What are some tips for plane travel when pregnant?

You asked and you shall now receive. It’s only fair for us to share all of this stored up knowledge about having a baby and what is going on with your body during those nine (really ten) months. We now will answer, in a very public forum, all of those burning questions about having a baby. Each Monday, we will tackle a commonly-asked-question from the point of view of an expectant parent. Chiming in to give her feedback will be three women who have been there and done that: an expert (you know someone who does this for a living), a mom from our community (for the “best” friend advice you need) and a babybites’ team member (someone who will promise to give you the REAL deal and no fluff). Earmark, share and add your own input to today’s question; it’s good karma.

What tips do you have for traveling on planes when pregnant?

Expert: Renee Sullivan

Whether you fly for work or for pleasure – plane travel while pregnant is a safe option for many. Check with your carrier’s regulations and inform your practitioner of your intended travel. In the skies, some gals swear by being near the toilet as the trips are often frequent, while others need some distance from el bano as their heightened sense of smell can bring on some nausea. Lots of water to keep hydrated and frequent aisle jaunts will keep the circulation flowing, reduce swelling and make your trip more comfortable.

Mom: Ann Pennington

Traveling while pregnant was easier than I expected but depending on how far along you are it can be slightly uncomfortable. The biggest help to me was wearing support panty hose. It helped to reduce the swelling in my legs and ankles. Then ‘WATER! WATER! WATER!’ After you go through security buy lots of water to stay hydrated. I felt like I was in the Egyptian desert on the plane. Snacks was also another key item. I took with me lots of granola bars, apples and other healthy foods to keep me going.

babybites’ team: Heather Ouida

My plane tips are the same whether you are pregnant or not. Be comfortable, wear layers, bring a lot of snacks, have an extra pair of socks so you can take your shoes off and bring a really good book. As soon as you go through security get a big bottle of water and as cheesy at it looks, invest in one of those neck pillows. Having said that, my nausea was definitely worse when traveling while pregnant so in addition to the above I also made sure to have mint gum, ginger ale, the most comfortable maternity pants I could find, slip on shoes (trying to bend over and fiddle with zippers or ties while in the security line can be a bit embarrassing – trust me!) and extra gossip magazines because nothing takes your mind off feeling sick like some juicy gossip.

About our team:

Renee Sullivan

Renee Sullivan, parent coach and Mommybites support group director, works with moms each week to create their own personal parenting plan that is right for them, while making sure that each mom gets the support, resources, and community they need for their parenting journey. Drawing from her experience as an birth coach and educator, she guides moms – new, seasoned and expectant through the never – ending array of decisions that come with having a child. Before joining Mommybites, she narrowly escaped the trenches of Corporate America where she was a Senior Project Manager for The New York Times, Morgan Stanley, and Pfizer. She lives in New York City and is the mom of one happy kindergartener.

Ann Pennington

Ann is a new mother of her first child, Crawford, who was born in September 2011. Before becoming a mom, Ann was a fashion set stylist for Toni & Guy, Hong Kong.

Heather Ouida

Heather co-owns Mommybites with business partner Laura Deutsch. She is responsible for managing, growing and overseeing Mommybites nationally as well their flagship city of Manhattan. Heather’s favorite parts of her job include hosting “Mommybites Live” an educational talk show with parenting luminaries, writing her blog which varies between sappy, educational and downright snarky, interviewing parenting experts for babybites’ regular tele-class series and facilitating some of the Manhattan working moms support groups. Prior to co-founding Mommybites, Heather was a learning specialist where she taught in London for many years as well as at The Dalton School in Manhattan. Heather holds a BA in psychology from Hobart and William Smith Colleges, an MA in child development form Tufts University and acquired her learning specialist degree form York University in England. Heather currently resides in Manhattan her husband, two boys, two fish and pet turtle. Heather’s hobbies include, hot yoga, Nutella eating, writing, Bravo watching, reading and sharing inappropriate jokes with girl friends. To learn more about Heather’s mission to support follow-moms in non-judgmental ways please click here.