Anybody flown 34 weeks pregnant?
#1
Ping-ponging Pom
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Anybody flown 34 weeks pregnant?
Due to a family issue back in the UK we have to fly back as soon as possible.
My wife will be 34 weeks pregnant and we're both obviously concerned about the flight and the possibilities of what could happen.
Has anyone done the same flight at that late a stage of pregnancy and how did it go?
Any advice gratefully received.
My wife will be 34 weeks pregnant and we're both obviously concerned about the flight and the possibilities of what could happen.
Has anyone done the same flight at that late a stage of pregnancy and how did it go?
Any advice gratefully received.
#2
Victorian Evangelist
Joined: Sep 2005
Location: Melbourne, by the beach, living the dream.
Posts: 7,704
Re: Anybody flown 34 weeks pregnant?
I suspect no airline will carry you at that stage of pregnancy. You will need to check with the airline and you may need a doctor's referral.
I think most airlines won't carry you past about 28 weeks.
Hope you get it sorted.
Buzzy
I think most airlines won't carry you past about 28 weeks.
Hope you get it sorted.
Buzzy
#3
Ping-ponging Pom
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Re: Anybody flown 34 weeks pregnant?
Looked into that already, Emirates will take pregnant ladies up until 36 weeks, and as long as you have a letter from a doctor saying you are fit to fly and a due date it's not an issue.
#4
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#5
Re: Anybody flown 34 weeks pregnant?
I personally would no way fly such a long distance at such a late stage in pregnancy. You are taking a risk.
#6
Home and Happy
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Re: Anybody flown 34 weeks pregnant?
Due to a family issue back in the UK we have to fly back as soon as possible.
My wife will be 34 weeks pregnant and we're both obviously concerned about the flight and the possibilities of what could happen.
Has anyone done the same flight at that late a stage of pregnancy and how did it go?
Any advice gratefully received.
My wife will be 34 weeks pregnant and we're both obviously concerned about the flight and the possibilities of what could happen.
Has anyone done the same flight at that late a stage of pregnancy and how did it go?
Any advice gratefully received.
#7
Re: Anybody flown 34 weeks pregnant?
Hi
As a midwife I would not personally advise a woman to fly at 34 weeks gestation, however if you can get your medical doctor to sign an up to date statement then it looks like Emirates will fly you.
What you need to bear in mind is once you are back in the UK, she will have to stay there for remainder of her pregnancy as you're unlikely to get another airline to fly as the due date gets nearer. This then has implications for visas etc as Pollyanna pointed out, and also deciding when to fly back with your new baby etc.
Make sure she has all of medical notes with her, exercise on the plane to reduce the risk of DVT is particularly important in pregnancy as there is an increased risk already. Lots of fluids also important.
Good luck
Sam
As a midwife I would not personally advise a woman to fly at 34 weeks gestation, however if you can get your medical doctor to sign an up to date statement then it looks like Emirates will fly you.
What you need to bear in mind is once you are back in the UK, she will have to stay there for remainder of her pregnancy as you're unlikely to get another airline to fly as the due date gets nearer. This then has implications for visas etc as Pollyanna pointed out, and also deciding when to fly back with your new baby etc.
Make sure she has all of medical notes with her, exercise on the plane to reduce the risk of DVT is particularly important in pregnancy as there is an increased risk already. Lots of fluids also important.
Good luck
Sam
#8
Ping-ponging Pom
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Re: Anybody flown 34 weeks pregnant?
Leaving aside the question of whether your wife should be flying at 34 weeks....I'm assuming that you will want to return to Australia, and that there is a reasonable chance of the baby being born in the UK. Might be a bit more complicated than you thought as you will then need to get the baby a visa.
Seen our doctor and have an antenatal appointment on Tuesday. Been made very aware of the risks and what could happen. We're torn between going due to the personal situation and staying and leaving anyway as planned.
#9
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Re: Anybody flown 34 weeks pregnant?
