Flying at 30 weeks?

Thnkx for ur information i jst wana ask a question abt any good dr in abu dhabi who guides me good for travelling as i m planning to travel in 32 weeks

Not relevant to the first poster, but just in case anyone is browsing re flying whilst pregnant. I flew with Etihad before I was far enough on to need a medical report, but at check in they asked me for a letter to prove that I was only so far on!! They did allow me to fly, but I learnt that if you look obviously pregnant, then a Dr.'s letter may be required.

Ginabeana - PLEASE DO NOT FLY! I asked the same question when i was pregnant with my LO, for a flight back to the UK. I visited the doctor the day before, had a scan, urine test blood pressure etc all perfect and was cleared to fly at 30 weeks exactly. Flew with Emirates, with my letter from my doctor, they took good care of me and gave me a bulkhead seat with extra leg room. Was fairly uncomfrotable despite having a small ish bump. The next day my son arrived, in a huge hurry and so no time for steroids or anything, by csection due to distress. We spend 6 gruelling weeks in special care, and the whole thing was a nightmare. The docs in the UK were sure it was the flight which started it off - sitting on one position for an extended period of time means the baby is cramped and can cause it to drop further into the pelvis than normal. I was having contractions so mild that I didnt even notice them, it was only when they suddenly came on super strong that i reaslised something was very wrong. In the UK they dont tend to clear you to fly anywhere after 28 weeks, it is only in dubai that they seem a bit more slack about it. Please please dont go, or if you go now please be aware of the risk. Thankfully i had gone to visit my mum, so i had family support, but hubby obviously missed it all. If it is not an essential trip, then it really isnt worth it. I dont want to scare you, but I so wish someone had told me there was a risk... Romeo xxx

Hi Ginabeana - Here is Emirates policy... print out the policy as well as the certificate, As is states "Please note that for your safety, [i'>if you choose not to carry a medical certificate[/i'>, Emirates reserves the right, under certain circumstances, to refuse boarding." It does NOT state that they may refuse boarding under any other circumstances regarding your pregnancy! :) ... ...however, they can. Any airline has the right to refuse boarding of any passenger if they deem the passenger to be unfit on the day. I only know of this one case personally but often when these threads come up lots of posters know someone who's been turned away. For what it's worth, my friend was not travelling with Emirates but I'd have to confirm with her which airline it was. I'm not repeating the story to upset anyone, just to warn that it can and does happen. Yes it does happen, Greenish is correct! Been there myself as the airline worker and we DID refuse boarding to a pregnant woman once. This is an industry where the saying "the customer is always right" is not applicable. <em>edited by shellly on 22/01/2011</em>

...however, they can. Any airline has the right to refuse boarding of any passenger if they deem the passenger to be unfit on the day. Yup, you're right... it's just the same as when they refuse to let a very drunk person board, or occasionally someone who's very ill, or indeed disabled if they don't have the appropriate facilities (or too many other disabled people on board). The safety of the plane and all passengers aboard is paramount, and they will have the final say. I was quizzed and asked to present my certificate at the boarding gate when I was 27 weeks (so strictly speaking didn't need it) and was traveling with DD (then 18 months old) so no sob stories will help! <em>edited by Hello.Kitty on 22/01/2011</em>

I think you will need a new letter from a doctor in Germany for your way back! That's what they told me, that they can't take an 'old' letter, but they haven't asked for it in the end..

To be honest, I can see why airlines reserve that right. I met a lady who was flying to the US to give birth to her DS at 36 weeks...but she got a fake certificate from her doc saying she was only 32 weeks...all this just so that her baby has an American passport. She left her 3 year old DD with her folks in Lebanon, because she'd done the same with DD and was scared that the authorities might know her intentions. The fact that people are going to great lengths for their kids to get the citizenship of another country is a debate in itself. But I just think that sometimes people don't understand how dangerous it can be should they go into labour in flight. Also,on a different note, a friend was filling out her Greencard form and in the nationality section, she noticed "In Flight" between Iceland and India in the dropdown as an option...lol!

