Physiologic changes in pregnant women and their fetuses during jet air travel

The physiologic reactions of pregnant women and their fetuses were studied during routine commercial flights. Ten healthy pregnant women (32 to 38 weeks of gestation) each undertook two flights. Maternal respiratory and heart rates, transcutaneous Po₂ and Pco₂, blood pressure, uterine activity, and fetal beat-to-beat heart rate variability were continuously monitored. During these flights, maternal heart rate and blood pressure increased, and Pot decreased significantly while Pco₂ remained unchanged. Respiratory rate showed a short increase during takeoff and landing but remained unchanged during the rest of the flight. Mean fetal heart rate was within normal limits during the whole flight. No bradycardia, prolonged tachycardia, or significant loss of heart rate variability was observed. This study indicates no hazards of commercial flights to the mother and the fetus in uncomplicated pregnancies.