Is it safe for a 12-week pregnant woman with placenta previa to travel by a flight?

Question

Hi doctor,

My wife was diagnosed with a 12-week pregnancy three days ago, and placental thickening is seen posteriorly, presently reaching and covering the os (ostium). Could you kindly advise if she can travel by air this month for a three-hour flight? Will there be any problems?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

I am glad you chose icliniq for your medical related queries.

I have gone through your case and I understand your concern. At this stage, the placenta is very small, and there should not be any problem with air travel. She can safely travel. However, in cases of placenta previa after seven months, air travel is not advisable because abdominal pressure increases at high altitudes, which may cause bleeding due to placental separation. I hope she has undergone an NT scan and other routine investigations. I suggest that she continues taking folic acid tablets until the 14th week. Please consult with her specialist doctor, discuss with them, and take the medicines with their consent.

Hope this information helps you, feel free to ask further queries.

Thank you.