Low Lying Placenta- International Flights Okay?

[Alyssa873]

Hi,

I am currently 11 wks. pregnant, and plan to travel from Colorado to Italy at 13 wks. for 8 days.  I have a low-lying placenta and am concerned that low levels of oxygen during the flight could harm the baby? I read in a book if you have any placental issues, you should avoid air travel, especially international long flights because oxygen deprivation. I am debating not going. My midwife says I am early along and it's only a concern when further along, but I'm not as concerned of miscarriage/premature birth as I am that the low levels of oxyegn could actually harm the baby? Thoughts?

Thanks, Alyssa

[sadafsaad]

hi thre...i also hv low lying placenta wit  18 weks pregnancy...my doc advised bed rest n no exertion...i advice u the same..gud luk buddy

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
I suppose it depends upon your reasons for travel.  If this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to go and see Italy, I would suggest that you do so.  The fetus has fetal hemoglobin which will bind oxygen very tightly, and that is how the baby takes oxygen from your blood.  The baby will get enough oxygen--don't worry about that.  And, your midwife is correct about the low lying placenta--99% of the time as the uterus stretches, the placenta "moves" out of the way and will be of no consequence by the time of delivery.  You are far enough along that the highest risk of miscarriage is over by now.

Now, having said all that--your SAFEST option is to stay home just in case. So if the trip is business and not pleasure, you could use this as an excuse.  Me--I'd go!

Good luck!
Dr B