FIRST FLIGHT pregnant experience🛫: how was it and what to know!
chapters:
where did I go?
the flight experience
common questions flying pregnant
where did I go?
If you have seen my recent blog posts, then you already know I flew on my first holiday pregnant at 5/6 months pregnant! I went to Egypt on a dreamy, hot holiday; to escape the UK winter for a change!
packing for my first-EVER holiday pregnant: what to prepare ✈️
my BEAUTY top tips! how to feel attractive when pregnant on holiday💅
Flying pregnant is something that made me slightly nervous, since I wasn’t sure what to expect, from the preparation to the actual flight day, but it was actually fine!
I wanted to share my experience of flying pregnant, so any other girlies who are pregnant can also feel more at-ease if they’re experiencing any slight nerves too!
Of course there is no reason to be nervous, but the unpredictability of going through pregnancy can shake any one of us up a little, specially as a first-time mum-to-be, and that’s perfectly normal and okay!
I might share a review on my holiday, in general, but not sure that’s something you girlies would want from me or not (comment and let me know, and I WILL DELIVER), but I am definitely planning to make a “what I wore” -type of post whilst on holiday pregnant, to have you feeling your sexiest, most confident and aesthetic-girlie self!
But anyway, back to the original plot!
Pre-flight day, I have to say my main worries for the flight experience were:
do you have to declare pregnancy when flying?
how much food or snacks shall I take onto the flight? / how hungry will I get during the flight?
will I need to pee a lot during the flight?
is there anything I need to know as a pregnant woman flying?
I’m sure I am not the only one thinking this, specially if you are planning to have a holiday during pregnancy also!
the flight experience
So, the ACTUAL flight day was actually a breeze!
I do feel like my flight-prep helped a lot! Since, I did feel like I had considered every option for my specific experience (so far) pregnant.
Definitely check-out that blog post for tips and advice on what to consider to have the safest flight for your pregnancy, and then this blog post is more focused on how the actual experience went for ME.
When it comes to any worries mentioned above, about flying pregnant:
I, personally, didn’t have anyone from the airline or in the airport ask me about pregnancy or to report on anything
This might be because it’s winter, and with the amount of layers I had on, it may have not been too obvious. I was about 5-to-6 months pregnant, but my bump is quite visible if someone looks (picture in my blog post here!).
However, I did think (IF ANYTHING) I do have my maternity appointments all on an app, on my phone, if someone WAS to ask me to prove anything or share a letter. Even though, this might be just me overthinking, but “who knows?” is what I was thinking.
If you have the same kind-of worry, it doesn’t hurt to check with your airline, your midwife, or at least have a letter on you (or on your phone), IN CASE it’s needed during your flight, which in most cases (at this stage in pregnancy) is not needed.
I actually WASN’T THAT HUNGRY.
If anything, of course there is food on the plane you can always buy, but I wanted to be prepped with my own snacks and honestly… I really overestimated how much food I would NEED!!!
Of course, this is highly dependent on YOU, and your STAGE OF PREGNANCY.
If this was me at 2-to-3 months pregnant, I’d be absolutely ravenous! It’d be a different story ahaha.
However, my appetite has definitely regulated, and is pretty much back to what is “usual” for me, pre-pregnancy.
For a five-hour flight, I took three sandwiches, 2 snacks, and one water. vs WHAT I ATE: one sandwich, one snack and some water, which is quite standard for me, I’d say!
Once again, having some extra snacks is never bad, since you can just reach into your bag and eat as much as you need or want! However, I definitely didn’t need to concern myself too much with this one…
I only peed twice whilst ON the plane
Sharing my peeing activities, but it’s for a good cause! ahaha
If you are like me, then you probably AREN’T A FAN of going toilet on the plane; I mean it’s tight, it’s uncomfortable, it’s just plain awkward!
So, the IDEA of thinking I would need to constantly be AT the toilet in the five hours, I’d be on the plane, was just NOT THE ONE for me.
However, I really only went twice; once at the very-start, and then once midway through the flight; which (once again) quite standard even for anyone who ISN’T pregnant.
This, to make a point, that EVEN THOUGH I had these concerns BECAUSE I was pregnant, I had quite “normal” or “non-pregnant” typical behaviours.
This is my personal experience, and I know each woman, and pregnancy, is very UNIQUE, but just to normalise that it IS possible to have a flight experience just as any other you may have had, before pregnancy; maybe just feeling slightly heavier, naturally (!).
I didn’t do ANYTHING different; flying pregnant
Looking back at my experience of flying pregnant, for the first time, there wasn’t anything I actually needed to do differently; everything I DID DO was just my own preparation, just IN CASE of anything.
If you read my previous post on what I did to pack and prepare for my first flight pregnant, I did do a few things; one being wearing flight (compression) socks, to reduce any chances of blood clots, which I saw is recommended for pregnant women flying. Check out that blog post to know more!
