Pregnancy and plane rides

Isn't it funny how you always end up on a plane about an hour longer than anticipated?  This happened to us last night on our trip and I had to go to some extreme measures to survive.  Being pregnant isn't fun and being pregnant in a plane seat with

no leg room and having a toddler crawl all over you is even worse.  Luckily there were a few extra seats on the plane and because we had requested a window and an aisle for our two paid seats, we lucked out with a free middle seat for Ethan.  It was a long-ish flight (I hate to say long because of all you brave Aussies that will board those 20 hour flights) but 6 hours was long enough for me.  I tried a few tricks to keep my pregnant body from revolting.

• Get up and walk around at least once an hour.  My midwife gave me this advice and I really took her up on it this time.  There weren't many places to go on that small Airbus but we made the best with what we had.  Ethan fell asleep so I just walked up and down the aisle with him in my arms a few times.  Walking around helps you ward off any potential problems with leg cramps and vein problems that pregnant women are susceptible to and which are even more dangerous on an airplane where movement is restricted and where cabin pressure seems to create problems.  Stretching your legs while seated or when walking around can also help with this. 
• Be sure to take your vitamin before your trip.  I'm not very consistent on taking the prenatal vitamin but you didn't have to remind me once in the few days before the trip.  We have all seen the specials on tv about how unclean the air is on the plane.  Boosting your immune system will give you a fighting chance against that horrible cough you hear behind you for all 6 hours. 
• Don't carry on too much luggage or if you have a lot of stuff, use a roller bag for your carry on luggage.  I did not follow this advice last night and ended up with cramps from carrying too much luggage.  My poor husband became a pack rat with the baby and all the bags until I could recover.   Be sure to listen to your body.  My body was telling me to slow down and to stop carrying too much stuff.  As soon as I listened to my body, I felt better.
• Don't be shy.  The beverage service is lacking on planes these days so I just got up a couple of times and asked for more water.  Had I purchased an extra bottle before getting onto the plane, I wouldn't have had to ask.  I'll be more prepared next time. 

I hope these tips help you on your next big trip.  I intend to follow my own suggestions a little closer on the way home.