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Is Flying Safe During Pregnancy?

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Posted on Mon, 23 Jun 2014
Question: Hello Doctor XXXXXXX I am pregnant at 25 weeks and am detected with placenta previa grade-I. 22 weeks scan showed the lower tip at distance of 10 mm from internal OS. A scan after 24 weeks has revealed that that distance has increased to 17 mm. I have not not experienced any symptoms of distress till the date. The fetus growth also has been normal. Would like your advice how safe it would be to take up an air travel (3 hours long) this weekend. Thanks with best regards.XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (23 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
BEST AVOIDED.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for writing to us with your health concern.
As the pregnancy advances, the placenta migrates upwards.
SO, in all probability as you enter the third trimester, it would safely be contained in the upper part of the uterus.
It is good that you have not experienced any symptoms till now.
As such, travelling is best avoided with a low lying placenta.
If the reason is inevitable, and there is an urgency, you might venture to undertake the travel having understood the risks.
You might spot / bleed / cramp anytime.
If travelling is inevitable, please do so under cover of Duvadilan ( uterine tocolytic - relaxes the uterus ).
All the best
Please feel free to discuss further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (4 hours later)
Thanks Dr XXXXXXX

I stay in XXXXXXX and I need to reach my parents' place at XXXXXXX (Maharashtra) for subsequent delivery. That's reason for the travel.

Do you think Duvadilan will not have any side effects? Any other care that I need to take before journey?

Thanks and regards
XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
AS BELOW

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Short term use of Duvadilan will not have any side effects.
You can take it for a week, starting 2 - 3 days before travel , and continuing for 2 - 3 days after reaching XXXXXXX
Take an aisle seat, walk about every hour.
IF you feel any spotting / bleeding, immediately contact the air crew and request medical help.
Avoid stress and anxiety, do some chanting during the flight to help you calm down.
Avoid eating and drinking from outside.
Make sure somebody able accompanies you.
Have your doctor's phone number ready for emergency contact.
Avoid using public washrooms as far as possible.
Do not lift / drag heavy weights while travelling.
STay away from crowds, jostling during travel.
Recline during the air journey, if a business class seat is affordable, go for it, as economy seats are pretty cramped.
Else get an aisle seat for sure.
Keep a lemon mint lozenge in your mouth while take off and landing to prevent nausea, vomiting and vertigo.
Avoid intercourse before travelling.
Stay positive and relaxed.
Take care , and wish you good luck.
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Answered by
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Dr. Aarti Abraham

OBGYN

Practicing since :1998

Answered : 6004 Questions

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Is Flying Safe During Pregnancy?

Brief Answer: BEST AVOIDED. Detailed Answer: Hello Thanks for writing to us with your health concern. As the pregnancy advances, the placenta migrates upwards. SO, in all probability as you enter the third trimester, it would safely be contained in the upper part of the uterus. It is good that you have not experienced any symptoms till now. As such, travelling is best avoided with a low lying placenta. If the reason is inevitable, and there is an urgency, you might venture to undertake the travel having understood the risks. You might spot / bleed / cramp anytime. If travelling is inevitable, please do so under cover of Duvadilan ( uterine tocolytic - relaxes the uterus ). All the best Please feel free to discuss further.