Help from moms who have already had several children

[mommytoallh]

I am having some pregnancy complications and I was hoping someone can offer some help. I am 21w 3d with my 8th pregnancy, 6th baby. I was diagnosed with a marginal previa at my 18w u/s. I have been having brown spotting pretty much the entire pregnancy, and 1 episode of light bleeding. All of which was blamed on the previa. I have had spotting with every pregnancy as well, and some major complications with 3 of them. I am also getting contractions, like braxton hicks already. My mw was very concerned when I told her this. She made me go on the monitor and have an internal exam. I was put on pelvic rest when I had the bleeding and put on more restricted activity this week when I said I was having contractions. (Sigh) Ok, my question is could this be normal? I mean the spotting could be from the previa, or just normal for me as I have had it with every pregnancy. And the more children you have the more stretched you uterus gets and I wonder if it's normal to get bh contractions earlier and to feel them more. Has this happened to any of you? I felt movement so much sooner this time, and I commented to dh that I am feeling lots of things sooner this time. Shortness of breath, not being able to eat large meals anymore, and my belly is pretty big - which my mw said was normal. I am at a loss. It has totally taken away the joy of being pregnant. I'm not sure if what I am experiencing is really a problem or not.
I'm sorry this is so long. I am hoping someone has something to offer as I feel in a really bad place right now.

[Family4Christ]

Yes, I have them often and strong from very early on with 2 out of 3 pregnancies. They never change my cervix. They also don't lessen with increased fluid, rest, etc. They are a nuisance to me, but they don't cause trouble.

[~Demeter~]

I started having bh contractions around 9ish weeks... I think in abundance they can be worrisome but I don't feel they are something to worry about over all.

Not sure about the spotting.

[babymango]

Not sure about the spotting, but I've had BHs since the end of the first trimester with this (2nd) pregnancy

[MaerynPearl]

Nothing with DS

DD1 no spotting but I started with contractions at about 34 weeks

DD2 had partial previa diagnosed at 21 weeks, at 26 weeks had spotting, another ultrasound and an internal check said it was not previa anymore but I was starting to dilate. 32 weeks I started prodromal labor (constant contractions, not just BH) We freaked out, I was planning a homebirth so I was told to rest as much as possible. (pelvic rest at 26 weeks, restricted activity at 32)


FWIW DD2 was not born until 41w6d, came on her own and is totally healthy.

No clue why my body did all of that except the likelihood that it was just because she was baby #3, pregnancy #4.

[sewingsparklz]

Sounds like it's normal for you. And I thought for sure BH started earlier with each pregnancy, on average. I'm not a widwife, but it sounds okay...Could your older ones not help a little while you sort of rest or are they at school?

[MeepyCat]

The combination of previa and contractions is pretty alarming.

One of the problems with previa (and one reason why previa patients are so often delivered before term) is that the placenta irritates the cervix, causing contractions, which, in turn, irritate and potentially damage the placenta. Your midwife is right to be concerned.

I wish I could tell you some way to enjoy this time, but the fact is that complicated pregnancies totally suck. If not for the baby, they would have nothing at all going for them.

[Kreeblim]

I wouldn't worry about the bleeding because of the previa. I had previa with my second and the bleeding was SO excessive that it was 10x my worst period and at one point gushed down both legs and onto the floor even though I was protected and fully clothed. It just went away eventually, and I had a VBAC that pregnancy. Bleeding is common in early previa, though my case was extreme (I thought for sure it was a miscarriage each time).

I agree with meepy cat that the combo of the previa and contractions is alarming. One or the other wouldn't be that bad, but the bleeding isn't even a main issue.

[mommytoallh]

Thank you all for your replies. I guess the reality is I am just going to have to take it easy. My dh is very supportive of me doing that and getting help as I need it. I don't think I was emotionally prepared to have complications this time. And whether they are legitimate or not - it's just better to be cautious. I could never live with myself if something I did caused something bad to happen. Thank you again.