the 'golden time' of pregnancy where you're not uncomfortable and are feeling good for the most part. I will add a disclaimer though that I am an avid traveller and did not let pregnancy hold me back. With my first baby, I flew from Australia to the US, as well as three domestic trips, and a trip to Vanuatu. This time, we're heading to Bali at 21 weeks as well as a 4.5 hr domestic trip at Christmas when I'll be 36 weeks. So my advice may be a bit skewed, but don't let fear dominate and hold you back from something you want to do/need to do for your career. You will be fine. :-) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-feel-uncomfortable-flying-while-pregnant#post-1032039 Tue, 20 Aug 2013 15:53:09 +0000 wonderstruck 1032039@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@wheres_c: That's a very good point and is the first thign I thought of when you said you're from Canada, OP! If you do approach your boss I'd think it would be more about the concern of if something happened and the baby needed to be checked out, medical stuff is crazy expensive here.</p> <p>The other stuff, honestly I think it's just coming from your fear of flying, and your boss would probably think the same thing. There's really no medical reason to not fly while pregnant, particularly at 23 weeks - just drink water and wear compression socks and/or get up occasionally to walk to the bathroom or something. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-feel-uncomfortable-flying-while-pregnant#post-1031966 Tue, 20 Aug 2013 15:24:48 +0000 wheres_c 1031966@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>`@mrsnoop: If you do decide to go, make sure to check that you're covered with travel medical insurance before you go. (I'm sure your employer covers that). Make sure the insurance would cover pregnancy/pregnancy complications.<br /> Hospital visits here are thousands of dollars. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-feel-uncomfortable-flying-while-pregnant#post-1031926 Tue, 20 Aug 2013 15:09:43 +0000 Vegmama 1031926@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't like flying, but we live 2,000 miles from our family. We'll be flying back for a baby shower at 29 weeks ... I'm very nervous about it, but aside from my own fears, my midwife assures me that it's totally safe. </p> <p>I agree with the others that you should go with your gut. If you're going to be anxious the entire trip, that could have a physical impact on you and/or baby. Not trying to be negative at all, but I feel like if you're feeling like this isn't the best idea, it's a good idea to talk with your boss &amp; see if there are any alternatives. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-feel-uncomfortable-flying-while-pregnant#post-1031692 Tue, 20 Aug 2013 13:47:09 +0000 SupernovaJ 1031692@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>i would go with your gut, especially if you are already uncomfy with flying in general.</p> <p>i'm currently 7 weeks pregnant and just got back from a destination wedding last weekend. we flew coach and stayed at a resort in another country where the food and accommodations were just okay. it was only a 4-5 hour flight but i was really uncomfy and the food there was not good. i had an upset stomach a few times and felt paranoid about the cleanliness of the food.</p> <p>i travel frequently for work and have two trips coming up. i'm traveling to asia the first week of september, and again in november. i'll be gone 5-10 days for both trips. i am really dreading both, although for both i will be flying business class (will be able to lie down for the long flight - 13 hrs) and staying at five star hotels. but i'll be further along in my pregnancy and will be uncomfortable no matter what. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-feel-uncomfortable-flying-while-pregnant#post-1031651 Tue, 20 Aug 2013 13:36:13 +0000 PurplePeony 1031651@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had to travel for business a couple weeks ago (was a bit over 20 weeks going, 21 weeks coming back) and it was totally fine. But I'm not a nervous traveler and I'm used to being away from DH for fairly long stretches of time. He was away for several weeks at the beginning of the pregnancy (I think about 8-11.5 or thereabouts) and I was nervous then, as it was so early and I had some spotting. But now it doesn't seem like any big deal.</p> <p>BUT if you are uncomfortable with it, that's a different story. Will your company be out a lot of money (registration fees, airfare, etc) if you don't go? If it causes a problem at work I'd suck it up and do some advance prep like knowing where the closest hospital to your hotel is. But if it's not crucial and you REALLY don't want to go, don't push yourself. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-feel-uncomfortable-flying-while-pregnant#post-1031612 Tue, 20 Aug 2013 13:26:00 +0000 Foodnerd81 1031612@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrsnoop: from your response, I would say you would be totally fine, but if you are really uncomfortable, just go with your gut. Could you mention the cramping last time as part of your reasoning to skip it! I know at my job pregnant women travelled as a matter of course so if I wanted to opt out I'd feel the need to give a reason. But I think the bigger thing is to just go with what you are comfortable with. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-feel-uncomfortable-flying-while-pregnant#post-1031575 Tue, 20 Aug 2013 13:10:56 +0000 mrsnoop 1031575@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks for all of the encouraging responses.</p> <p>To answer a few questions<br /> - flying first class/business is not an option, aisle seat should be doable<br /> - I'm just going to the USA (Canadian here) so I'm sure that getting medical attention not be a problem at all<br /> - my husband will be unable to join me<br /> - it is not the physical aspect that I am worried about - I'm ok with peeing a lot, stretching, etc. I'm more concerned about what if something goes wrong and I'm on my own to deal with it (same reason for being concerned about staying in a hotel alone - the non-pregnant me would not mind this at all)<br /> - this trip is for a training course, and personally, I feel that I should have the choice based on what makes me comfortable, but like I said, I have not yet approached my boss.