Pregnant and want to travel very close to due date | ExpatWoman.com
 

Pregnant and want to travel very close to due date

5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 06 March 2012 - 08:03
Fullymine, please listen to the wise advice you've been given by these experienced ladies. If you are afraid of giving birth in a strange country and hospital, be assured that some of the maternity hospitals and the doctors working in them here are much better than many NHS maternity wards nowadays and probably on a par with private maternity hospitals in the UK. Ask on the bumps and babes forum about people's experiences giving birth here! My advice would be not to risk the flight late in your pregnancy, and I would suggest that you spend the flight money on getting a member of your family over here, rather than vice versa, unless you can afford to take an extra two months off work to fly in your seventh month.
1601
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 March 2012 - 02:00
Suz is right- flights to Oz are a long haul and the closest you'd be to help is 3hrs- at worst, something could happen out near Cocos or Xmas island and depending on the aircraft thy may not be able to land closest airport (e.g A380 can get into Learmonth or Perth but not others which might be closer) bearing in mind too that is for a 'normal birth, nothing for complications... you could be lookig at landing into an airport that is not near to expert/ICU help and then an aeromedical flight to a bigger hospital. The equipment onboard is limited at best, a basic delivery kit and of course some training but 99% of crew would never have done it before... yes some have been nurses or you may be lucky and have a Dr on board (in my experience most are GP's or Dr's of other disciplines, not medical doctors) and *if* there were to be complications- It could be a very big problem. Not to scare you but there have been cases around the world were babies were born on planes and were fine- and others have died due to being too far from the required care/equipment/facilities. A friend of mine has delivered a baby on board and said they would never wish to do it again, very horrendous for all involved and the mother needed a lot of attention later on (think of things they do in hospital to 'ease' the birth, hard to say if they'd authorise cabin crew to do that) also some medications can only be used by a doctor on board, not even with permission from doctors on ground- e.g. forceps, so if they were needed and no doctor on board- you're out of luck.... I would think very very carefully and get as much medical advise as possible. There is a reason they say avoid travelling unless absolutely necessary this close to the end. Good advice Skykitty, I have just read OP question to my DH and said what would you advise. In the many years he flew he had his fair share of on board births and said if it was his wife he would not recommend you fly beyond your 7th month. There are many factors to consider not least of all the effects of the change in air pressure.As Skykitty says it is not always a case of we will just pull over and get to hospital ASAP,there are so many factors that come into play. All the very best with your new bundle.
1336
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 March 2012 - 00:05
Suz is right- flights to Oz are a long haul and the closest you'd be to help is 3hrs- at worst, something could happen out near Cocos or Xmas island and depending on the aircraft thy may not be able to land closest airport (e.g A380 can get into Learmonth or Perth but not others which might be closer) bearing in mind too that is for a 'normal birth, nothing for complications... you could be lookig at landing into an airport that is not near to expert/ICU help and then an aeromedical flight to a bigger hospital. The equipment onboard is limited at best, a basic delivery kit and of course some training but 99% of crew would never have done it before... yes some have been nurses or you may be lucky and have a Dr on board (in my experience most are GP's or Dr's of other disciplines, not medical doctors) and *if* there were to be complications- It could be a very big problem. Not to scare you but there have been cases around the world were babies were born on planes and were fine- and others have died due to being too far from the required care/equipment/facilities. A friend of mine has delivered a baby on board and said they would never wish to do it again, very horrendous for all involved and the mother needed a lot of attention later on (think of things they do in hospital to 'ease' the birth, hard to say if they'd authorise cabin crew to do that) also some medications can only be used by a doctor on board, not even with permission from doctors on ground- e.g. forceps, so if they were needed and no doctor on board- you're out of luck.... I would think very very carefully and get as much medical advise as possible. There is a reason they say avoid travelling unless absolutely necessary this close to the end.
164
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 March 2012 - 19:16
thats a monster flight, hope you plan on flying at least business class, will be so uncomfortable to sit for that long, I'd go maybe 5 weeks before due at the latest. I flew back from NZ at 28 weeks in business class and was really uncomfortable even though I was small for that stage. Take a pillow to prop under your belly as they sometimes don't have spare pillows and it helped a lot. Dr also got me to take blood thinner shots before each flight to limit risk of Dvt. I flew once or twice a week up to 32 weeks within the region but dr stopped me at that point due to swelling in my legs (which ramped up at 27 weeks) - she would not budge for even one more short haul trip that I needed to do for work. It will really depend on how you are going so talk to your dr so they know your plans and they can tell you if you need home sooner. <em>edited by perkynana on 05/03/2012</em>
1403
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 March 2012 - 16:13
I've got plenty of friends who had healthy pregnancies with no complications and delivered before the time you want to fly. I would not travel so late into pregnancy. Can you not go earlier? I definitely believe you're cutting it too close. There are so many good reasons below why you shouldn't fly at that late stage. Hope you seriously consider the implications. All the best :)
384
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 March 2012 - 14:15
I would also check how late your travel insurance will cover you as if you deliver in the air or are taken ill and the plane has to divert you may be billed for the full cost Just because an airline will carry you after week 28 does not mean that you are insured if anything happens - so check your policy and confirm the rules for pregnancy I remember reading some years ago about someone flying toThailand in week 32 without checking her travel policy and went into premature labour which cost over $100,000 - the policy didn't cover preganancy after week 28
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 05 March 2012 - 13:50
I wouldn't do it fullymine. Airlines have pregnancy policies for a reason, not just to inconvenience people. I flew to Paris when I was 5 months pregnant with my second. Despite being well within the date that I was allowed to fly they still asked me for a letter. I was pretty big so they wanted confirmation of dates, not just to take my word for it!
