Flight advice

[Connie290]

Hello 😊 new to this group after finally getting a BFP after 3 years of infertility, an ectopic, a molar pregnancy, and three failed transfers.

Given we had been struggling on our journey for so long, we had booked a holiday for mid September to Turkey as I'd finally embraced not putting my life on hold. By that point I'll be almost ten weeks (🤞🏼🤞🏼)

Obviously in the meantime we've had a BFP which I'm still in shock about!

My clinic said short haul flights are fine in the first trimester as long as everything's ok on our early scan, but the flight is 4 hours 20 minutes, would this be considered too long?

I can't see anything online about it causing harm, but after our horrible journey to get here I'm feeling a bit paranoid!

Thank you

[Memacha]

I’m in a similar boat, booked to go to Turkey mid September before knowing the outcome of my latest cycle as I wasn’t feeling optimistic after so much failure. I’ll (hopefully) be 12 weeks when we go. I actually had my latest ivf cycle abroad and had a 4 hr flight back just a few days after transfer which didn’t have a negative impact on implantation! I think they just say to keep hydrated and move about a bit. If you’re still taking meds, bring your prescription just in case for the airport. Enjoy your holiday!

[Connie290 in reply to Memacha]

Thank you so much for your response 😊 i feel better about it after getting these replies 😊 hope you enjoy your holiday too!

[Melian44]

Hi Connie290! I had to fly multiple time during each trimester of my current IVF pregnancy because of my job, both short haul flights of 2h and longer flights of 14h+; the last one was 16h at 28 weeks. I spoke to several medical professionals, who all answered something similar:

- Wear good quality compression socks/tights to prevent swelling and blood clots

-Move around the cabin every 1/2 hours

-Hydrate well, but no fizzy drinks as they can cause uncomfortable bloating

-Plan for your medication, taking into consideration time change (esp. if you're still on progesterone pessaries)

-Plan for possible nausea in the plane (ginger or mint herbal tea, medication if you've been prescribed any, surgical mask if odours are triggering, etc)

-While abroad, it's super important to focus on food/drink safety (all the usual precautions) and to pre-identify a good medical facility just in case you need it. You also need to make sure that you have good travel insurance that will cover you in case of an emergency.

Everyone I spoke to agreed that flying did not increase the risk of miscarriage, as long as basic precautions were taken. I hope you'll enjoy your trip and I wish you all the best! 😘

[Connie290 in reply to Melian44]

Thank you so much for your detailed response 😊 masks for the plane is such a good idea, I'm quite triggered by smells anyway so I imagine if I do end up with nausea on this journey it'll be triggering for it.

Thank you, wish you all the best too 😊

[Christianbaby]

Congratulations on your BFP! I had to take a 7-hour flight just two weeks after getting my positive result, and I was nervous too. My doctor gave me the green light but recommended wearing flight stockings and staying well-hydrated throughout the flight. Everything turned out fine, and it was reassuring to have those precautions in place.

Wishing you all the best for your early scan and hope you have a wonderful and relaxing holiday in Turkey! x

[Connie290 in reply to Christianbaby]

Thank you! It's been a horrible journey and I know it's super early days so I still can't let myself get excited really, which is sad because a BFP after everything is such good news

Thanks for the advice re travelling, it's reassuring everyone else has felt worried and been given the green light by their Dr 😊 x