Pregnancy and long haul flights

[orlandobabe]

My daughter will be about 12 weeks pregnant when we go in May.

Has anyone any helpful health advice for her.

Also theme park rides and pregnancy.

My son's girfriend went on the hulk at IOA when about 7 weeks pregnant-anyone else done something similar.

I felt it would be ok for her-as her body would protect the tiny foetus-I wouldn't recommend someone who is 4 month or over.

[mm69340]

I may have experienced pregnancy a few times and have some tips

She should get lots of rest at night and drink PLENTY of extra water during the day.

I inadvertently went on Superman 5 weeks pregnant [:I]. Had I known I was expecting I would never have done it [msneek].

Since she already knows she is expecting, I would stay off any ride but It's a Small World[].

Actualy, I would stay off anything that throws you, or goes in a loop really fast...I would just feel really nervous, and never forgivemyself should something happen. Things like Body Wars and Mission Space maybe no-no's as well as she may get REALLY sick!!!!

[Nostromo]

A flight per se - even a long haul one - is of no great consequence at her relatively early stage in pregnancy, except perhaps rather more tiredness than expected. There is a slightly greater risk of DVT, especially if she is a smoker. I would advice asking for an aisle seat with extra leg-room and space to get up and walk about every couple of hours. Even while seated, gentle isometric contractions of the calves will be helpful. Of course, wear the socks that are invariably offered. Minimise jet lag by drinking plenty of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated drinks (still), even if this makes her go to the loo a few times. I would advice against taking medications for jet lag while pregnant.

I would very stongly advice against going on any big rides, especially the twisting, inverting rollercoasters like Hulk, or jerky simulated rides like Mission Space or Dinosaur. Sure, people might boast that they have been in those while pregnant and nothing happened; but the element of risk remains and would your daughter willingly take it? Just because one woman got away with something that is potentially dangerous for the pregnancy, it does not mean that that the next one will. I am sure that you don't want your daughter to be that next woman.

Hi,

I have flown while pregnant many times as I have 5 children! Sometimes as operating crew (only allowed up to 12 weeks) and with my last baby as a passenger at 16/18 weeks and 30/33 weeks, 34 weeks, which if I remember is the cut off.

Tell her to wear loose clothing around her waist, wear flight socks and keep legs elevated as much as possible.

DO NOT LET HER TAKE ASPRIN!

It may be worth while informing the airline that she is pregnant, may get a better seat?

Florida in August at 31+ weeks pregnant was very tiring so that holiday was very chilled!

I would not recommend any rides other than the likes of small world as previously said. Also many of the rides have warnings if you are pregnant so read them all carefully.

One final point double check her travel insurance and inform them she is pregnant.

Julie R

[orlandobabe]

Thanks everyone -you've all been a great help.

[esprit]

Cant wait to see Yvonne with a bump evem a little one as she is so tiny normally!! I skied while pregnant with Matt, but I was used to it. I think a lot depends what you are used to. Things she normally goes on and which have never bothered her, well she knows what to expect and can gauge her reaction. I wouldnt go on anything new like the Mummy. Would suggest a nice quiet swim with the dolphins perhaps, lots of shopping for maternity/baby clothes and plenty of Mount Dora!! And lots of lovely food as she is eating for two now! The flight shouldnt really bother her any more than usual at twelve weeks.

[athurstance]

They do say that dolphins can tell if you're pregnant and are very protective.
Sounds like a great opportunity for shopping for baby clothes and things to me - my Mum & Dad were in Florida when I found out I was expecting our eldest and they came back with some lovely things.
She may find she is quite tired in the early months so will need to see how she feels. I think that is the key with pregnancy - listen to what your body is telling you and do what you feel comfortable with.