International travel in second trimester?

[jm1982]

Hi everyone. I'm going to cross post this in International Living as well, and I will of course talk to my OB at our next appointment (but that is 2+ weeks away, and I'd like some outside input).

I'm supposed to travel to Russia for a 2-3 week dissertation research trip this September, but (assuming all goes well in the next few months), I will be 20-23 weeks pregnant during that time. I have already asked for funding for this trip. I could turn the money down if I decide not to go, but it is very unlikely given the funding situation / future family situation that I will get another chance to travel over there while finishing my degree.

I could probably complete my dissertation without this research, but having one more international trip will make it much better overall. I have been to Russia before, know where I would stay, have access to plenty of bottled water, believe that the research that I would be doing would not be too physically taxing, speak the language okay, etc. I would be in Moscow for the full trip.

What I'm worried about is whether it's a good idea to travel so far away, the plane rides themselves, the likelihood that if something happens I will be stuck over there many hours and two flights away from home. How miserable I would be on a 9+ hour plane ride to Germany, and then another 3 hours to Russia. I have a history of hypertension (pre-pregnancy) that is being medically managed, although my blood pressure was very good at my first OB appointment. My doctor is not worried about that now, but said that we'll keep an eye on it. Otherwise, this is my first pregnancy and I'm not 'high risk' in any categories.

Thoughts? If your OB was supportive, would you do this? Or am I crazy for considering keeping this trip?

[jm1982]

Oh. And also, I was just planning to buy travel insurance in case I have to cancel the plane tickets, but it appears that these plans do not cover pregnancy. So it looks like I need to make a firm decision in the next few weeks.

[mannah]

Given everything you've said, I think I would be ok doing this, especially I around 20 weeks like you will be. The travel won't be THAT uncomfortable at that point and you are familiar with your destination.

[chickadee77]

I agree - with everything you've written here, and barring any complications, second tri is kind of the travel sweet spot - you usually feel pretty good, have some energy, etc. I'd do it!

[jm1982]

Thanks ladies. This makes me feel better about the trip.

[emsumm]

I think I'm going to the DR in October, so I hope it's ok!

[shekels1222]

I flew from Israel to the US (11 hours) at 6.5 months pregnant. It was fine. I had an aisle seat so I didn't have to disturb everyone getting up, brought my own extra snacks and water and got up to walk or stretch every 3 hours or so.

It wasn't the most comfortable flight ever but it wasn't bad. I had my medical records with me.

[smock]

I agree that I would take the trip if your OB is okay with it. Particularly since making 2-3 week research trips is only going to get harder once you have a baby!

The good news is that 20-23 weeks is probably one of the easiest and best times to travel! Just stay hydrated on the plane and get up/stretch every two hours or so. And definitely enjoy Moscow!

[blushing]

I flew America to South Africa and then South Africa to England when I was in my second trimester during my first pregnancy. It was fine, I just made sure I stayed hydrated and I got up to pee often. I also made sure I had help at the airports with my bags. Luckily for me DH took care of all of that.

I am now 22 weeks pg with my second and I would happily fly anywhere right now.

[MrsDarcy]

I vote go, and long as your OB agrees! Enjoy!

[mrssandro]

I would go.

We are taking a family road trip 12 ish hours to Panama City next week. I will be 18 weeks.

[lo]

I went to Ireland for a week at 20 weeks and was totally fine. I didn't even check with my OB, oopsies.

[FastHands]

I think you'll be fine. Definitely ask your dr if there are any extra/specific precautions you need to take because of your BP, but 20ish weeks is a perfect travel time IMO. Enjoy it!

[SJ]

I would absolutely plan to go.

[rbp]

I am in Mexico now at 29 weeks and have had absolutely no issues. I believe misoangry traveled to Japan in her 2nd tri. Just buy travel insurance!

ETA: we purchased an additional "cancel for any reason" rider on our travel insurance.

[anna7602]

I went to France at 24/25 weeks this pregnancy and it was fine. Besides the fact that I had to pee every 10 seconds, thus interrupting my ability to get enough sleep on the overnight flight on the way there, I didn't feel all that different. I was still very active walking around the city, making plans in the evening, going out to dinner, etc.

As long as there aren't other factors at play like being somewhere very remote without access to clean water or something along those lines, I would go.

[pinotgrig]

I would go as long as your ob is on board! Take a copy of your medical records just in case and I ditto pp's rec for compression socks since it'll be a long flight.

As everyone else has said, make sure you stay hydrated and walk often, esp while on the plane.

Have fun!