International travel in second trimester?

[jm1982]

Hi everyone. I'm not a regular on this board, but I think that you ladies might be the best people to ask. I've crossposted this on Got Pregnant, 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? 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.

Read more: pandce.proboards.com/thread/326634/international-travel-second-trimester#ixzz324SGPnso

[frlcb]

I traveled all the time in my first pregnancy (I think 9 countries?) and traveled until 34 weeks, overseas. At 20-23 weeks travel was still easy, it got harder the bigger I got, but it was still fine. I walked a lot, wore compression socks and drank lots of water on flights. I traveled a lot with my second pregnancy too, but not quite as much. But I think I did my last overseas flight while pregnant with her around 28 weeks.

[jm1982]

frlcb -- thank you! It's really reassuring to hear your personal experience.

[Brit]

I traveled a ton. I went to 13 countries and lived in India while I was pregnant. I tried to fly business class where possible but had a few long flights in coach and I never regretted doing it. My last flight was at 33 weeks from India back to the US. I second the compression socks idea!

[VillainV]

I would do it in a heartbeat.

My last pregnancy I traveled from the UK to the US at 26 weeks, and back at 28. That was a little challenging, but I'd do it again in a heartbeat. I think at 20-23 weeks you should have no problems. Just make sure you drink lots of water, try to get an aisle seat so you can get up to pee as much as you need to, and wear comfy layered clothes.

The big thing to make sure of is that you get your anatomy scan done at the right time, probably before you leave. Make sure you talk with your OB about timing that appointment around your travels.

[pittpurple]

I went to Italy at 24 weeks. Super short flight for me but it was fine. I would pay the extra for economy plus if at all possible and definitely business if you can swing it at all! I vastly preferred an aisle seat as I was up and down all the time and for such a long flight, you'll probably want to walk back and forth. I would see about getting a scan before you go as well, just to make sure there aren't any problems and make sure to know where the nearest hospital, etc is where you're going.

[americaninoz]

I flew from Australia to Mexico at 21 weeks (about 17 hours of flying) it was totally fine!! I just drank a ton of water and walked around a lot. The bump was still small enough that it wasn't uncomfortable and I had no issues
Now at 31 weeks I think id be really uncomfortable doing the trip physically, but that time frame you'll be fine!!
I agree with getting an aisle seat for sure!

[americaninoz]

And most definitely get compression socks!!!

[dutchgirl678]

We went to Hawaii when I was 20-22 weeks pregnant. It was about a 6-hour flight and it was fine. I would definitely try to do it if your doctor says you are healthy.

[paradebegone]

I flew to Germany and back to the States in my first trimester and in my second. I get motion sickness normally and when I was pregnant, it was like motion sickness on steroids. I was not prepared for that during the first flight. So I would suggest an arsenal of anti-nausea tricks and meds, just in case.

I would also suggest compression socks or even the hose. You can get an Rx from your doctor and have a pair fitted exactly to you.

Otherwise, if everything is going well with your pregnancy, you should be feeling pretty good around that time. Good luck with your decision and the funding!

[azure]

Another one who flew a lot while pregnant (last was around 34 weeks). Drink lots of water, get up and walk around often.