|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|||
|
||||
|
||||
Flying and PregnancyFrom: Arthur W. Curtis, Jr. (artcurtis@juno.com)Thu Jan 9 21:35:16 1997
I have found several articles referring to adverse outcomes in pregnancy related to living at higher altitudes including even cranioostosis among other things, but there is very little literature about the pregnant patient traveling by air. Several articles make passing reference to the safety of flying in pregnancy but there seems to be little actual data. A 1989 JAMA article states "With a few important exceptions, sufficient information is available to ensure relatively safe travel in pregnancy provided precautions are taken and preparations are made". One study reported fetal monitor changes while transporting pregnant patients by air; there were none. Presumably these were flights at lower altitudes. Another describes a slight increase risk in cancer in flight crew members after a 20 year career of flying! Acute altitude sickness on land is reported at 8,000 ft and above, but not in an airplane. Pressurized aircraft maintain a pressure of 7,500+ ft so caution seems wise for any contributing factors (smoking, etc) There is one report of an abruption during air travel but the report says there is no contra-indication to flying in an uncomplicated pregnancy. Amniotic fluid like any fluid is non compressable (non expandable) by pressure, therefore the volume of the amniotic fluid would not change, unlike the posted example of the expanding sealed sack of potatoe chips. The risk of PROM 'should' not increase as the pressure gradient accross the amniotic membrane would be the same regardless of altitude. The Federal Aviation Regulations (The FARS) (I'm also a pilot), govern every minutia of flying from cigar lighters to engines but there is no regulation about pregnancy in flying. Oxygen requirements are clearly stated: for the pilot above 10,000 ft for flights more than 30 min or always above 12,000 ft, and for passengers, only above 15,000 ft. BTW, both the equipment and the oxygen itself for medical use is prohibited for aviation use. So, safe to fly in pregnancy??? I lost the original post, but I will eMail the articles I found off list to anyone interested. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Arthur Curtis, MD FACOG 100 Central Street Worcester, MA 01608 ArtCurtis@Juno.com
|
|
Return to
|
Mail a New Message to the Forum: ob-gyn-l@obgyn.net Forum Administrator: geffrey.klein@obgyn.net Report Technical Problems: webmaster@obgyn.net Last Updated: Mon Nov 2 05:20:44 2009 |
The American Medical Association is no longer designating CME hours for AMA Category II CME credit. However, physicians themselves may self designate learning activities as Category II CME credit hours if they feel it is of sufficient educational merit and meets the formal definitions of continuing medical education. OBGYN.net believes these interaction in this forum meets these criteria. For further information see the AMA web site.