Flying with pregnant wife

Sydney

Good post.

Knew you would come through with good stuff that us studs couldn't put
together. Haven't been there, haven't done that. G

Big John


On 8 Aug 2003 08:32:46 -0700, (Snowbird)
wrote:

(Captain Wubba) wrote in message . com...

My wife is pregnant with our first child. She is currently 12
weeks into an apparently uncomplicated pregnancy.

Congratulations!

What you'll find, Wubba, is that there isn't much in the
way of definitive research on this topic. I know, 'cuz it's
part of my job description to be able to dig up research like
a dog going after baked liver, and when I was pregnant I
had a personal interest.

1. What is the maximum altitude that would be 'safe' for for an
expectant mother to fly at?

Unclear. Rule of thumb: most commercial aircraft are pressurized
to ~8,000 ft and pregnant women fly commercial all the time w/out
problems. So that's probably a sensible guideline. If you're
concerned and want to fly higher, buy oxygen and have her use it.

We bought a system from Mountain High http://www.mhoxygen.com/
with whom I have no connection except as a satisfied customer.
Their salesman Ric used to give an "RAH scum" discount (he and
his lovely wife are building a Berkut), you might ask if you
go that route. We personally find it very useful above about
5k on long legs, we are less tired and more alert.

2. Does this vary with the stage of pregnancy?

No, though in general your wife will be less comfortable and
have trouble breathing in general after 6-7 mos or so.

What will be more of a concern is the need to maintain good
circulation, which sitting for long periods restricts. You
might want to ask her OB about prescription compression
therapy (aka "support hose"). The OTC kind are helpful, the
prescription kind are great. The thigh-high model are
cheaper and cooler than the pantyhose.

Shorter flights with a chance to stretch legs and move around
are a must (1 hr vs 3-4 hr legs) not to mention that the baby
will be occupying (and probably kicking) the normal location
of her bladder.

3. Is there a time when we should simply stop flying?

Well, I was up shooting ILS in 300 ft and 1 mile vis at
37 weeks . It depends upon how comfortable she is.
By 9 mos, she'll probably be pretty uncomfortable. It's
analogous to building a plane: the first 9 months last
9 months, and the last 2-3 weeks last another 9 months .

Depending upon the design of your plane, you may need a
seatbelt extender and she may need a small stepstool to
get into the plane.

4. Are there any resources that anyone know of concernign flying with
small children (i.e. headsets, inner-ear issues, etc.?

AOPA has a packet "flying with children". Some people cut earplugs
down. We don't like that. Two commercial muff-style hearing protectors
will adjust down to fit an infant (Tasco Golden Eagle and Peltor
something II). About $20-$30. Fill in the top with foam and cover
w/ a piece of soft cloth. Nurse or give bottle/paci on climbout/
descent. Learn to descend at 200 fpm, ask ATC for "slow descent"
due to "baby on board" they will usually accomodate. Use a full-size
crib protector cut in half as a baby containment device during
diaper change.

When baby is toddler, Ear-planes are helpful and a regular headset
(with foam at the top) can be used to allow them to listen to music.

Entertaining a baby or child shut up in a small plane for a 9 hr
flying day is an art form, but it can be done

HTH,
Sydney