Ready for Take Off

Being in a long distance relationship comes with its own challenges. From the very beginning when we started dating, we committed to one another to see each other every week. Me living in Jakarta and Papa in Singapore, either one of us had to fly over to see the other. Flying back and forth is of course a time consuming, financially burdening and exhausting ordeal. But for us it is well worth it. We used to count down the days until we see each other again. Who am I kidding, we actually still do that.

When people heard that I was pregnant, one of their many advices was "you need to rest and stop flying so much, it is not good for the babies."

So, is flying safe when you are pregnant?

The RCOB (Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists) state that flying during pregnancy is safe for mother and baby during any normal (low risk) pregnancy. Although we are all exposed to a slight radiation once we are up in the air, this does not induce early labor or puts you at a higher risk for miscarriage. All cabins on commercial aircrafts are pressurized and pose no extra risk to your baby. Although you should keep in mind that smaller, non-commercial aircrafts are unpressurized and at higher altitudes the decrease in oxygen can affect mama and baby. You may feel lightheaded and short of breath. It is not advised to fly during your pregnancy with such planes which include some seaplanes and scenic flights. (If you want to go to the Maldives better do it before your pregnancy!)

For singleton moms it is safe to fly up to 37 weeks, for twin or multiple moms up to 32 weeks. After week 37 your baby is considered at term and ready for delivery and with twin or multiple pregnancies, being at risk for premature labor it is advised not to fly beyond week 32. Nonetheless, its is advised to consult with your doctor prior to any travel plans and ask for documents from your doctor that state that you are fit to fly.

Medically, flying is perfectly safe for mama and baby but still, the myth does exist that you should not fly, why is that?

Simply said, because of your pregnancy symptoms. If you are suffering from morning sickness, restlessness, joint pains, all of this will be amplified once you are confined in a small space up in the air. But if you feel just fine throughout your pregnancy, flying will be a smooth breeze.

I am lucky in that sense that 1. I am so used to being up in the air and 2. I love being up in the air. My husband and I have this passion for aircrafts and flying. On weekends when we were out with the boat in Singapore, we could see planes on their final approach into Changi Airport. We guessed the aircraft types, what airline it was from the tail and even crosschecked it with our flight status app. Actually, we still do that. Ultra Geeks, we know and we are proud of it.

Be comfortable

What I have come to realize over the past weeks flying back and forth is that comfort is priceless. In my first trimester I have had the problem to feel restless and queasy if I sit or do not move for too long. Book an aisle seat, especially if your bladder has also shrunk into a tiny bean. If you fly a budget airline, bring what you need to make you comfortable. I even brought a pillow and blanket. Although I have to say, after a while I decided to pay the extra buck for full fare airlines. The comfort items, space for your belly and legs, food and beverages, entertainment all added up is worth it. (extra tip: book your departure and arrival date between Tuesday and Thursday to get cheaper fares). Dress comfortable and hassle free, no need to look like Giselle Bündchen on your flight. I have started to love natural aromatherapy sprays for a quick soothing fix. Bring a little bottle of your favourite scent to reduce your flight anxiety or unpleasant odours throughout the flight. Keep moving throughout your flight, keep drinking water to stay hydrated. Bring a small bottle of moisturizer in case your skin dries out.

Above all, if you are unsure and maybe scared of flying, keep it short-haul. There is no need to stress yourself out with a long flight if you are not confident with yourself and your feelings. There are so many amazing destinations for a babymoon just a short flight away!

We are currently planning our babymoon to New Zealand. We know, it is going to be a long flight but as said, we love our planes and since we planned it right, it is going to be a once in a lifetime flight! So, safe travels to all mamas and happy babymoon-ing!