Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Can Flying During Pregnancy Cause Any Risk Of Blood Clots?

Hi I am 16 weeks pregnant, first pregnancy, 110 pounds,5'3. I am traveling from Israel to the US in late December (I will be 19 weeks) and my gyno prescribed Clexane for the flight. Is there a higher risk of blood clots on flights during pregnancy? Is it common to use Clexane for flights for pregnant women? Thank you! Talya
Fri, 20 Feb 2015
Report Abuse
OBGYN, Maternal and Fetal Medicine,  's  Response
Hi, I have gone through your question. Since you are pregnant, you are at high risk of deep venous thrombosis (blood clots in legs). Clexane is Heparin is an anticoagulant (it 'thins the blood' and makes it less likely to clot), but it is not needed in all pregnant patients.
Some people at particularly high risk of DVT may be advised to have a heparin injection before a long-haul flight like those have:
1. Have thrombophilia.
2. Have cancer which is being treated.
3. Have had major surgery in the previous four weeks. Specifically if you have had an operation under a general anaesthetic lasting more than 30 minutes. If you have had a hip or knee replacement within the previous three months, you should avoid long-haul flights altogether.
You are suggested to wear elastic compression stockings and do leg exercises to increase leg circulation so as to prevent deep venous thrombosis.
Hope this answers your question.
Wishing you good health.
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
Can Flying During Pregnancy Cause Any Risk Of Blood Clots?

Hi, I have gone through your question. Since you are pregnant, you are at high risk of deep venous thrombosis (blood clots in legs). Clexane is Heparin is an anticoagulant (it thins the blood and makes it less likely to clot), but it is not needed in all pregnant patients. Some people at particularly high risk of DVT may be advised to have a heparin injection before a long-haul flight like those have: 1. Have thrombophilia. 2. Have cancer which is being treated. 3. Have had major surgery in the previous four weeks. Specifically if you have had an operation under a general anaesthetic lasting more than 30 minutes. If you have had a hip or knee replacement within the previous three months, you should avoid long-haul flights altogether. You are suggested to wear elastic compression stockings and do leg exercises to increase leg circulation so as to prevent deep venous thrombosis. Hope this answers your question. Wishing you good health.