This is my second pregnancy and when they say that every pregnancy is different they are not joking. These two pregnancies can’t be anymore different. The first pregnancy I traveled like crazy. That may even be an understatement. The first thing I asked at my first doctor’s appointment was when I had to stop flying. My midwife told me 34 weeks. I remember being super bummed because most airlines will let you fly till 37 weeks (they all have different criteria so check with them before you book your ticket). I think during that pregnancy alone I went on over 50 flights. It was awesome.

This pregnancy however, I have only flown a handful of times. And when I was about 23 weeks things were going great, I was feeling pretty good so we went ahead and booked two trips for when I would be 32 and 33 weeks knowing full well that those would be the last times I would fly before having a baby. Then at 28 weeks I found out I had placenta previa and was at-risk for bleeding and having a premature baby. I was sad and then the doctor told me to not travel. It wasn’t like I was going on a vacation, these were once in a lifetime family events. But I understood that my health and the health of the baby came first.

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Being pregnant is a wonderful time in any woman’s life. It’s a time of miracles and growth (both belly and mind) and is so fulfilling. Unfortunately it also is a time of discomfort and trials as well.

With my first pregnancy I probably flew on an airplane close to thirty times. This is my second time being pregnant and while I haven’t flown as many as the last time (probably around 7-10 times) I feel I am able to know what to expect and how to make an already uncomfortable situation (being pregnant and flying or just flying in general) a little more tolerable. Here are the tips I have learned over the years to a better flying experience overall while pregnant.

Avoid flying in your first trimester if at all possible. Especially if you are sick. Flying will just make it worse; you will be in for a miserable experience. Also, the first trimester is just so unpredictable. If you do fly, make sure you have enough snacks, ginger ale, and an aisle seat for quick escapes.

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