AIR TRAVEL DURING PREGNANCY

Dr Deepika Tiwari, Gynecologist, Gurgaon www.gurgaongynae.inhttp://www.drdeepikatiwari.blogspot.com/http://www.gurgaongynecologist.webs.com/

Pregnant women & those contemplating pregnancy need special consideration because of specific nature of the potential health hazards of long distance flights.These include exposure to cosmic radiation, reduced arterial oxygen pressure, immobilization & unforseen medical & obstetrical emergencies encountered during flight.

More radiation shielding is provided by atmospheric air at lower altitudes.The dose received from cosmic radiation is usually lower during short haul flight since long haul flight are usually flown at higher altitudes.

The changes in heart rate & BP which are associated with decreased partial oxygen pressure may affect women with compromised pregnancies.

Increased risk of venous thrombosis may occur due to prolonged immobilization from cramped seats, which is called Economy class syndrome.

ADVICE

1.  Pregnant women  should use their seat belts continuously while seated.

2. Long distance flights are not recommended for women upto  36 wks gestation with singleton pregnancy & 32 wks with multiple pregnancies.

3. Travellers should be updated on routine immunizations including TT,Diptheria, Influenza, & other immunization  based on  geographic  risk

4. Travel is not  recommended at any time during pregnancy for women who have medical /obstetrical prblems that could result in emergencies

NOTE : Always consult your gynaecologist, whenever you are planning for air travel.

Emergency Contraception Pill or "Morning after" pill

 Emergency contraception (birth control after sexual intercourse) is the use of a drug or device to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse. Emergency contraceptive pills are sometimes called the “morning-after pill,” but they are usually effective if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sexual intercourse.  

Emergency contraceptive measures can be taken within the first 72 hours after unprotected sexual intercourse to reduce the possibility of pregnancy. A woman is most likely to become pregnant if sexual intercourse occurs in the few days before or after ovulation (release of an egg from the ovary). Emergency contraceptives should not be used as a contraceptive method in women who are sexually active or planning to become sexually active. They are not as effective as any ongoing contraceptive method.


Emergency contraception pills contain high doses of the same hormones that are in birth control pills. The high dose of hormones is short lived. Cases of deep vein thrombosis (blood clotting) have been reported in women using the emergency method. These pills are not designed to terminate an existing pregnancy.


Emergency contraception pills should only be taken with expert opinion. Cases of Uterine rupture have been reported in patients with inadvertent use.


Ref: Medscape
Dr Deepika Tiwari, Gynecologist, Gurgaon 9911821669
www.gurgaongynae.in
http://www.drdeepikatiwari.blogspot.com/
http://www.gurgaongynecologist.webs.com/