Placenta previa anyone? « Back to Group Discussions

[ISHISN0WC0NE]

I had an ultrasound around 17 weeks that showed a low lying placenta, 4cm away from my cervix.  Didnt affect a thing; was told this is totally fine for a vaginal delivery.  The baby was a wild little thing during the ultrasound so they were unable to get a good look at heart and kidneys.  At 24 weeks I had another ultrasound to look at the babys organs (which are perfect) and it looks like the placenta is now actually covering part of my cervix (partial previa).  There is a lot of time for movement, but I have to go see maternal-fetal medicine at 28 weeks for another ultrasound.  Ive had 2 episodes of bleeding and am on pelvic rest.  If the placenta does not move I am headed toward a c-section; SO not the waterbirth Ive been envisioning.  Ill take a c-section over a massive hemmorhage any day, but I am hoping I dont have to worry about either of those things.

I had a low lying placenta with my first that resolved by this point, so Im a little nervous.

So, tips ladies?  Ive heard acupuncture can be beneficial, Im considering it.  

[ilovetchotchkes]

Mine with my last pregnancy moved in the other direction. I was very relieved that mine was up snug and tight and I don't have to get any more ultrasounds. 

Previa is one of the FEW circumstances where I'd hop up on the OR table gladly. And surgery, much less surgery while i'm awake is my biggest phobia. (I have to have a xanax when I have a tooth drilled to just give you an idea of how phobic I am of medical procedures) 

[lari]

Yup,  Count me in.  I had a partial previa with my first that migrated safel away from my cervix and I delievered vaginally.  I have partial previa again and have to be rechecked at 28 weeks to see if it too has migrated north-ward.  I'm really hoping it does and I kind of feel like it will so I'm not too worried.  I'm planning a hospital birth regardless so while I want a vaginal birth if possible I won't be devastated if I have to go for a c-section.  I just want baby to get here safe and sound.  I'm sorry your placenta hasn't migrated yet, but really there still is a lot of time and your uterus is still going to do a lot of growing so I'll keep my finger's crossed for you.

[NewMumJoy]

I learned of my partial previa during my anatomy scan at 18wks and am going in for a follow up scan in a couple of weeks (28wks).  I'm really hopeful that it has moved away, but I never knew that it could actually move in the wrong direction!  I also hadn't heard of treating this with acupuncture but would certainly give that a shot since I know acupuncture can be effective at resolving so many other issues.

ishisnowcone - what does "pelvic rest" mean for you?  No physical exertion?  Do you have to stay in bed?  For me, I was just told "no sex" to avoid contractions/early dilation.  Fortunately I have not experienced any bleeding, but I do get nervous when I have strong BH, especially when my DH is out of town and I'm all alone...

We still have time, keeping fingers crossed!!!

[frijolera]

Hello, I am at 25 weeks with my third child and was told at 18 weeks that I have placenta previa with my son. All I was told was to avoid sex, exercise, and strenuous house work. I am 36 years old and have had two previous vaginal deliveries without complications. I was told that I will have another ultrasound at 28 weeks to see if my placenta has moved upwards. I am nervous and praying for a safe delivery. Nursing and immediate physical bonding is very important to me, so I am scared of a C-section as I have no experience with C-sections and its effects on nursing. I will keep you posted and thank you for sharing your stories.

[sallyrae17]

Originally Posted by frijolera 

Hello, I am at 25 weeks with my third child and was told at 18 weeks that I have placenta previa with my son. All I was told was to avoid sex, exercise, and strenuous house work. I am 36 years old and have had two previous vaginal deliveries without complications. I was told that I will have another ultrasound at 28 weeks to see if my placenta has moved upwards. I am nervous and praying for a safe delivery. Nursing and immediate physical bonding is very important to me, so I am scared of a C-section as I have no experience with C-sections and its effects on nursing. I will keep you posted and thank you for sharing your stories.

I just wanted to let you know that I had a c-section with my first child and it had absolutely no effect upon breastfeeding or bonding. He was away from me for maybe 40 minutes to an hour and his dad was with him the entire time. He latched on immediately upon seeing me and is still nursing once a day at almost three years old. C-sections aren't the best way to welcome your baby, but if you have to have one, don't freak out about it. It takes longer for you to heal, but in my experience, it had no effect whatsoever on my relationship with my son.

[ilovetchotchkes]

Originally Posted by sallyrae17 

I just wanted to let you know that I had a c-section with my first child and it had absolutely no effect upon breastfeeding or bonding. He was away from me for maybe 40 minutes to an hour and his dad was with him the entire time. He latched on immediately upon seeing me and is still nursing once a day at almost three years old. C-sections aren't the best way to welcome your baby, but if you have to have one, don't freak out about it. It takes longer for you to heal, but in my experience, it had no effect whatsoever on my relationship with my son.

:) Totally unrelated but I have a friend who had to have 2 sections under general, which is what i'd have to have because I'd flip the heck out if I had to have one. Seriously it would =panic attack. Just talking about the possibility w/ my midwife I start to have a panic attack.So I asked my friend about it. Lots of questions.  She hugged me and said "i doubt you'll have one, but we nursed for 2 years both kids no issues. YOu've already successfully nursed one, if it ends up like that, you will be FINE" 

[ISHISN0WC0NE]

NewMumJoy- pelvoc rest means (according to my midwife) nothing in the vagina, no extra pelvic pressure (lifting heavy things, crazy stratches, etc) and . . . the kicker . . . NO ORGASMS!  I informed her I have NO control over my dirty dreams :P  she said just dont try to have one hehe.  

[NewMumJoy]

Haha, yup I was told "no" to the Big-O as well...... 10 weeks!!!!!  I have 1 1/2 wks left until our follow up u/s... I cannot wait!!!

[Tizzy]

Apparently I have a low-lying placenta (at 18w) and MW is pushing for another u/s around 30 weeks. 

I haven't had any spotting or any other issues whatsoever, so no pelvic rest.

For what it's worth (I am very anti-C/S!) my first was a c/s and he was never away from me. DH held him almost immediately afterwards and kept him with me the whole time, bonding and nursing were not an issue.   I did have to fight a LOT with the one nurse to keep him in bed with me (she was convinced I'd drop him), and it was another huge fuss for me to walk the halls with him but I persisted for the sake of bonding and nursing and it all worked out well :)

I also had a great midwife in attendance the whole time and she made sure he got to nurse as soon as possible. It helps to have an advocate.