However, ON THE DAY of the flight itself, there was nothing I did differently, except the usual measures us pregnant girlies follow in our everyday lives, such as not carrying heavy weights or moving our bodies in ways that do not FEEL safe.
So, if you are pregnant, and about to head-out on your first flight EVER, I want to hopefully help you feel less stressed, that there really isn’t anything you need to do to fly pregnant, except IF there is anything specific to your pregnancy experience (symptoms, midwife advice, and so on).
CONCLUSION BEING: my first flight experience pregnant was very calm, and smooth!
The flight was super easy, smooth and I have to say it felt super “normal”. By that, I mean, it was as if I wasn’t pregnant really!
I do think choosing a short-haul flight for a holiday pregnant, as one of the tips mentioned in my pack and prepare blog post, DEFINITELY had all the credit in my POSITIVE experience flying pregnant. Since, a long-haul flight might have been a lot more uncomfortable (but of course always listen to your body and intuition, and see what you think would work for you best!).
I really had nothing to worry about, but nonetheless, I don’t regret preparing as much as I did, because THEN I could travel knowing I did everything possible to make my flight experience as pleasant as possible.
ANYTHING DIFFERENT I WOULD DO NEXT TIME:
not pack as many snacks or food
and not stress as much!
AS SIMPLE AS THAT.
But! I will say, besides choosing a short-haul flight, as one of the main things to have made my flight expereince really positive, I do also have one recommendation for all the pregnant girlies!
Book yourself the front row seat in the plane!
I never expected this one to be as much of a HACK as what it was, but trust me on this one!
Why? THE EXTRA LEG ROOM!
Most of the time (or in all cases), you will need to pay extra for this row, but if you are pregnant, it’s so WORTH IT!
You can stretch your legs, and be a lot more comfortable, which WITH A BUMP, can become VERY valuable to compensate for our backs!
Also, I did see that it was recommended for pregnant women to walk and move their legs every 30-minutes, whilst on flight, to help promote circulation (which I didn’t do), but moving my legs in all the extra leg-room space, to me, counted as the same!
ON TOP OF THIS, you are, pretty much, the first person to get-off the plane which is nice so you don’t feel even more exhausted with the waiting times, during travel pregnant.
So, as you can see, it is possible to have a super safe and (even) fun travel experience, during pregnancy, and that was MY personal experience as a girlie flying pregnant for the first time! Of course, this may not be EVERYONE’S experience whilst travelling pregnant, but I want to inspire you that it CAN be for you!
It doesn’t have to be this HUGE and DAUNTING experience, just because you are pregnant. However, if you are in-doubt, or have different circumstances to consider for, in your pregnancy, always check with a midwife and they will give you ALL the advice necessary for your unique case!
common questions flying pregnant (10)
I wanted to share my own experience with travelling during pregnancy, which as mentioned, was extremely positive and enjoyable for me!
But, I also wanted to take it a step further and go through some general and COMMON QUESTIONS we all have about travel during pregnancy, so that we can cover all bases, and is what I personally ALSO found myself asking Google for, pre-flight!
1) can I fly when pregnant? / is it safe to fly pregnant?
You can most definitely fly when pregnant, and IT IS safe to travel during pregnancy.
The only times you would need to check, or it might NOT be as safe, is if you are having complications during your pregnancy, or have any condition that might make you more vulnerable.
For example, if your midwife has informed you of high blood pressure, this may be something to check before booking a flight!
If you are unsure as to whether you might have complications when travelling pregnant, always ask your midwife (or doctor), as is always the best thing to do for anything pregnancy-related, when in-doubt!
2) do you need to tell airlines if you are pregnant?
Depending on how many weeks pregnant you are, you might need to inform the airline before boarding.
Most airlines require you to inform them, if you are 28 weeks pregnant or further.
You might be able to get through without questions, but it depends on HOW MUCH your bump is showing at 28 weeks, but this is the standard procedure most airlines follow!
To be sure, check with the specific airline you are flying with, before flight day!
3) do I need a fit to fly certificate when pregnant? / do I need a doctor’s note to fly?
Most of the time, you need to present a fit-to-fly certificate OR doctor’s note to your airline, if you are 28 weeks pregnant or more.
This is to ensure that the airline can allow you to travel with them, WITHOUT risk of complications, as approved by a medical professional.
4) which month is safe to travel during pregnancy?
The safest month to travel during pregnancy, seem to be those within your SECOND TRIMESTER!
The first trimester can still be quite a sensitive period, and the third trimester can sometimes be a bit close to potential delivery due date (depending on when exactly you go).
So, I would aim for the month 3 to month 6 stage in your pregnancy, but of course, see how you feel! Personally, I travelled towards the end of my second trimester, and had a great experience, and wouldn’t mind travelling around the first half of third trimester, if midwife allows.
