Flying

[JadeFeather]

Hi ladies
I know it’s generally considered safe but I had a miscarriage recently after getting off a flight and I’ve read about a few women who had similar experiences so I’m keen to avoid it next time around.
My job can sometimes involve travelling. I don’t want to tell my work immediately that I’m pregnant until I know it’s viable. Is there any other reason why someone would not be able to fly?

Risk of blood clots/DVT. Personally, I would just be honest with HR and they can pass that along to your supervisor without giving too many details.

Really though there is absolutely no evidence that pregnancy is affected by flying, which you know. I know it doesn't help with the worry, but you will realistically be fine. The only pregnancy I didn't fly loads in was the one I had a mc. With my 1st, I did 3 long haul flights (between 8-11 hours) between 7 and 10 weeks. With my current pregnancy, I did another 11 hour trip very early on, just when I got my BFP, and then some shorter ones towards the end of 1st tri. When I had the mc, I had been at home not traveling, taking it easy. So if you have to travel, I wouldn't stress yourself out about it.

But if you really don't feel you can, I would speak to HR in confidence. They'll probably want a GP note or something if it will seriously affect your work and that might be tricky if you aren't able to explain the real reason.

This link was given to me by my midwife concerning flying as I was very worried about travelling when pregnant. Like you I'd previously had a miscarriage.

www.rcog.org.uk/globalassets/documents/patients/patient-information-leaflets/pregnancy/air-travel-pregnancy.pdf

After doing lots of research and talking to my midwife I decided to fly in the end and went on 4 flights during my first trimester and I'm now 18 weeks and so far everything is fine. They were all European so no long haul thankfully. I followed my midwifes advice i.e. wearing compression socks, walking about every 20 minutes, drinking lots of water etc.
As miscarriage is so common I think its probably likely that your miscarriage happening after flying was a coincidence. I can understand why you'd still be worried though as you now associate the two things together.

As for excuses not to fly, I guess you'd be looking at either inventing a medical problem or a personal problem. Maybe it would just be easier to tell your boss or HR?

Thanks!
I know there is no evidence of risks but I guess I can’t help feeling a bit worried. The night after I flew back from my holiday I had a horrible pain and after that my symptoms disappeared and I miscarried a week or two after. I’ve read online experiences of one or two other women who have described something similar after a flight so that’s made me a little nervous.
I work in a small company that’s just hired a HR manager. I guess I could speak to her but because I don’t know her I feel nervous trusting her. I’ve known my boss for many years and although I get on really well with him he doesn’t have kids and I know he’s not going to be that thrilled to know that I’m pregnant or trying so I would prefer to only have that conversation when it’s necessary. I hope this makes sense