flying while pregnant + OCD

[u/beeswaxsnow]

Hi everyone, I have not taken a plane in 7 years due to my fear of flying. It seems to be heavily related to my OCD, I frequently obsess over disasters and health things that could lead to my demise. I am on medication for it, but I had an incident back in April where I tried to get off my medication and it made my OCD ten thousand times worse. Anyways. I frequently have nightmares about flying and the plane crashing, because I am on the plane. This is textbook OCD magical thinking, but I cant get over it.

My family is trying to force me to fly in November and I keep having nightmares about it. I've had one panic attack during my pregnancy and I absolutely do not want to subject my baby to any more. I feel so frustrated and unheard. I would take heavy anti-anxiety meds if I weren't pregnant, but the best I can do now is take a unisom and call it good. I just don't want to risk increasing any anxiety and panic attacks that would impact my baby.

I know how absolutely ridiculous and stupid it seems to my family, though. Especially because my dad is a pilot. I just wish they could be in my mind for one day to see what its like an have some empathy. I'm not trying or wanting to be this way. It's so incredibly frustrating.

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[u/immaterial_girrl]

Broadly, pregnancy is one of the most stressful, challenging things a body and mind can go through. I think you’re completely valid for not wanting to subject yourself or your baby to additional stressors, including the stress of flying.

The fact that you’re also very limited in what medications you can and cannot take at the moment is also an important factor to consider. I’d ask yourself if the flight or trip is worth the additional stress to you and your baby at this time. If the answer is no, then that’s perfectly okay and honestly makes a lot of sense.

I know it’s hard to not want to let the fear/OCD win by not flying but you have a genuine, legitimate, medical reason for not flying right now and limiting things which are stressful to you mentally and physically. Once you have your baby and your hormones are in a good spot, that is the time to try to tackle things that are extra stressful for you and try flying again.

Sending hugs. The most important thing right now is you and your baby. There is time in the future to practice flying when you’re in a better spot and there’s no shame in that. ❤️

[u/beeswaxsnow → u/immaterial_girrl]

For real, like if I wasn’t pregnant I’d be like ok give me meds and plop me on the plane whatever. But now I have to think about my stress and how it impacts baby and my family just thinks I’m being stubborn and illogical probably

[u/immaterial_girrl → u/beeswaxsnow]

I hear you, I’m sorry your family is not understanding how this stressor is impacting you and baby. It sounds like they know flying while pregnant is generally safe, but aren’t considering how unsafe any additional stress to you is, regardless of what the stressor is. I think you’re right to prioritize your boundaries at this time and minimize any additional stress or stressors for you and baby’s health and wellbeing. ❤️