Safe Travel During Pregnancy: Flying at 11 Weeks After IVF

Question
Hello Doctor,

I am 8.5 weeks pregnant after IVF. (This is my first pregnancy; and a very dear one after all the years of trying). I am carrying a singleton. So far I have had no complications from pregnancy; and things are just fine. I need to travel - I need to take a 2 hour flight from NJ to Florida when I will be about 11 weeks pregnany.

I donot want to take any risks either of miscarriage or of any issues to the fetus.

1. Is it safe to fly at 11 weeks pregnancy?
2. Are there more chances of spontaneous miscarriage because of flying?
3. Any issues because of the radiation, the x-rays at the screening or because of the high ultitude cabin pressures?
4. Do you normally recommend patients to not fly in the first trimester?
5. I donot want to take chances at all - so if need be I can cancel the trip OR go there by car.. Is going by car (14 hour drive) a better option than flying?

Please let me know

Thanks  

Answer
Hello.
This is really one for your Dr. to answer, He/She know you best and knows what is safe for YOU.
There are certain risk to flying even if you are not pregnant, crashes and such of course. (more likely to crash in a car though)
Long flights have been associated with blood clots, when pregnant you already at an increased risk of blood clots.
You of course want to avoid x-rays while pregnant, but I am sure they take precautions with pregnant women.
You need to think about the benefits against the risk (as you are doing) and talk to your Dr.
Good luck.