SUMMARY: British researchers explored the risks associated with flying during pregnancy and found that there are no significant health risks to mom or baby — even at advanced gestation.
Pregnant and flying this summer? You can relax and take a deep breath (even if it's re-circulated air). New research found no significant risk directly associated with air travel during pregnancy.
Cabin air quality aside, the report, published in the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, addressed the main cause for concern in pregnant women: the possibility of preterm labor or an obstetric emergency developing mid-flight. Those same concerns are why many airline carriers prohibit women who are over 36 weeks pregnant from flying.
"For uncomplicated pregnancies there is no reason to give advice against commercial air travel," said lead researcher, professor Ian Greer, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Health and Life Sciences at the University of Liverpool. "There is no issue with travel in early pregnancy, as the main consideration is risk of labor."
Greer advises women with uncomplicated pregnancies avoid flying from 37 weeks, rather than 36 weeks; and women at risk for preterm labor (such as multiple pregnancies) not fly after 32 weeks.
The biggest risk of air travel is deep vein thrombosis (DVT) because the woman is sitting for prolonged periods of time. However, the risk is small, but the likelihood of DVT can be increased by such conditions.
As reported by Medical Express, it is generally accepted that prolonged flights results in a three-fold increase in incidence of thrombosis, with an additional 18 percent higher risk for each two-hour increase in flight duration.
Greer suggests pregnant women flying on flights four hours or longer wear compression stockings. "While the risk of developing DVT in flight varies depending on the individual's risk factors, it is a concern of most pregnant women and there is reasonable evidence to support the use of graduated elastic compression stockings to reduce this risk further."
"However, if the woman has a history of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy it would be sensible to suggest ultrasound prior to travel to confirm the location and viability of the pregnancy."
The paper also addressed body scanners that have been ubiquitous at airports. The research rules out any hazards from the scanners, which use ionizing radiation at a dose level that is not considered a substantial risk.
What's more, obstetricians were advised to remain aware of conditions that may complicate the pregnancy and lead to an increased risk of problems occurring during the flight. These include severe anemia, recent hemorrhage, serious cardiac or respiratory disease, and recent bone fractures.
If you're considering air travel (babymoon, anyone?) consult your doctor about risks and recommendations.
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