30
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 March 2012 - 13:33
If you really need to go back to NZ, I would be going well before my 36th week! NZ is such a long way and with at least two take-off and landings to get there (possibly more), there is a lot of stress on your body. I was also cabin crew and have just resigned after having my first baby. Just to add to what Appletiser has said (and agree), that on route to Australia, the aircraft is at least three hours from the closet airport (on the main part of the flight). So diversion is not a 'quick lets land'. It's the equivalent of flying from Auckland to Sydney. And you can not guarantee that there will be a dr on-board. When you do fly, drink lots of water, keep walking and wear compression tights (not just socks) to prevent DVT. I was admitted into AW at 29 weeks and was unable to fly back to NZ for my DD's birth. And I knew the risks and thought I had done enough to prevent it. On the flights I did, I drunk litres of water, was very active but it was not enough. I had a clot from above my pelvis to my ankle that came almost immediately. And DVT inflight is a medical emergency. And I, up until that point, had the 'perfect pregnancy' with no issues! It all went wrong after that!! And just to add that I'm not overweight (nor was I during my pregnancy), am young, relatively active and was not on high risk to develop DVT so it can happen. The Dr's were surprised that this is what I had and just how big it was. And the first dr I saw, didn't diagnose DVT so you can't expect cabin crew or the medical team used on the ground (inflight) to correctly diagnose it. I didn't have the 'typical' symptoms of it which it why it was missed. I don't want to scare you, but to look at things that you may not have known or thought of. I hope that you have a good flight whenever you travel and that the rest of your pregnancy goes well! This is one scary story! Flying is essentially unhealthy - best to avoid it at times when your body is vulnerable...
37
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 March 2012 - 13:18
Airplanes are very dirty. . This would scare me most! I gave birth in a hospital - very reputable one - in Australia and got a bacterial infection caused by labour... this doesn't happen very often but it can, imagine if this happens in a clean and sterilized environment what can happen if you give birth in a dirty airplane? The infection resulted in me having to stay in the hospital for a week on heavy antibiotics, and what's worse, my newborn was affected as well and had to go through numerous tests and medication before they finally got rid of his exteme high fever....lucky we both came out unharmed in the end, but I wouldn't even dream of risking to give birth in a unclean place such as a plane... Keep your own and your baby's safety a priority over a couple of weeks of 'lost maternity leave'.. <em>edited by Sanzeveria on 05/03/2012</em>
88
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 March 2012 - 13:00
If you really need to go back to NZ, I would be going well before my 36th week! NZ is such a long way and with at least two take-off and landings to get there (possibly more), there is a lot of stress on your body. I was also cabin crew and have just resigned after having my first baby. Just to add to what Appletiser has said (and agree), that on route to Australia, the aircraft is at least three hours from the closet airport (on the main part of the flight). So diversion is not a 'quick lets land'. It's the equivalent of flying from Auckland to Sydney. And you can not guarantee that there will be a dr on-board. When you do fly, drink lots of water, keep walking and wear compression tights (not just socks) to prevent DVT. I was admitted into AW at 29 weeks and was unable to fly back to NZ for my DD's birth. And I knew the risks and thought I had done enough to prevent it. On the flights I did, I drunk litres of water, was very active but it was not enough. I had a clot from above my pelvis to my ankle that came almost immediately. And DVT inflight is a medical emergency. And I, up until that point, had the 'perfect pregnancy' with no issues! It all went wrong after that!! And just to add that I'm not overweight (nor was I during my pregnancy), am young, relatively active and was not on high risk to develop DVT so it can happen. The Dr's were surprised that this is what I had and just how big it was. And the first dr I saw, didn't diagnose DVT so you can't expect cabin crew or the medical team used on the ground (inflight) to correctly diagnose it. I didn't have the 'typical' symptoms of it which it why it was missed. I don't want to scare you, but to look at things that you may not have known or thought of. I hope that you have a good flight whenever you travel and that the rest of your pregnancy goes well!
3901
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 05 March 2012 - 12:20
sadly it's not like it is in the movies....
3220
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 05 March 2012 - 12:12
Hi Fully mine, I'm thinking of doing the exact same as you. I'm due on the end of July too but wish to go back to London to deliver. British airways allow you to fly as long as your not past 36 weeks. I'm looking to fly during mid May, mine will be a 7 hour flight. The airline will expect a letter from your Dr confirming that your safe to travel, I think this letter can be no longer than a week old. You will definitely need to confirm with your Dr and call the airline to confirm verbally too. The good thing is, I think every airline has a trained midwife :) Good Luck x Every airline does not have a trained midwife. I was cabin crew. We watched a 15 minute video on how to deliver a baby and that is it. One page in the manual on how to cut a cord of the baby. Airplanes are very dirty. Dont take the risk and put the blame on the crew if it all goes wrong.