But keep in-mind, that for each question, it depends on how your unique pregnancy experience is being, and whether there is anythingEXTRA to consider for!
5) are airport scanners safe during pregnancy?
Generally, body scanners at airports have been said to be safe for women who are pregnant.
Otherwise every pregnant woman would need to declare their pregnancy, to ensure the airport staff can have a different procedure for us pregnant girlies! Which is not the case.
6) when should I stop flying when pregnant?
According to the NHS, the highest-accredited UK healthcare provider, it is safer for pregnant women to stop travel once they are 36 weeks or further, in their pregnancy.
Most airlines will NOT ALLOW travel if you are within the month of your expected delivery, and if you are carrying twins or triplets, then doctors might advise you to stop travelling at 32 weeks, or even sooner!
7) how can I make flying more comfortable, while pregnant?
There are MANY ways you can make flying more comfortable, when pregnant.
FOR EXAMPLE:
wear loose and comfortable clothing
buckle your seatbelt under your belly
take lots of water with you for hydration
prepare lots of snacks or food; if you feel you might need!
wear compression socks to help circulation
get up and walk every 30-minutes (I didn’t do this one, but is advised usually)
choose an aisle seat with more legroom (I did this, and chose the first aisle, it was beautiful!)
take a neck pillow to try be more comfortable, or even try get a nap-in!
8) what are the risks of flying while pregnant?
USUALLY, flying is safe for women with pregnancies that DO NOT have complications.
However, there can sometimes be a slight chance of certain risks. Not to scare you-off from travelling pregnant, but just as a heads-up in case this is something you would like to know about!
blood clots in the legs (mostly from long-haul flights; anything longer than 4-hours. Compressions socks and getting up every 30-minutes is advised to avoid this!).
miscarriage if travelling in first trimester, since there is higher chances of risk during this time anyway (travel can increase that risk)
premature labour; ONLY if you are vulnerable to this or have higher chances of this happening to you.
It is always BEST to ask your midwife, and check if you have any specific risks you should consider before flying, but the above are the generic risks women might be vulnerable to, during travel in pregnancy.
9) what should I do about potential complications during a flight?
To AVOID potential complications on flight, whilst pregnant, it is recommended to take all of the previously mentioned tips very seriously to ensure your body is equipped to handle the flight experience better, such as:
staying hydrated
moving your legs, stretching, getting up for a bit
having health snacks stocked-up in your bag
wearing compression socks
10) anything I need to know about flying pregnant?
There is nothing else I would say you NEED to know about flying, when pregnant.
Except, listen to your body and your follow your intuition on what you think is BEST FOR YOU.
Anything else would be quite standard perhaps or specific, but could consider the following too:
if you do have travel insurance, maybe just check to see if it covers you whilst pregnant (I didn’t have this, but for those girlies that do).
check for any outbreaks of illnesses in the destination you are flying to, or conflicts you should know about
do you need any vaccines to travel to that destination? and, are these vaccines safe for pregnant women?
be aware of if there is any maternity hospital within your destination, or any emergency contact information to have, just in case
However, these are all add-ons, and won’t necessarily be something you would think about for most destinations, or for specifically during pregnancy!
♡
Most importantly, I want you to have a great time on your holiday pregnant, and all this information is NOT TO frighten you, but to reassure you that it will be fine (from my own experience!) and gather all the information necessary, for travel during pregnancy, IN ONE PLACE for you!
If you’re like me, then that might be your last holiday EVER of just the two of you, and your partner, so cherish it, savour it; no matter how sad it may partially feel, at least you GET TO experience an amazing holiday with your other-half, nonetheless!
Who knows what postpartum, and new motherhood, have in-store for us; but we’ll be hoping it’ will be as good as we can make it! So, don’t stress too much about travel, let’s just focus on what we can take control of in our narrative and that’s what I’ve got all figured out for you already!
Check with your midwife, or doctor, check with your airline, and then do the essentials (hydration, snack, compression socks), and you WILL be just fine!
GO GET YOUR HOLIDAYING IN, AND ENJOY YOUR HOLS GIRL, you deserve the world and more.
Own your Womanhood. Own your Time.
♡
I’ll be logging updates throughout this whole journey as a mother-to-be, working to be an entrepreneur, but to also still preserve the girlhood within, to try and be her best self, and live her happiest life, so keep-up with me through the blog!
I release a new blog post every Friday at 1pm! (UK-time)
Let me know if you’re in a similar headspace (pregnant or not), being in our 20s is confusing, and taking control of our story is the only way we can take ownership of our happiness and live out our dream life.
I document my unwanted pregnancy journey at 25, taking control of my narrative, figuring out being a girl in my 20s, chasing my dream life, and conquering my boss babe dream of becoming a self-employed, entrepreneur / Blogger!