</p> <p>One other reason for my concern is that I recently took a one hour flight and had cramping the whole time. Of course it could have been unrelated, and my baby look healthy now. It just adds to my fears.</p> <p>Anyways, it sounds like, from the responses that most people find flying to be fine and I may be overly cautious, but like Wheres_C, I might just have to go with my gut and hope that others are understanding. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-feel-uncomfortable-flying-while-pregnant#post-1031530 Tue, 20 Aug 2013 12:58:05 +0000 Foodnerd81 1031530@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm not really a nervous flyer so it isn't the same thing, but I flew a handful of times while pregnant, both for work and fun, and it was fine. There are things you can do to make it more comfortable- aisle seat, stay really hydrated, get up and walk a lot, but what is it that makes you uncomfortable? Personally even though they told me the body scanners were safe, I felt more comfortable getting a pat down, so that made me feel better even though I'm sure it didn't make a difference. </p> <p>As for staying alone at the hotel, are you always nervous about that or just because you are pregnant? Are you going somewhere your Dh might want to come? The business trip I took around 26 weeks wasn't really much different to me than every other one I've done, except less wine and more dessert at dinner. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-feel-uncomfortable-flying-while-pregnant#post-1031503 Tue, 20 Aug 2013 12:51:33 +0000 Bookish 1031503@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I understand, I was really nervous to fly to my Dad's wedding in Vegas, but I was also 32 weeks! It was very uncomfortable because I was huuuuge. At 23 weeks I think I would have been just fine (but probably still nervous; I worried constantly when pregnant). I made sure to get up to walk every 30-45 mins (just to get out of the tight seat, mostly, and because I had to pee like crazy all the time), and it wasn't too bad. Try to get an aisle seat or one with more legroom! You'll be ok! :)</p> <p>ETA: I agree with above poster; if you aren't comfortable, don't go. Pregnancy is one big stressor, and if the added stress would be detrimental, it's not worth it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-feel-uncomfortable-flying-while-pregnant#post-1031498 Tue, 20 Aug 2013 12:51:21 +0000 wheres_c 1031498@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm a nervous flyer and I didn't attend my grandfathers funeral for the reasons you listed. I knew I would be in a country with good health facilities, and surrounded by family....but all of the what-if's, combined with being away from FI made me decide to cancel.</p> <p>I'm glad I made that decision, and didn't let anyone influence me into going despite feeling uncomfortable.</p> <p>Listen to your gut, whatever it is telling you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-feel-uncomfortable-flying-while-pregnant#post-1031459 Tue, 20 Aug 2013 12:38:17 +0000 T.H.O.U. 1031459@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anagram: I agree with getting an aisle seat so you can walk and stretch your legs. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-feel-uncomfortable-flying-while-pregnant#post-1031454 Tue, 20 Aug 2013 12:37:05 +0000 Lozza 1031454@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I flew from DC to Europe at 28 weeks (and back to DC at 29 weeks), and it actually wasn't as bad as I thought it might be. I would definitely lobby for your company paying for an upgrade so you have more room and are more able to get work done on the flight or at least arrive rested and not exhausted.<br /> My OBs were fine with it- they told me to wear compression socks, make sure to walk around every 2 hours, and start taking one baby aspirin a day 3 days before the flight until 3 days after the flight. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-feel-uncomfortable-flying-while-pregnant#post-1031437 Tue, 20 Aug 2013 12:31:03 +0000 looch 1031437@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree with @MamaMoose, where you are going makes all the difference. Can you see if you can fly business or first class? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-feel-uncomfortable-flying-while-pregnant#post-1031434 Tue, 20 Aug 2013 12:28:39 +0000 Anagram 1031434@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrsnoop: I flew from NY to TX for a 4 day conference when I was about 26 weeks pregnant. I actually thought it was nice and treated it as a sort of vacation--the only thing that was hard about flying was that I had to pee all the time, so I just made sure to get an aisle seat so I could pee as much as necessary and right before descent. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-feel-uncomfortable-flying-while-pregnant#post-1031428 Tue, 20 Aug 2013 12:27:24 +0000 MamaMoose 1031428@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What country will you be going to? For me I wouldn't be too concerned about the travel itself. But I would not be willing to go to a destination where I did not feel I would have acess to proper medical care. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-feel-uncomfortable-flying-while-pregnant#post-1031420 Tue, 20 Aug 2013 12:24:09 +0000 T.H.O.U. 1031420@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Do you have an option for going? If you have to go, I don't know I would mention it at work. If there is a way for you to not go, then maybe consider it. </p> <p>I did have to take a trip later on in my pregnancy but it was just a 3 hour flight and my DH ended up coming with me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-feel-uncomfortable-flying-while-pregnant#post-1031409 Tue, 20 Aug 2013 12:21:11 +0000 mrsnoop 1031409@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm already a nervous flyer, but now I am supposed to take a five hour flight (to a different country) for work and stay alone in a hotel for a week. I will be 23 weeks at the time. Of course I do know that travel should be safe during the second trimester, but I'm not sure that I'm willing to take any risk as I could never forgive myself if anything were to happen.<br /> The other issue is just being alone / away from my husband and support for a week. I may be over-dramatizing, but am I the only one who feels this way, or is it somewhat understandable. btw, I have not yet mentioned this to my boss yet. We'll see how that goes... </p>