Placenta previa questions...

[Finn&CalsMommy]

I have a marginal previa (last checked via u/s at 35wks and it was 1.5cm away from cervix) and my OB has scheduled a c-section on the 31st...but she's giving me one last ultrasound a few days prior as a last ditch effort to see if it has moved that last 1/2cm to clear the 2cm window of safety. If it's at least 2cm away from the cervix, she said it's considered "safe" to go for a vaginal delivery. I have had two natural vaginal births and she really wants to give me the third one this way, which is what I am sooooooo hoping for!!!

My babies are big - my first two were 9lbs2oz and 9lbs. This little girl doesn't seem to be as big as my boys were - I haven't gained quite as much (just a few pounds less but still, I've taken note) and everyone tells me I'm not as big...but then again, I never get really big when I'm pregnant.

I made the big mistake of searching the internet about previa and of course now I'm worried. I'm worried that she's not growing properly because of the previa. Yet all my u/s have shown she's right on target. I am consistently measuring a week behind on my belly measurements....I don't remember how I measured with my boys because my doc never said it out loud. My current OB hasn't said I'm measuring a week behind, she's just said out loud what my measurement is and the last three times it's been a week smaller. I measured 36cm at 37weeks last week, for example.

This pregnancy has been filled with nothing but worry, worry, stress, anxiety, and more worry. And I can't stop!

Has anyone had a normal, healthy baby when they had marginal previa? Was their baby small? I'm just wondering because I've never known anyone who had previa. Will my baby be born small and weak due to the previa? Should I prepare myself for possibilities in the delivery room regarding her health?

I know, I'm paranoid. But any answers you might have would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!!
Geneva

[rliszkowski]

I had a perfectly healthy baby with a full previa. He was of course delivered via c-section. I started to bleed heavily so it was an "emergency" c-section but we had one scheduled a few days later. I was 37 weeks 0 days, he weighed 6lbs 3oz. My second baby was born (VBAC) at 40 weeks 1 day and weighed 7lbs 0oz so there was not a huge size difference.

I think your baby is going to be just fine.

[Mindi22]

Geneva,
I can't answer all your questions, because I haven't delivered yet, but I totally understand about your fears with the previa. I have a complete previa that hasn't budged, and am scheduled for a section on the 28th.

Size-wise, know that any measurements are approximate, and as long as you're growing, it's all good. Two different practitioners can take measurements back to back and end up with different numbers for the fundal height. It's all an approximation to make sure that you are growing and getting bigger. Also, your baby's position will effect fundal height as well, so if baby isn't vertex, you will be measuring smaller (and baby might not be vertex because of the position of the placenta - abnormal fetal positions are one risk with a previa or a low lying placenta, because while not huge, the placenta does take up space, and it might prevent baby from being in a head down/vertex position).

Yes, smaller babies are a risk with previa, but it's not a requirement. I stressed out for quite a bit about it all until I realized that a>I had no real control over the situation, and b> I was worrying about things that might not even happen. So, since then, I've just been trying to relax and accept. A section isn't the birth that I've dreamed of, but it's leagues better than many of the alternatives!

And you might see if you can get your provider to be a little flexible about the 2 cm rule - I've heard that between 1.5 and 2 cm, it's the provider's call.

[sunkist33]

Geneva~
I had a complete previa & then it was just considered low-lying at 32 weeks (1.5 cm, same as you!) and then I had one last one ultrasound and it was 8 cm from the cervix, so we're all set to deliver at the birthing center (they have the same rule as yours~ that is has to be at least 2 cm up from the cervix)....
I'm almost positive that you won't need a C-section if yours is currently 1.5 cm. It can only *move up* at this point, it cannot go back down!
And far what it's worth, I read a lot about them online & I don't remember anything saying that growth was restricted. In my case, I have a huge fibroid that takes up a lot of room so that may be why the placenta had no other place to attach. Maybe you're thinking of placenta accreta?
Anyways, your baby should be fine & I'm betting you'll have a natural birth
Stacy
37 weeks

[gerlassie]

I did but, the placenta moved and we had an almost 9lb baby 2 days before his due date. I was worried but, I researched as much as I could and asked a lot of questions. From what I have learned it is fairly common it's just where the placenta decides to take up residence. Try not to worry too much. I have always measured a week ahead but, it's just how I carry my babies.

Hang in there,

gerlassie