2 hour flight at 37 weeks?

[SWlady]

Hi Ladies,

My best friend just got engaged and I'm thinking about surprising her by flying down for her engagement party. Unfortunately, the weekend it falls on would be when I hit 37 weeks. I live in Seattle and she lives in SF, so it's a 2 hour flight.

Thoughts? Is this too close to my due date?

I checked with the airline (Virgin America) and they will allow you to fly up to a week before your due date.

Thanks in advance!

 

[jlw617]

I think you're ok being that if this is your 1st you probably won't go into labor but even if you did you'd most likely make it until you landed, so I think the real question is if you're ok with the possibility of having your baby there I doubt it and id say go ahead esp if you have a normal pregnancy

 

[littlesteph]

I always thought after 36 weeks you couldn't fly.

 

[SWlady]

I did too, so was very surprised to see that VA lets you fly up to a week before your due date. They'll even let you closer if you have a dr's note!

 

[Misscalais]

I think it would be fine. I drove a 10 hour round trip at 38 weeks with my last bub.

 

[Dill]

One of my reference books advises against it quite strongly! You should probably check with your OB/midwife, to be sure, and do a little quick research into nearby facilities around your destination as a "just in case."

 

[winterbabies3]

See if your doctor will check you to see if your cervics is still closed and what not, even tho that doesn't mater sometimes. I'd be very cautious.

 

[Lucy3]

I'd go for it. I know you can't fly past 36 weeks internationally and after 28 weeks a doctors note is needed, but all the major airlines are ok with 37 weeks within the U.S. I flew in my 30s both internationally and within the U.S. - it's fine! The way I see it, the further along you are the better in a way. Going into labour at 28 weeks on a flight would be scary, but at 37 weeks most likely the baby will be fine and it will have a cool birth story! Plus if you did have your baby there you wouldn't be stuck for months with a preemie

 

[icklemonster]

Statistically your chance of going into labour at 37 weeks is tiny. I think if you have researched where you would need to go (just in case) you should be fine.

 

[SWlady]

Thanks ladies!! I'm still debating, but going to have a convo with my midwife before deciding.