253
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 March 2012 - 12:08
Hi Fully mine, I'm thinking of doing the exact same as you. I'm due on the end of July too but wish to go back to London to deliver. British airways allow you to fly as long as your not past 36 weeks. I'm looking to fly during mid May, mine will be a 7 hour flight. The airline will expect a letter from your Dr confirming that your safe to travel, I think this letter can be no longer than a week old. You will definitely need to confirm with your Dr and call the airline to confirm verbally too. The good thing is, I think every airline has a trained midwife :) Good Luck x
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 March 2012 - 11:50
I think a great deal depends on the views of the doctor....I went to one of the Greek Islands at 29 weeks and the Doctor virtually accused me of negligence because she thought it was highly irresponsible to go to an island (away from the mainland) in case anything happened. I saw another doctor who was fairly laid back about me going on a house hunting trip to spain when I was 35 weeks. I can't say teh agents were that laid back though as they seemed to be expecting me to go into labour at any moment!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 March 2012 - 11:36
Lots of good advice from the ladies here. I will also add that I have traveled pregnant twice (both times under 30 weeks) and each time have had big issues with the check-in staff. The airlines policy is one thing, but it can sometimes be up to the discretion of the check-in agent or cabin manager as to whether or not they let you on board. One instance I was traveling at 22 weeks and they were refusing to let me on board (I had no doctor's note, but I did not need one per their policy!). It turns out that they had a woman go into labor on a long-haul flight weeks prior and it was a huge issue, so they were clamping down. I am not saying this to scare you, but it can boil down to how the crew enforces their policies. I honestly think three weeks is definitely cutting it too close. But, the best person to ask is your doctor! They have to issue the certificate, after all.
3901
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 05 March 2012 - 11:13
The second baby usually comes earlier. I would travel at 33 weeks at the latest as its stressfull for your body too. Most if not all airlines will not take a pregnant lady at 36 weeks and later. Trust me...you dont want to deliver a baby on a plane. Its not hygienic and its dangerous. my second was over 2 weeks late !! lol flew to Spain to visit in-laws when i was about 28 weeks i think (it was about as late as the airline allowed at the time)..less than 3 hours and my ankles were like balloons when we landed but don't remember any other problems..found the heat unbearable though..Personally i'd never do it again..
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 March 2012 - 11:10
As far as I know it is not allowed. I think the maximum time you can fly is 3 hours beyond 7 months, ask your DR. they might not even given you a certificate to fly that long after 7 months.... I went back to Australia to delivery my second one too, and had to fly at 7 months , I did need a dr. certificate that I was fit to fly according to Emirates, but they never asked for it. I think they won't allow you much later due to risk of getting into labour coz of the cabin pressure (someone ones told me this, don't know if it is true, but it would make sense I guess). Also, start looking for pressure stockings for good blood circulation during the flight, you're going to need those!
2782
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 March 2012 - 11:01
thats a monster flight, hope you plan on flying at least business class, will be so uncomfortable to sit for that long, I'd go maybe 5 weeks before due at the latest.
407
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 March 2012 - 11:01
OP, NZ is a far way away and its easy to say 'wasted half my maternity leave' when all went well. You were being cautious and its easy with the second baby for us to feel super confident. Been there done that. My two cents would be don't travel beyond 33-34 weeks.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 March 2012 - 10:38
depends on your will power...i travelled 35+ but it was a 2 hr flight..my doc gave me a cert saying im 33...i had to travel coz it was my second one and that too the doc had given up hopes of narmal delivery due to previous scar and low baby weigh....in ur case u should do fine if its a good pregnancy...
3220
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 05 March 2012 - 10:18
The second baby usually comes earlier. I would travel at 33 weeks at the latest as its stressfull for your body too. Most if not all airlines will not take a pregnant lady at 36 weeks and later. Trust me...you dont want to deliver a baby on a plane. Its not hygienic and its dangerous.
5499
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 05 March 2012 - 10:10
You'll need to check with the airline/s you'll be using. This is taken from the Emirates website: [i'>If you are pregnant we will carry you after your 28th week of gestation only if you produce to us a medical report or letter, signed by an appropriately qualified doctor or midwife, stating your due date, and confirming that your pregnancy is uncomplicated. The report or letter should also advise us of the latest date up to which you are expected to be fit to travel. In addition, you will require prior clearance from our medical department for travel after the 35th week of gestation for flights exceeding 4 hours and after the 36th week of gestation for any flight. [/i'>
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 March 2012 - 10:07
Hi Ladies, I am due end of July and have decided to go back home (NZ) to have our second baby. I wasted half of my maternity leave nearly 2 years ago when I had my first as I needed to travel 1.5 months earlier. I am healthy and have no complications and was wondering if it might be possible to travel 3 weeks before I am due or is that cutting it too close?
 
 

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