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Flying first trimester risks

Hi everyone,

I am in my first trimester and before I knew I was pregnant I had a transatlantic trip planned for 3 weeks to visit family and friends. With layovers the trip will last about 17 hrs. My doctor said it's fine to fly as it poses no danger for the baby. But of course, as I'm new to this pregnancy thing I'm freaking out about everything.

I'll be 7 weeks on my flight to Europe and 10 weeks on my flight back. I had a miscarriage earlier in the year at early stages (<6 weeks). Currently this pregnancy looks ok but my miscarriage is always in the back of my mind. I'm now freaking out about colds as last time I flew to Europe I got the worst cold in a long time and ended up on antibiotics and a week of bed rest while away. Now I'm almost convinced if I get on that plane I'll end up with a bad cold and I will end up harming my baby. I know how paranoid that sounds but I can't help it and I'm considering cancelling my trip.

My question is has any of you ladies been in a long flight in your first trimester and had no issues or had a really bad cold and ended up fine (or both). I would love to hear some of your stories. It may help me make a more rational decision rather than give into my fears.

Thanks!
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Avatar universal
I don't think flying in the first trimester is really good anyways . The second trimester is when it's best to travel
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Avatar universal
My only problem flying at 8 weeks was running to the bathroom to puke and having it be occupied!
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Avatar universal
Best of luck to you and your baby! I'll have you in my thoughts and prayers.
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Avatar universal
Thank you for sharing your stories and opinions ladies. I had the whole weekend to think about this and weight in the pros and cons of this trip. I even talked to my mon who I was going to see on my trip. I ended up cancelling my trip. If I didn't had that miscarriage earlier this year (after doing everything by the book) I would have probably went on with the vacation plans. But I realized if something was to happen with the baby, even tough it may not have been trip related,  I would always have the "what if I stayed home?" question in my mind and I would felt some guilt for going.

While I understand flying is safe and there's precautions to take during flight to reduce the risk of getting a cold or flu, you never fully recover after a miscarriage and there's always this fear in the back of your mind that you just can't shake off. So this time I decided to be safe rather than sorry. I can always visit my family after the baby is born.

So thank you again for your opinions, they helped me make a more rational decision.  
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4268628 tn?1375041176
I had walking pneumonia about 2 months ago. I was on antibiotics and other meds. I'm 14 weeks now and all ok. I learned that if I turn the air on over the seat, I get sick every time I fly. Ever since, I haven't if I don't turn it on. I get hot and a bit uncomfortable,  but it saves me from getting sick. Enjoy your trip!
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Avatar universal
I had a miscarriage in March after a trip to D.C. from Texas. With this pregnancy I'm not risking it and my doctor does not recommend flying in the first trimester. All doctors have different opinions but the choice is yours. I know many people that have flown without an issue.
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Avatar universal
I can completely understand your concern as I caught terrible flu during the first trimester when I had my 1st and 2nd baby. The doctor said it is easy to get sick until the pregnancy is stable. Flying alone won't make you sick, but make sure that you are well protected. Stay warm, get lots of rest, eat well, wear a mask if needed, always clean your hands.
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Avatar universal
Honestly, if you are this concerned about it, ask yourself what is more important, the trip, or the baby? That is how I would approach it, I have had 3 miscarriages, and have been trying for another baby for 9 years, when finally my prayers were answered. I made a lot of sacrifice and choices based on what I was worried about and taking the chance. For me, my child was more important then all the other stuff I could do after he is here. Go with your gut. Trust you, and make a decision that is right for you and baby. My way might not be what is right for you, and our opinions and choices might not be what is best for you, only you know you and what you can handle.
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Avatar universal
worrying will only make it all worse! Just try get on with life as you would normally. I'd take some menthol with you like vics on a tissue so that if you feel it coming on you can breathe into the tissue n feel refreshed n clean air. Pray you don't get sat next to a snot rag haha! Flying is fine for pregnancy until a lot later like 30 weeks plus! Enjoy your trip happy hormones will be much better for baby than worry! Xx
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