Flying while pregnant

I've been meaning to write this post for a while, as I had a very hard time finding solid information on the topic back when I was pregnant. You'd think that the Internet would have more to offer pregnant women in their third trimester who are about to go on a 15-hour plane ride by themselves - but alas, it doesn't.

As some of you might know, my husband and I decided early into the pregnancy that our son would be born in Rio, Brazil (my hometown). Because Germany is an amazing place to live and work and make babies, I managed to combine my pre-partum 6-week paid leave with part of my yearly holidays in order to travel at 30 weeks pregnant. The downside? I would be traveling by myself on a long-haul flight, and I couldn't find any information from women who had done it, other than on a few obscure Yahoo forums from 10 years ago. Needless to say, it wasn't enough to reassure me - but I went ahead and did it anyway. Here's my experience.

This is me a few days before I left for Rio. I should start off by saying that, overall, I had a very easygoing pregnancy - other than two gestational diabetes scares and loads of heartburn. At this point I was 30 weeks pregnant, and still had loads of energy (in fact, I walked about 8km that very day).

At that moment, the thought of the trip didn't scare me as much as it had a few months before, when in an 100% leap of faith I booked the non-refundable ticket to Rio while having no clue how I'd be feeling once the travel day actually came (i.e. the same sort of calculated recklessness that pushed me to get a tattoo in Tokyo while on a 2-week touristy trip).

But as I said, I take calculated risks. I did lots of research in the months leading up to the trip in order to be as prepared as possible, and I learned a few things that proved essential to my well-being during those gruesome 15+ traveling hours.

1. Compression socks are vital

I read time and again about the importance of compression socks, and I'm happy I took it seriously. Although I'd be flying way before the "deadline" for pregnant women*, I knew that just by being pregnant and on my third trimester I was at a risk of developing Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) during my long flight, so I didn't hesitate to get my hands on some quality compression socks. I went to a pharmacy, got my measurements taken and left with compression tights (the kind that covers your belly and all). DO NOT get the kind goes only all the way up to your thighs, unless having them rolling down all the time/having your legs look like sausages is your thing.

*This varies according to the airline company, but it's normally 36 weeks, unless you're carrying multiples.

2. Fly Business Class (if you can)

Yes, this is an outrageous luxury, but one that you won't regret spending your money on if you can and if you must fly long-haul while massively pregnant. This information was nowhere to be found during my research, but I assumed that being able to stretch my swollen legs and lay down on my side would be a really good investment, and it was. The only downside was not being able to indulge on the complementary pre take-off champagne (hey KLM, you owe me one).

3. Travel during the day

Newsflash: You can't sleep on your long-haul flight. As in, you literally shouldn't. In order to avoid DVT, one of the most important things to do is to get up and stretch/walk around every half hour or so (I set up my timer and all, that's how serious I was about this). Since you won't be able sleep, and will also likely be preventing other passengers from sleeping by getting up all the time, it really does make sense to travel during the day, if possible. I flew from Munich to Rio via Amsterdam with KLM because, although it's a longer route, it was the only option that allowed me to travel during daytime. No regrets here.

4. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

Yet another often repeated recommendation when it comes to avoiding DVT, and another one that I followed to the letter. Once I was past security at the airport, I made sure to buy THREE LITERS of water for my flight. Since the Amsterdam-Rio flight takes about 12 hours, I made sure to be done with each liter every 4 hours. I know, I know, I can be very anal about these things, but...

The outcome

Other than the constant getting up, having compression socks compressing my bladder and continuous need to pee it was one of the best flights of my life (I guess flying business class does that to you regardless of how pregnant you are). Joking aside, the moment I got on the plane I decided to relax and follow my above outlined plan, and arrived in Rio feeling well-rested and not at all swollen. I was legitimately surprised by how well I felt, and I would do it again in a heartbeat if presented with a similar opportunity and context.

The one takeaway from my experience is that feeling prepared goes a long way in such situations - and holding onto even a tiny bit of control can do wonders. I truly hope that this somewhat recent, personal account helps you feel more prepared and in control than the Yahoo forums ever could. Safe travels!

Saying hello to baby

I found out I was pregnant a year ago this week. It had been 10 days since my wedding, and I'd been half-jokingly telling my husband that maybe we should "start trying". No one around me thought I had a way with children (and I didn't either), yet I've always wanted to be a mother.

I wrote a heartfelt note to my baby on the night I discovered I was expecting:

"Hello Baby,

As I write this, on November 9th 2016, you're supposedly a tiny little speck the size of a poppy seed, and you've just made yourself cozy in my uterus. I say "supposedly" because all proof we have of your existence so far consists of salmon cravings, some dizziness, tender breasts, cramps, and 3 positive pregnancy tests. Yet, you've already managed to turn our world upside down.

Yesterday at the office, you spoke to me. I heard your faint, soft whisper, and it said "you're pregnant". I had always wondered if I would feel different, if I would have been able to tell before any test could confirm. Thank you for letting me know.

The moment I tested positive with you, I thought I was going to faint. You see, your daddy and I weren't planning for you to come this early, although we did already talk about you a lot. Daddy and I have been married for less than 2 weeks, which means that you were there, too, quietly forming our little family with us. And now here you are, making yourself known. Everything else has become unimportant in one instant.

I wish I could give you good news about the world you're being born into, but I'm afraid it's a bit of a mess at the moment. One of your 3 countries has just elected a big bully and a villain, which makes us feel both scared and queasy about the future. Yet I can't help but smile, and dream, and rejoice. A world where you exist is a world worth living in. Thank you for giving us hope."