placenta previa question?

[Tigerlily01]

I have complete placenta previa, although only a little of my placenta is actually covering the cervix (it is completely covered though, it's just not centered). I also have some blood vessels near the cervix, apparently. I was diagnosed at 20 weeks, but have had zero symptoms, and have another ultrasound scheduled for 28 weeks to see if it moved. I'm not allowed to have sex, do strenuous exercise, or lift more than 20lbs, but other than that I've been given no restrictions.

I'm going on vacation (3 hour flight) at 27 weeks, and will be back before I'm 28 weeks. My OB was not remotely concerned about this, and said it was fine, because most bleeds are later in 3rd tri (for people who are asymptomatic) and the first one is generally really minor. So I'm ok with going on the trip.

My question is, if I do have some minor bleeding during a flight, is there anything I should do? It's not an emergency unless it's heavy bleeding, right? I didn't think to ask at my appointment. I mean, if I have some insane emergency I imagine they could land, but if I've just got some spotting or light bleeding, I can just get checked out when I arrive, right? I'm sure this is really unlikely to happen, I just feel like I should know what to do...?

 

[BrittBS]

If it's light spotting or bleeding I'm sure it would be fine to wait. I had constant bleeding up to 13 weeks and again at 15/16 weeks with my placenta previa and my doctor wasn't concerned at all unless I was soaking through a pad.

 

[Tigerlily01]

Thank you! I'd feel silly calling back to ask this, they'd probably think I'm a hypochondriac ("um, excuse me, if I'm spotting do they need to land the plane?" er...yeah. ) but I just didn't know how urgent this stuff was.

 

[Kezzybear]

I have placenta previa and my OB said not to travel more than 1 hour from a hospital and no flights. He said 25% of your blood volume goes through the placenta so if it bleeds heavily it won't take long before a transfusion is required. He scared the crap outta me so I wouldn't do it. But if your OB is ok with it, then go for it

 

[Tigerlily01]

Thanks. Stories like this scare me silly, but I'm hoping since my OB said it was totally ok that maybe my case isn't as severe.