Placenta Previa - experiences?

[luv_my_babes]

I had an ultrasound last week that revealed complete previa. I'm almost 18 weeks pregnant right now. For now I am on pelvic rest. My OB said that my placenta could move up, but was not *overly* optimistic, I'm not sure why because I am still early on in the pregnancy. I do have a history of preterm labour (ds born at 34 weeks and dd born at 35.5 weeks) and dialation during the second trimester (usually 1-2 cm by 28 weeks ). I've never experienced previa before.

Does anyone have any experience with previa? Did your placenta move up on its own? How many, if any, bleeding episodes did you experience? Were you able to go full term?

I'm just curious to hear people's experiences with previa. I'm nervous, especially at the prospect of having a very small baby.

TIA!

[Cheshire]

Hi,
I had partial previa around 18 weeks. It cleared by 37 weeks and I was okay'd to have a vaginal delivery. What I didn't know was that I had a velamentous insertion of the cord and vasa previa. Sometime towards the end of my labor my son's cord tore and he lost the majority of his blood before we could get him delivered. He died 12 hours later.

If your placenta moves enough for a vaginal delivery be sure to have your doctor check the insertion of the cord into the placenta and also to make sure there aren't any vessels running across your cervical opening.

I only post this because I wish someone had told me this was a possibility with previa and I would have known what to ask for at my ultrasounds.

Congrats on your pregnancy and best wishes. Sending vibes your way that it all clears up completely!!!

[Pinoikoi]

I also had partial previa but it cleared on its own and I had a fast smooth vaginal birth. I can't recall at what point it moved, though. Sorry it was 4 years ago

[azdaisy]

I had partial previa. I think we found out about 16 weeks, or so. It remedied itself by somewhere in the mid- to late-20 weeks, I think. (It was over three years ago, so it was a bit difficult to remember. But, I remember the main parts!) Good luck to you!! Have faith!

[studentmomma]

I had a complete previa diagnosed at 18 weeks as well. I decided that while no one was terribly optimistic, I needed to take matters into my own hands...

I went to an acupuncturist, and took sabina - look here for some more information on what I and others did and success rates.
Mine cleared quickly and I'm cleared for a natural birth anytime now.

Hope that helps. Best to you!

[MeepyCat]

I had a complete previa diagnosed at 18 weeks that didn't resolve. I had three bleeding episodes (two minor, one hemorrhagic, leading to emergency c-section).

Really, most previas id'd at this stage resolve. If the placenta isn't centered on your cervix, it's likely to not be a problem by around the start of the third trimester. If, however, you've drawn the losing ticket, expect to spend the last month or so of your pregnancy listening to doctors and midwives scratch their heads about it.

That said, I don't love the combination of early dilation and previa. My doctors explained to me that the placenta being over the cervix tends to irritate the cervix, causing dilation, which in turn stresses the placenta. I would definitely bring your history of early dilation and delivery up with your doctors.

[AndrewsMother]

I had a previa that was diagnosed as low lying during my 18-20 week ultrasound. At 28 weeks my previa was found to be complete and I delivered at almost 35 weeks without any bleeding during pregnancy.

The amniocentesis (to test for lung surfactant) one day before my scheduled c-section was hell on earth.

[sanguine_speed]

I'm sorry mama. I know it's easy for others to say it could clear up, but no one likes to be in such a position. A complete previa at 18 weeks can clear, yes, but sometimes does not. I hope you're on the winning side .

[busymama77]

I had complete previa with my first pregnancy and it moved by the time my next visit rolled around - 22 weeks. I was 18 weeks along when my OB noticed it, too.

[NWmt_mama]

I had complete previa and a velementous insertion, discovered around 18 weeks after a bleeding episode. Over the rest of the pregnancy I was on pelvic rest, low activity and had lots of ultrasounds, including two with a perinatal specialist. They ruled out vasa previa and everything eventually moved up slowely but shurly and at week 37 I was cleared for a vaginal birth.

So, there is a huge chance that it will resolve itself. If they aren't planning on it, I'd recommend another ultrasound later in the pregnancy to see if it has moved.

Chesire, I'm so sorry for your loss.