Flying overseas to Europe and back during weeks 24-26 of pregnancy was a bit of a worry for me...just because I wanted to do everything I could NOT to be miserable. Those long flights can be brutal when you're not growing a baby at the same time, so here are a few things I learned that hopefully will be helpful to those other traveling baby makers out there!
Fly During 2nd Trimester. "They" (the computer world) aren't kidding when they say 2nd trimester is the ideal time to fly. First trimester is just too uncertain. Some days you are pretty sure if you open your mouth you will hurl on your shoes, you're uncomfortable and there is just too much new stuff going on. 2nd trimester gives you a whole new boost of energy, you're getting a bump but your feet remain unswollen (until the end if you're like me) morning sickness is often gone, and your seatbelt still fits on your lap (yay!) I will say I have yet to experience flying in my 3rd trimester, but I'll let you know how that goes as I'll be taking a short trip at the start of first trimester (not overseas). Also even at 26 weeks, you start to worry a little that you may have some sort of medical emergency overseas...so stick with 2nd trimester for peace of mind as well.
Exercise before the flight. Nothing hardcore, but walk or do something! I made sure to use our walking treadmill desk at work for an hour before we left because it would be a long day with little movement. The same goes for being in the airport, walk as much as possible.
Pack light. Make sure to pack light (or do what we did and made sure we packed in 1 suitcase so Kevin could handle the heavy stuff). The last thing you want to do when you're hauling around an extra 20 lbs of weight in front, is to also be rolling a 40 lbs suitcase in back. Check everything you possibly can and see if they will let you check extra carry-on bags at the gate. If not, always ask to have someone help you lift the bag into the overhead bin.
Don't get on the plane too early. You know how everyone lines up to be the first ones on the flight? Well thankfully you took my advice and didn't have a large carry-on bag, so there is no reason for you to fight over luggage space. Take your time and get on near the end...no need to spend an extra 30 minutes sitting in your seat before you've even left the ground.
Drink Water. I mean tons and tons and tons. Airplanes dehydrate you, and for swelling purposes you have got to keep water moving. You'll feel better too...and it will force you to get up and walk (to the restroom) which is a big deal.
Move. Google airplane stretches before you go, and plan to walk around as much as possible. People won't judge you, just push that belly out and be proud. Make them feel like whimps for complaining about the long flight when they aren't growing another human being at the same time.
Get an aisle seat. Between the tons of drinking and the movement you need...you gotta get that aisle seat.
Snacks. Not just any snacks...snacks that will benefit you. Protein is a huge thing in pregnancy, and helps with reducing swelling. I went with protein packed granola bars, PB&J sandwiches, apples, very lightly salted nuts. You're looking for healthy options, packed with protein, and low on sodium (for the swelling). I brought a water bottle that would allow me to fill up before the flight to help with drinking water too. We had to stock up because we had a short 1 hour layover during the 11.5 hr total flight time from Omaha to Amsterdam. I couldn't guarantee I would have any time to stop for a meal in the airport.
Only drink water or juice on the plane. Water is ideal, but if you need a little pick me up stay with orange juice. Stay away from sodas and anything with caffeine.
Sanitize. Stay away from those sick people! Wash your hands like crazy, use sanitizer, be a total germaphobe. Kevin had a cold on our way to Amsterdam, and I would not touch him until I was sure he was over it. He offered me his hand once to help me up, and I graciously declined (but made sure he knew I appreciated the gesture!)
Request the pat-down. This is a controversial topic, but rather than go through one of those spinning scanners, I opt for a pat-down when pregnant at the airport. Often people say it is safe to go through the xray machines, by why risk it? I've had TSA people that said they do the same thing when they are pregnant, because why chance it. Just remember people ask all the time, it's not embarrassing...promise. Be prepared for some serious touching, they don't go easy on pregnant people (and shouldn't).
Remember a prenatal vitamin. Just because you're a flight, time doesn't stop. I popped one of these vitamins on the plane when I normally would at home. Vitamins help fight off illness....now is when you really need them!
Get comfortable. We use the Flexi pillow when we travel, and I love this pillow more than words. Feel free to ask flight attendants for a pillow too, worst case they say no. Dress in layers and loose clothing.
Rest. Yeah right.... as if this isn't hard enough to do in your own bed with your 5 pillows. But seriously as much as possible try to sleep.
Compression Socks. The swelling is real, and let everyone else judge you for looking like a dork...but wear your compression socks. It will be so much better for you to keep the blood flowing on the long flight.
Slip on shoes. Just take off those shoes, embrace it....you won't be the weirdest one on the flight I promise.
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