Is it safe to fly in 4.5 months into pregnancy

I have conceived after a long long wait and would not like to do anything that can have the slightest impact on my pregnancy. I have read several articles that say it is safe to fly in 2nd trimester, however i have along flight to take ...14-16 hrs....If I do go I will travel business or first class....
but honestly, just wanted you to sahre you experinces in such circumstances. Do you think it should be fine. I am holding on to booking my tickets....and beleive me will not regret a bit if I dont get to go...anything for my miracle baby to have a safe trip during this 9 months

[martikadragoon]

Yes, it is safe, HOWEVER you need to get up every hour for a couple minutes or at least flex your legs. Any flight that long can put you at risk for a DVT or blood clot in the leg. Being pregnant your at a higher risk of one.

So every hour walk up and down the aisle if you can and stretch those legs.... That's my advice!

Also, even tho it'll make you pee more, drink extra water that day and the day before and after, due to the environment on planes ppl tend to get dehydrated easier, and that can lead to increased risk of the dvt also!

(I saw that part on Dr. G medical examiner.. a man died of a DVT after a long flight and she said to stay hydrated and excercise the legs every hour!)

[G_S]

thanks for the info :) what isdvt?
i am waiting for my first US...i guess that will give me a bettr pic before I plan.

[martikadragoon]

A DVT is a Deep Vein Thrombosis or a blood clot in the veins of the legs, the most always occur in the calf muscle, and symptoms are

: Warmth and throbbing, Swelling in just the 1 leg, and pain.

You should be safe flying... Just make sure to keep hydrated as I said and excercise your legs every so often.
the reason I have ANY experience with one is my mom had a DVT years ago when I was younger. It nearly killed her and she's lucky to still be here because they caught it when they did.

[ovaz129]

My doctor says "no" as there is an ongoing study that suggests flying during pregnancy puts you at a higher risk for miscarriage at any stage.  You should always consult with your doctor before traveling anyways, so I would make a phone call and see what you physician says.  If you don't mind not going, then, personally, I wouldn't.  To me, it wouldn't be worth risking... especially if you had a hard time TTC :)  I am sure what ever you decide will be right for you.

[ovaz129]

Oh... by the way, the study suggests that the reason for this might be the jump  in altitude.  If you will be flying for 14-16 hours, the airlines fly at a higher altitude than if you were on a 1-3 hour flight.  So, talk to your doctor and explain that you will be on a flight for 14-16 hours.  This will probably play a role in your doctors recommendation.  

[martikadragoon]

Hmm.. well if your doctor says no then no it is. Of course doctors know best! lol. G.S. make sure to ask your doctor of course!

:) Thanks ovaz!

[G_S]

Thanks girls....
u r right...I will not risk it for anything...even if I have the slightest of doubt I will not go. I can always wait until the baby comes out. I really ahev waited 2.5 years for this baby.
I will check with the doc, but I have almost decided reading the info provided by you that I will not so esp since it is just a pleasure trip
Thanks again :)

[johannaviles]

I flew at 13 weeks, It was a 12 hour flight .  I took first class, wore the "long socks" and did just fine.
My Dr said it was fine and here I am now, 22 weeks pregnant!
So, go ahead and ask your Dr.  Hope everything goes well, take care!

[krissyy]

my doctor said it was fine to fly up to last trimester assuming you haven't had any complications.  i flew when i was 24 weeks.