NP here - this is an interesting discussion. I lost my PGS normal pregnancy 2 weeks after a long haul flight. This was a 16-17 hrs door to door travel: I got up early at 5 am, cab ride to airport took 30 min, I flew from one local city to another on a 1 hr flight, waited at another airport to 2 hours, embarked on a long-haul 8.5 hour flight, clearing customs, picking up the luggage and driving home took another 1.5 hours. I had a jet lag for another 10 days due to time difference.
I lost my pregnancy at exactly 4 week mark.
Does anyone think there is a correlation? Examples would include high cabin pressure and just a general wear and tear of a long flight as well as jet lag. I did have someone to help with the luggage but it was still stressful.
Any thoughts?

Anonymous wrote:OP here - RE nurse called back. Just went in for second beta yesterday - from 500 to 1500. RE does not want me to fly. She said “given your history, he does not want to take the risk” I imagine if I had not asked, there would be no issue but since I asked he wants to be cautious. It also makes me worried that he thinks I am going to miscarry again but is not telling me. So, now I have to cancel the flight and figure out how to recoup from travel Insurance. Third beta on Friday. Happy Thanksgiving

OP, congratulations and good luck for a safe pregnancy!

No additional risk

Anonymous wrote:Studies of flight attendants have shown no link between the two.

+1

I flew within one day of both my transfers that worked. One of those transferred embryos is now 2 and napping in her crib and I am 10 weeks along with her sibling.

OP here - RE nurse called back. Just went in for second beta yesterday - from 500 to 1500. RE does not want me to fly. She said “given your history, he does not want to take the risk” I imagine if I had not asked, there would be no issue but since I asked he wants to be cautious. It also makes me worried that he thinks I am going to miscarry again but is not telling me. So, now I have to cancel the flight and figure out how to recoup from travel Insurance. Third beta on Friday. Happy Thanksgiving

Anonymous wrote:Studies of flight attendants have shown no link between the two.

Other studies have shown a link between certain aspects of work required for flight attendants and an increased risk of miscarriage.

However, the risk factors for flight attendants are not the same risk factors that would would affect a passenger on a flight, especially if you're not flying long-haul during sleeping hours.

If you want to take the trip, do so!

There are two very different questions here: whether flying actually increases risk of miscarriage, and how to deal with (possibly irrational) fears during pregnancy.

For #1: this is anecdotal, but I work part-time as a flight instructor. I flew several times per week with both pregnancies, from before I knew I was pregnant until I was too big to fit in the cockpit. Granted, these are smaller planes, but unpressurized (and we fly at the same altitudes to which the airlines are pressurized, i.e. same air pressure). No issues. I've never seen any evidence or studies that indicate a correlation between flying and miscarriage. So my money is on "no increased risk", but of course it is very difficult to prove a negative (lack of connection). I would be very cautious of infections, though - wash hands frequently!

So that leads to question #2. In the absence of a clear risk, how to you handle the fear of a potential risk? I'm analytical: I read the studies, make a risk/benefit list, and make a choice. Most importantly, once a choice is made, don't go back and second-guess it (unless new information comes to light BEFORE you've implemented the decision). You'll drive yourself crazy second-guessing, and I firmly believe that the stress of all that is worse for the pregnancy than anything else you can do.

But all that said, this is your husband's baby too, and he deserves to have his concerns heard and considered. Talk it over with him and your doctor together.

Flying does not cause miscarriage.

I had a huge work trip and vacation planned which ended up happening when I finally got pregnant (after 2 years of attempts.) When 5 weeks pregnant I flew from the US to Australia, Australia to New Zealand, domestic flights within both countries, and back to the US. I also went through a natural disaster while there.

I was very afraid I'd jeapordized the only pregnancy I'd achieved but everything was fine. I went on to fly several more times during that pregnancy (and had a full-term healthy baby).

You will be fine OP. Have your doctor talk w/ your husband if need be.

Anonymous wrote:Don't go through a full body scan at the airport.

Skip if you want, but the cell phone in your pocket emits more radiation than the scanners.

Anonymous wrote:Your sister will completely understand. At this point in your life, DH’s concerns should be considered much more on the “family spectrum” than sister’s (potential) disappointment that you weren’t there to celebrate in person. She will be so wrapped up in receiving her award, as well as other friends and family who are visiting, that I’m sure she would understand and, even encourage, your absence. I love my sister beyond belief and I couldn’t imagine her taking such a big risk just to see me win an award. You all can celebrate together after baby is born healthy and well!! *

* btw- I don’t believe that airline travel causes miscarriage but your husband’s concerns (as well as yours) should trump all. He’s been through the same hell as you have been...

Noooo. As someone who has lived the hell of RPL (8 consecutive losses), I would argue that this is exactly what OP shouldn't do. It takes a lot of therapy to get through fear during pregnancy, but honoring irrational thoughts as medical gospel will not help him at all. This is the kind of behavior that would escalate if g-d forbid something random and terrible happens ("did we lose the baby because I went on a treadmill? Or because I ate something?"). Or if your pregnancy continues (ie., having the pregnancy police attack you for going on a hike, or eating a hot dog you're craving or anything else). PLEASE don't give credence to myths and fears.

https://justonemorebaby.blogspot.com

My DD was an IVF pregnancy. I flew at 10 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks, and 24 weeks. No issues, aside from a little swelling on that last trip. I had asked my RE before booking the first two trips (I hadn't graduated from RE yet) and he had no concerns about it.

i thought i was having a miscarriage while on vacation. flew home and got an ultrasound. healthy baby 8 months later! (IVF pregnancy.)

Don't go through a full body scan at the airport.

I'm so glad my husband is not an idiot! I can't imagine making decisions based on made up risks.

We flew lots during my first two pregnancies, which both resulted in healthy babies. Planning to fly again while pregnant with this third baby. One last family trip before we become a family of five.