Is Flying Safe While Having A Low Lying Placenta In Pregnancy?

Posted on Sat, 31 May 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 31 May 2014 Answered on

Fri, 20 Jun 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi,
I'm on my 16th week. My recent scan report shows that I'm having a low lying placenta: posterior, 0.6cm away from the internal OS With maturity grade 0. How much risky is that? What Is the safe measurement to be away from the internal OS? Is there any option to get it done right? Any minor exercises needed?

Can I fly to my husband? Can I have a (connection) flight travel now??

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
AS BELOW

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for writing to us with your health concern.
No exercise can correct that.
The good thing is that in 90 % of cases, the low lying placenta migrates upwards as the pregnancy advances.
BY the beginning of the third trimester, in most cases, the placenta will be fine.
With this condition, there is always a risk of bleeding / spotting.
Travelling is best avoided, if there is any option, it is better not to travel.
In case you have to, please start Duvadilan ( uterine relaxant ) and rest / recline throughout the flight.
How long is the flight which you intend to take ?
Please write back.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (9 minutes later)

It's connection journey.
First journey will take around 4.30 hours n second wil take around 1.30 hours or so...
Will it cause the chance if miscarriage??

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
AS BELOW

Detailed Answer:
Yes, that risk is always there.
As I said earlier, with a low lying placenta, it is best to avoid travelling unless it is absolutely inevitable.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar