Low lying placenta - can you fly?

[Nifler]

Hello

Yesterday I had 20 week scan and they said I had a low lying placenta which is slightly covering some of my cervix (not covering it completely), hopefully it will move up during pregnancy and I have another scan booked at 32 weeks.

I am due to fly abroad in 2 weeks and she said to contact midwife about whether this was safe, I haven’t heard back yet and it’s just on email, they can be very slow….

Anyone had this?

Thanks!

Yeah you should be fine at 22 weeks, but your midwife will likely advise you to stop flying in advance of the usual 36 week limit - usually around 30/32 weeks.

Yeah I did in my first pregnancy. I flew at 22 week and again at 30! I don’t think my placenta was as low as yours it wasn’t covering the cervix at all but was just closer to the opening than they would have wanted. It had moved well out the way when it was rescanned so fingers crossed yours does too!

If they have diagnosed placenta previa I don't think you can as risk of bleeding etc. Unsure regarding low lying...are you flying within the uk or abroad?

Thanks for your comments. @ecossegirl91yeah if it was just low and not covering partly then maybe that would be a bit safer but until I talk to someone it’s hard to know and just makes me worry!

@Imonmyway abroad, Italy - so major hospitals and short flight but if I were to have a heavy bleed whilst flying I guess there’s not much they can do for us which is a bit scary. That being said I’ve not bled at all so I’m sure the chances are very very low but feels like it’s a risk just for a holiday!

Personally with a partial placenta praevia I wouldn’t risk flying, especially not abroad. I would be very surprised if your doctor would give you a fit to fly note as well. See what the midwife says but I’d expect them to say it’s a no go, but they can probably provide a letter stating that which can help you get your money back through your insurance if you have to cancel the holiday.

@Nifler i remember worrying about it too, and hadn’t had a bleed either. My midwife was fine with my 22 wk flight because like I say mine wasn’t covering but was just within the 2cm area of the cervix.
I was more nervous about my 30 week flight (also Italy) so I booked a private scan at 28 weeks as the nhs one wasn’t till 32 and it had moved at 28 weeks and was well clear, I know that’s probably not entirely helpful!

Thank you, midwife has now responded to say they aren’t able to give me a fit to fly letter given the cervix is partly covered so it’s a no go. Technically I don’t need a fit to fly certificate as the airline doesn’t require until 27 weeks - but I was mainly wanting advice on the safety aspect so sounds like not safe. Disappointing!

I have replied to ask if that would apply to long trains too if I go via Eurostar and take a few trains to different countries. Obviously could get to a hospital quicker than from a plane if needed but could still be in the middle of nowhere.

I think the main issue would be your insurance, you’d need to make sure it was rock solid in case you ended up in hospital or if the baby were to come early, depending on how many weeks you’d be.