Effects of Airplane Pressure Changes on Fetus During Pregnancy

Physiological Changes During Air Travel and Their Effects on Pregnancy

The oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve is shifted to the right in pregnant women, requiring higher partial pressure of oxygen to achieve the same maternal oxygen saturation, according to the American Heart Association 1, 2
The fetal oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve is shifted to the left, conferring relative resilience to hypoxic conditions and protecting the fetus during brief exposure to lower oxygen pressures, as stated by the American Heart Association 1, 3
Pregnancy causes a 10-25% decrease in functional residual capacity as the uterus enlarges and elevates the diaphragm, leading to increased susceptibility to hypoxemia, as reported by the American Heart Association 2
Pregnant women have increased oxygen consumption (20-33% above baseline by third trimester) due to fetal demands and maternal metabolic processes, according to the American Heart Association 3

Maternal hypotension can reduce blood flow to the placenta, potentially affecting fetal oxygenation, as noted by the American Society of Clinical Oncology 4