ACOG Committee Opinion No. 443: Air travel during pregnancy

    Obstetrics and Gynecology
    |November 6, 2009
    PubMed

    In the absence of obstetric or medical complications, pregnant women can observe the same precautions for air travel as the general population and can fly safely. Pregnant women should be instructed to continuously use their seat belts while seated, as should all air travelers. Pregnant air travelers may take precautions to ease in-flight discomfort and, although no hard evidence exists, preventive measures can be used to minimize risks of venous thrombosis. For most air travelers, the risks to the fetus from exposure to cosmic radiation are negligible. For pregnant aircrew members and other frequent flyers, this exposure may be higher. Information is available from the FAA to estimate this exposure.

    Related Concept Videos

    Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics01:23

    Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics

    Respiratory symptoms, such as congestion and cough, commonly accompany respiratory tract conditions. Various medications, such as antitussives, expectorants, and mucolytics, play crucial roles in providing relief.
    Antitussives include codeine, dextromethorphan (Robitussin), and benzonatate (Tessalon). Codeine and dextromethorphan exert their effects centrally by suppressing the cough reflex center in the medulla.  Benzonatate operates peripherally within the respiratory tract by anesthetizing...
    Radiological Investigation I: X-ray and CT01:30

    Radiological Investigation I: X-ray and CT

    Radiological investigations, including X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans, are critical for diagnosing and evaluating various medical conditions. These imaging techniques provide valuable insights into the body's internal structures, aiding in the detection of abnormalities, assessment of disease progression, and development of treatment strategies. This article delves into two primary radiological investigations, chest X-rays and CT scans, outlining their purpose, procedures, and the...
    Mitral Valve Prolapse III: Nursing Management01:19

    Mitral Valve Prolapse III: Nursing Management

    The nursing management of Mitral Valve Prolapse, or MVP, centers around patient education, symptom monitoring, and lifestyle modifications.Patient Education on MVP Diagnosis and Heredity: Nurses should provide comprehensive education about MVP, a condition where the mitral valve does not close appropriately during heartbeats. This education often includes the condition's pathophysiology, symptoms, and potential complications, like arrhythmias or mitral regurgitation. Though not fully...
    Teratogenicity01:07

    Teratogenicity

    The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
    Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management01:27

    Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management

    A pulmonary embolism occurs when a thrombus, amniotic fluid, tumor tissue, fat, or air embolus blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. Effective nursing management and patient education are crucial for improving outcomes and preventing recurrence.Nursing management starts with obtaining a comprehensive patient history, particularly noting any history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Assess for clinical manifestations, including dyspnea, chest pain, crackles, heart murmurs, and signs of right-sided...
    Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management01:25

    Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management

    Aortic regurgitation (AR) is when the aortic valve does not close or seal properly, leading to backward blood circulation from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole. Common causes of AR include rheumatic heart disease, congenital valve defects, and aortic root dilation. Managing AR requires a multifaceted approach to alleviate symptoms, preserve left ventricular function, and address the underlying cause of the regurgitation. Patients with symptomatic AR or significant left...