I flew at 32 wks pregnant from the UK to Australia with a toddler in tow. I was fine. Had a letter from my doctor which noone asked to see even though I was a beached whale in size and obviously heavily pregnant.
I was no more uncomfortable than any other flight. Baby born at 40wks exactly a healthy bouncy baby boy.
I would do it again if I had to. We were moving back to oz at the time.
Most will take you upto 36wks pregnant though some are 35wks if my memory serves me right.
Jo
PS I broke the journey with a swim at Singapore airport I found that a great way to relax between flights
I was no more uncomfortable than any other flight. Baby born at 40wks exactly a healthy bouncy baby boy.
I would do it again if I had to. We were moving back to oz at the time.
Most will take you upto 36wks pregnant though some are 35wks if my memory serves me right.
Jo
PS I broke the journey with a swim at Singapore airport I found that a great way to relax between flights
#10
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Re: Anybody flown 34 weeks pregnant?
We won't be returning as we'd already planned to move back to the UK after the baby was born.
Seen our doctor and have an antenatal appointment on Tuesday. Been made very aware of the risks and what could happen. We're torn between going due to the personal situation and staying and leaving anyway as planned.
Seen our doctor and have an antenatal appointment on Tuesday. Been made very aware of the risks and what could happen. We're torn between going due to the personal situation and staying and leaving anyway as planned.
Also, even if you plan to return to the UK, wouldn't it be a wonderful birthday present to give your child Australian citizenship and provide them with increased options during their lifetime!
I hope that everything works out for you - whatever you decide
Last edited by paulry; Mar 26th 2009 at 9:06 am. Reason: typo
#11
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Re: Anybody flown 34 weeks pregnant?
I don't want to sound negative but I am 34 weeks on Saturday and I don't think I would entertain the situation. Head has been down for 3 weeks in the same position and I almost feel that I could go any second but there again it could be a while who knows. My best friends waters recently broke at 35 weeks and delivered a couple of days later. It's not unheard of to go into labour at 34 weeks!!! This pregnancy has been pretty good (best so far of my three) but I can certainly tell that any extra stress or physical strains is starting to take its toll. I'm slowing up.
Last edited by PoppetUK; Mar 26th 2009 at 8:50 am.
#12
Ping-ponging Pom
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Re: Anybody flown 34 weeks pregnant?
It's been a really difficult thing to even try and decide what to do. My wife has been going out of her mind which is not what I want, and even financially (I've been out of work for 6 weeks now) it makes no difference staying or going.
At the end of everything, my wife and unborn childs well-being come first. So maybe the decision was made all along anyway.
At the end of everything, my wife and unborn childs well-being come first. So maybe the decision was made all along anyway.
#13
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Re: Anybody flown 34 weeks pregnant?
It's been a really difficult thing to even try and decide what to do. My wife has been going out of her mind which is not what I want, and even financially (I've been out of work for 6 weeks now) it makes no difference staying or going.
At the end of everything, my wife and unborn childs well-being come first. So maybe the decision was made all along anyway.
At the end of everything, my wife and unborn childs well-being come first. So maybe the decision was made all along anyway.
For example lets say my mum was taken very ill all of a sudden. She is on her own as my dad passed away several years ago. Yes my brother is there but if it was really bad I know she would want me there and need me there even if she didn't say it. I would then fly. I guess it depends how bad the circumstances are as to whether I would risk flying.
Good luck.
I do hope your other half can relax a bit and things over there are a bit better very soon for family.
Poppet
#14
Re: Anybody flown 34 weeks pregnant?
I wouldn't fly that late but it's obviously a personal decision if the doctor gives the go ahead. For the sake of a month or so, I'd stay to get the baby citizenship but again, it's a personal thing. Good luck with the decision.
#15
Re: Anybody flown 34 weeks pregnant?
I can't really offer any advice, but I wanted to wish you well and hope that you make the right decisions for you.
We are not in possession of all of the facts and only you know how important it is for you to get back to the UK.
Take Care
We are not in possession of all of the facts and only you know how important it is for you to get back to the UK.
Take Care