Is air travel in pregnancy safe?

QUESTION: How should I advise the increasing number of my pregnant patients who need to fly as part of their jobs? ANSWER: Overall, existing data do not confirm increased reproductive risks for otherwise healthy pregnant women traveling by air. Pregnant women with specific medical conditions that might be exacerbated by a hypoxic environment, such as respiratory and cardiac diseases, should avoid flying, as should women at risk for preterm labour and those with placental pathologies.