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Is It Safe To Travel By Flight During 13 Weeks Of Pregnancy?

Posted on Wed, 17 Dec 2014

Question: Hi,

Following our previous discussion, this is the current situation.

My wife had her ultrasound and went for check up today. The doctor said placenta is low lying. She is in XXXXXXX and scheduled to come back to Sydney on 28th November, as we live in Australia, and only found out she was pregnant when we went to vacation in XXXXXXX . The doctor did not say specifically YES or NO regarding flying at this stage.

I am uploading all the reports for your review. My question is, given the data in report, is there any hazard in flying. She will be having wheelchair facility in the flight, so she does not have to walk or carry luggage.

From Dhaka to Singapore the flight is 4 hours, then 50 minutes transit and then flight from Singapore to Sydney is around 8 hours.

I should also mention in Dhaka she is not having proper care as she is staying in her sister's place and all of the family members are working. So its better she comes back where she can have proper care.

Looking forward to your suggestion

Answered by Dr. Dr. Soumen Patra (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Normal report. She can travel through flight.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for writing to us. Followings are my comments:

1) Air travel is MUCH safe for most healthy pregnant women but each airline has a different regulation for pregnant fliers. It is considered SAFE up to 32-36 weeks of pregnancy for single baby and 32 weeks for twin pregnancy for short period travel (max 6-8 hrs). For long period journey, you need her doctor's opinion.

2) I have reviewed attached report and it is almost NORMAL. She can safely travel through flight or airway at this stage (13 weeks).

3) Certain things may help her like:

a) Get up and walk around at least once an hour and drink plenty of fluids.

b) Carry medications for pregnancy related problems such as heartburn, skin complaints, constipation, vomiting etc in her kit. Sanitary napkin should be taken along with that.

c) Check travel insurance policy for pregnancy.

Hope, it helps for your information. Kindly, close the discussion if you don't have any other query.

Wish her good health and successful motherhood.

Regards,
Dr S Patra

For future query, you can directly approach me through

http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=63326

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Soumen Patra (37 minutes later)

Local Doctor said due to flight she might have some bleeding. But how will this bleeding affect the overall preganancy, we are nervous about that. As u said she is in almost normal condition, will moderate bleeding (worst casr scenario) will be fatal for the baby at this stage?

Is the placenta position too bad? she also had 3/4 drops of brown discharge today after coming back from the doctor. she did not climb the stairs, travelled by car and almost in bed rest all the time.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Soumen Patra (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No air traveling if she has brown discharge.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for follow up query.

Mild bleeding or spotting is quite common during pregnancy period. Moderate to heavy bleeding is always problematic at any stage of pregnancy (mostly with LOW lying placenta) and there is risk of miscarriage or pregnancy loss.

If she has started brown discharge recently, then air traveling is NOT advisable. It is quite worrisome. She would take adequate bed rest, do periodic check up and follow doctor's advice. It would be worthwhile until discharge is stopped.

Hope, I have answered your query. Kindly, close the discussion.

All the best and good luck.

Regards,
Dr S Patra

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