Hi Ginabeana - Here is Emirates policy... print out the policy as well as the certificate, As is states "Please note that for your safety, [i'>if you choose not to carry a medical certificate[/i'>, Emirates reserves the right, under certain circumstances, to refuse boarding." It does NOT state that they may refuse boarding under any other circumstances regarding your pregnancy! :) ... ...however, they can. Any airline has the right to refuse boarding of any passenger if they deem the passenger to be unfit on the day. I only know of this one case personally but often when these threads come up lots of posters know someone who's been turned away. For what it's worth, my friend was not travelling with Emirates but I'd have to confirm with her which airline it was. I'm not repeating the story to upset anyone, just to warn that it can and does happen.

Hi ladies, I may need to travel to Germany in two weeks (I will be almost 30 weeks on the return back to Dubai) what do you think about flying in the third trimester? thanks :) One more thing about Etihad policy that the certificate should be dated within 7 days of the travel date. If return journey falls after this date a separate certificate for the return journey will be required.

Hi Ginabeana - Here is Emirates policy... print out the policy as well as the certificate, As is states "Please note that for your safety, [i'>if you choose not to carry a medical certificate[/i'>, Emirates reserves the right, under certain circumstances, to refuse boarding." It does NOT state that they may refuse boarding under any other circumstances regarding your pregnancy! :) Travelling while pregnant If you are pregnant and plan to travel once you have entered your 29th week of pregnancy, a medical certificate or letter signed by an appropriately qualified doctor or midwife is required, stating: * the confirmation of a singleton or multiple pregnancy * the pregnancy is progressing without complications * the estimated date of delivery * that you are in good health * that there is no reason known to them that would prevent you from flying Please note that for your safety, if you choose not to carry a medical certificate, Emirates reserves the right, under certain circumstances, to refuse boarding. If yours is a multiple pregnancy, no air travel is permitted after the 32nd week of gestation. For single pregnancies, travel after the 36th week of gestation will be permitted only after prior clearance is granted by the Emirates medical department. A medical information form (MEDIF) will need to be submitted for clearance purposes. Thought should be given to whether the medical facilities at your destination country are adequate to cope with any problems which may arise. Sufficient travel insurance is strongly recommended in case of preterm labour abroad. It is wise to avoid travelling to remote locations whilst pregnant. Heavy lifting during pregnancy should be avoided, so take care with your baggage. As with normal travellers, if you require medications during your pregnancy, ensure that you have an adequate supply for the journey. Please remember that certain medications, such as certain types of anti-malarial medications and vaccinations, cannot be used in pregnancy. If the destination country requires such prophylactic measures, it is better to postpone the journey until after your delivery. <em>edited by AMS on 20/01/2011</em>

I fly back to UK to give birth at 35 weeks with Emirates. You obviously need letter. I found it quite amusing that they don't ask for the letter at check in but once you have boarded the flight! This is the thing...it seems to depend on the crew on the day. Once I was travelling at about 28weeks and was asked for the letter 2 hours after we took off! One friend of mine had checked airline policy, had her letter in hand and was refused boarding at the gate (which the airlines have the right to do, even if you have a letter). I guess anyone trying to travel while pregnant has to be prepared for all eventualities.

I flew back to UK to give birth at 35 weeks with Emirates. You obviously need letter. I found it quite amusing that they don't ask for the letter at check in but once you have boarded the flight! <em>edited by Babyrat on 20/01/2011</em>

I have to fly in May when i'm 36 weeks to the UK for one week. I checked etihad airways for their policy and it says on the website that pregnant women after 36 weeks are not allowed on the plane, plus, any time after 28 weeks the certificate should state that it's an uncomplicated, single pregnancy, and that the mother has no systemic disease. Edited to ask, anyone has an idea where to buy compression socks in AD? Thanks <em>edited by Leen on 19/01/2011</em>

Yip def get the fit to fly and also if you are travelling alone a letter fom hubby to say you can fly. I know sounds ridiculous but when I flew at 34 weeks hubby had to sign something before we got on the plane saying he was happy for me to fly :\:

I was certified 'fit to fly' at 33 weeks ( though i didnt eventually go). However even if you have the letter you need to check the airline policy.Yes I second the recommendation on international medical insurance covering maternity emergencies.

Hi, I flew several times, and all was ok - I had a check up with Obs before I flew and she issued a 'Fit to Fly' certificate. Good luck!

You'll probably need a letter from your Dr saying that you're ok to fly. Best to check with the airline on their policy...some are even hesitant to let you fly with a Dr letter past a certain date. If you're feeling well and *need* to go, I can't see a problem (assuming you're ok with healthcare, insurance etc should you need medical care while you're away).