Stressed and worried!

[Mothie]

Hi ladies

I'm 7 weeks pregnant from a successful ovulation induction cycle and at my scan on Friday past a heartbeat was detected but the doctor also saw an area of bleeding in my womb which he called a haematoma. He wants to scan me again this Friday to see how things are looking but I'm supposed to be flying to a conference on Wednesday with work.

I'm so worried about the trip as I miscarried my last three pregnancies and don't want to do anything that might put me at risk. I spoke to a fertility nurse from my clinic today and she said if it was her she wouldn't risk it. Unfortunately the consultant isn't available until Wednesday and I'm kicking myself for not bringing it up last week but I was so worked up over the scan

Feeling really stressed about the whole situation and wondering if anyone has had any advice or experience of flying in early pregnancy?

[emmab178]

Is it long haul or short haul or uk low altitude flying?

Is it something you can put off?

Your work have a responsibility to keep you and the baby safe even at this early stage. I had to give up traveling for work due to chemical risks from week 6. Really annoying but occupational health insisted and they were right.

I also had a low lying placenta turn up on the 20 week scan and was told no flying or ferries etc till after the birth. Again really annoying but there was nothing work could say about it as its medial advice.

[kt_11]

I have just returned from a holiday where I flew long haul from UK to USA. I flew out at 4+2 and back at 6+3. My consultant was happy with this although one of the nurses was less keen and gave me a very hard time on OTD. I had to take blood thinning injections for a week after each flight and wear flight stockings. So far everything is fine. However...

If I were you I would most likely not fly. A haematoma is basically a clot, a bit like a bruise and although in itself it is probably not something to worry about, I'm not sure I'd want to do something like flying which is known to increase the risk of blood clots (more so in pregnant ladies, hence why I had to take the meds). Not trying to scare you and if it's only a short low altitude flight it might not be that relevant but definitely worth checking with a doctor, particularly if they're wanting to monitor you with further tests and you don't want to delay any important scans etc due to being away. xx

[AMH2]

I travel a lot for work also, sometimes when you're diligent it's hard to get perspective and you feel guilty about letting people down or seeming unprofessional. Remember this, you and your baby are the most important, not your job, they will survive without you, they will have to when you are on maternity leave. Tell them you're ill and unable to travel, you don't have to tell them why if you don't want to, you can be vague and say you have a medical issue. I'm sure your gp can give you a letter if your consultant is unavailable. A conference isn't exactly critical either. Put yourself first!

[Mothie]

Thanks ladies. I spoke with my manager today and she was very understanding and appreciates how stressed I am about it. Giving the trip a miss for my own peace of mind

[AMH2 in reply to Mothie]

Well done. The right decision

[emmab178 in reply to Mothie]

It's the safest option and glad to know your manager is so supportive.

I'm really not used to be told i can't do things and usually find a way round it. I was in floods of tears to my husband about how frustrating it was to be sidelined at work. But thinking about it afterwards there's no way legally work can go against medical advice. It may only be one nurse saying don't do it but your work have to cooperate. Oh and also they can't fire you because you have a medical issue like pregnancy.