air travel

I have a question on air travel during the first trimester.  I am currently on my tww (but feel very optimistic for a +).  I need to decide whether to book some flights over the next few days for travel in April/May.  If I do get my BFP I would be travelling to California (from east coast) for three weeks for a course (weeks 7 to 10)  THEN my mil just this weekend asked if we would go with her to the old country (Bulgaria) for two (weeks 13 to 15).  I am concerned as this is a pregnancy that is 4 years in the making and I don't want to do anything that would jeprodize it. None of our family members know that we are ttc but will know as soon as we know for sure.  Any comments or opinions on this would be appreciated as I don't know if that kind of travel during the first trimester is too risky.

[PamelaBee]

Air travel is perfectly fine throughout pregnancy, except later into your pregnancy closer to your due date, or if your doctor recommends otherwise.  If you do get a BFP, and are pregnant over the course of your travel plans, anything can happen at anytime, but don't think the worse.  I'm sure you will be in good hands whether you're in the air traveling or once you get to the west coast and Bulgaria.  Go!! plan!!  Make your arrangements and enjoy your trip!!!  I hope you get your BFP!!!

[PamelaBee]

If you do get a BFP,  try to make an appt and be seen by your OB prior to travelling!

[Leatha]

Thanks so much.  I am getting excited about travelling just from reading your post.

[YvetteY]

For what it's worth some things to think about if your flying during your pregnancy are if you have a history of blood clots and/or anemia you should discuss travel plans with your doctor.  Stay hydrated on the plane.  You said you were flying during your first and second trimester and traveling on an airplan doesn't pose any more major risk as when you're not pregnant.  For future references once you get into the third trimester, you should check with the airline as some will limit your flying time to under four hours or won't even let you on the plane after a certain week.    Travel safe!

By the way...maybe play it by ear too to see if you get morning sickness...if you get a bad case of this, it could be an issue if you're on a plane...as far as your comfort is concerned!!  :)

[Leatha]

Thanks Yvette no blood clots or anemia so I'm okay there.  I don't want to travel at all in the third trimester that's why I wanted to do this course during weeks 7 -10 versus  weeks 22 -25....I don't plan on going anywhere then!!! Good point about the water, we always buy an extra water or two once we get passed security.  Let's hope that morning sickness decides to bypass me....here's hoping.  

[adgal]

Travelling during first trimester is just fine.  It is pretty rare a Dr. would suggest you not.  Even stewardess' work up to mid 2nd trimester.  If at all worried, definately consult your OB, but I would bet there is no problem at all.  I sure hope this is your month...good luck and please keep us posted!!!!!!!!!

[tivey]

Just to let you know what my doctor said to me. He said its not so much the flying it's what you do if something goes wrong - do you have access to medical facilities and will it stress you out more that your not at home with all the familar things.  He said the best time to travel was between 17-25 weeks as its the safest. I thought about what he said and decided not to go to an island only a couple of hours flight from where I am for easter weekend (week 11) because if something did happen I would have no real access to proper care.
He did give us his blessing to fly from Singapore where I live to London when I am in week 19 but I am ok with that because London is my home and some of the best medical facilities in the world. I am a bit more relaxed now so kinda of wishing i was going on that nice easter break!
All depends on how you feel I guess too...........good luck hope you get a positive!!

[Leatha]

Thanks everyone for your feedback.  I spoke with my nurses earlier before my transfer and they said the Dr. didn't really feel flying was an issue.  My concern as  tivey mentioned is the care I would recieve during my trip if I needed any...California I would have no problem with Bulgaria is a whole other kettle of fish....they smoke like chimney's there and I have no idea what kind of medical care I would get if I needed some.  So I am planning on doing at least the 3 week trip to California and then see how timing is on the Bulgaria trip.  If I feel up to it we will go.  My gut feel about travelling is to do it earlier rather than later because I did have two embryos transferred and what IF BOTH stick!!!!  By 17-25 weeks pregnant with twins I'm not going anywhere!!!!!

Thanks and yes Amanda I will defintely let you know if this month is my month!  Thanks everyone for your wonderful feedback as always.

[YvetteY]

For what it's worth...I hit my 17th week with a singleton and I have party to go to in Tucson (about a 2 hr drive from my house) and I am not feeling up to even doing that.   But I'm old so maybe that's why!   :)

[YvetteY]

by the way how far are you into your two week wait?