SELF Magazine recently raised the question whether flying while pregnant may induce labor? Though we are unaware of specific studies, CHR agrees with the “experts” quoted in the article that there is no evidence that flying increases risks of premature labor and/or any other risks to pregnancy. But we also agree with another point the quoted expert made, namely that due dates are not always accurate, and that labor can come early.
Pregnant women following fertility treatments, indeed, are statistically at increased risk for early deliveries. CHR, therefore, usually recommends to pregnant patients to avoid flying in the third trimester. The same recommendation is made in the first trimester if patients are at increased risk for miscarriages. Both of these recommendations are not based on concerns about flying. As noted before, flying, per se, does not appear to affect pregnancy, but “stuff can happen” at any times, and when it happens at 35,000 feet, and especially in a long flight, it’s not a good experience, which we hope our patient will avoid.
One more point about pregnancy and flying: Pregnancy is a hypercoagulable state, which means that blood clots form more easily. And so is flying! Combined, they really represent considerable risk. We, therefore, recommend that pregnant patients, especially in long flights, frequently get up from their seats and walk a little about the cabin. If you have an additional risk factor for blood clotting, like antiphospholipid antibodies or another thrombophilia, then walking around is not enough. In that case, you should ask your physician to give you a prescription for an anticoagulant shot before you get on the plane. Blood clots can be dangerous - even life threatening!
This is a part of the March 2018 CHR VOICE.
Norbert Gleicher, MD, leads CHR’s clinical and research efforts as Medical Director and Chief Scientist. A world-renowned specialist in reproductive endocrinology, Dr. Gleicher has published hundreds of peer-reviewed papers and lectured globally while keeping an active clinical career focused on ovarian aging, immunological issues and other difficult cases of infertility.
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