Has Anyone Been Diagnose with Placenta Previa?

Hi. my name is H.. I have a 2.5 year old girl and a 8 week old boy. Both times I had placenta previa and both times had normal pregnancy and births. 99 times out 100 it moves out of the way in time for birth. Don't worry about it.

Hi Taca, My name is S., and I had a placenta previa with my second child, who is now 23 years old. I was able to hold on to him until I delivered him 6 wks. early. He was 6lbs. 8ozs. Sometimes there is bleeding inside when the placenta separates, as I had. We both came home on Valentine's Day, and he's been healthy ever since! Best wishes.

I was told after my ultrasound that I had PP. My Dr told me the same thing that it could move and may or may not cause problems. She schedualed another ultrasound to check if it had moved for later before delivery. I had a completely normal pregnancy with no bed rest, I even exercised up to the day before I delivered. At the second ultrasound it showed that it had moved far enough up that it was not touching or covering the opening. I had a normal delivery and a beautiful healthy Boy.

I didn't have placenta previa, but my good friend did. They advised her that she was ok to continue normal activity, but to promptly report any spotting or bleeding she may have. (She didn't have any). They followed up with another ultrasound at 28 weeks, and her placenta had moved to the correct position and she was able to attempt a vaginal birth (ended up in a c-section anyways, but not related to the placenta). Hope this helps. In most cases I believe the placenta moves to an ok position, but they will do c-section if it doesn't. If it doesn't move, not sure if you would need to be on bedrest later on or not. I wouldn't stress about it too much, I am sure they will monitor you more closely.

I had placenta previa with my younger daughter who is now 21 years old. Back then it didn't even show on a sonogram so we didn't know until I went into labor. I had her naturally and then they rushed me in for a D&C to clean out the uterus. It's good they can see that before labor now.

I had placenta previa when I was pregnant with my second as well (4 years ago). In my case, my placenta did finally move to the side, thank goodness! I was never on bed rest and was still able to keep up with my other son. I was also able to have my all-natural-vaginal birth as hoped! I hope the same for you!!

I had placenta previa when my daughter was born 27 years ago. The doctor saw it on my first ultrasound but did not tell me about it. Then he scheduled another one about 2 months later. Apparently, the placenta did move to the side as he then told me and I never had to go on bedrest nor did I have any bleeding until I went into labor. Then I bled quite a bit but it does not seem to have been a problem. I was able to have a vaginal delivery without any anesthesia.

The only thing which may or may not have been related to the placenta previa is that my daughter suffered a lack of oxygen to her brain at some point during my pregnancy or delivery. She had a seizure disorder from that and motor slowness on the right side of her body, mostly in fine motor coordination. But she is bright, talented, and has led a relatively normal life. She is an RN now and has not needed seizure medication since she was a teen.

I hope all goes well with you. It sounds scary, I know, but it may just turn out fine. Blessings to you and your baby. T. G.

I had it with my first pregnancy, but we didn't know that until I went into labor. I had a midwife, who didn't insist on an ultra sound so I didn't have one. Yes, I ended up having an emergency c-section. She mis-diagnosed me, I was complaining of rib discomfort, my ribs would hurt when I would be sitting, during my last trimester. I was just really uncomfortable, the last few months. Good thing you had an ultra sound. I learned my lesson and got a doctor for my second pregnancy. Just a suggestion, you might want to re- think having a mid-wife. My mid-wife's husband, he's a doctor, ended up giving me the c-section.

Hello M.,
I was reading your info and would like to share my experience with you !!!
I am currently 34 wks pregnant and was diagnosed with placenta previa on my first ultrasound. At first I was worried and sad but then I found out that the only bad part about this is that if worst comes to worst you have to have a C-section (no big deal) then on my second ultrasound (28 wks) the placenta moved up by itself. I hope this might happen to you as well but if not I suggest you get your provider's oppinion (that one is always the best for your peace of mind)... Good luck & hope this info helps... M. H...

I did. It did move before the baby was born so I was able to deliver vaginally. I did not have to go on bed rest, but my husband and I were told not to have intercourse.

I was diagnosed early in my pregnancy, first trimester, with placenta previa. I had some spotting, so my doctor put me on modified bedrest. Yes, I also heard and read that usually the placenta does move back to the usual spot before you go into labor. Mine did and if it doesn't, yes, you will need a c-section. It is fairly common for it to return to the normal place. My doctor monitored me more often/closely.

I actually had an undiagnosed Placenta Previa during my pregnancy. My OB/GYN had told me my placenta was "low-lying" and not to worry about it too much. I carried on as usual which resulted in massive bleeding towards the end of my pregnancy, emergency C-section and the premature birth of my son. So, I would definitely recommend taking it easy. It's better to be safe than sorry. Hope this helps.

This happened to my sister-in-law. She was put on modified bed rest, meaning she couldn't work and had to take it easy at home (but did not have to actually stay in bed). Her placenta ended up moving and she gave birth vaginally to a healthy, full-term baby boy. So don't worry just yet --- just take it easy. Oh and I believe that she couldn't have sex during the remainder of the pregnancy as well.

I would recommend you seeing your midwife immediately. I went through that about 18 yrs. ago and I didn't have a good outcome. I'm not saying this to scare you, but it can be a serious problem. I was on bed rest for 2 months.

Hi Taca,
I had a partial previa in my current pregnancy and 2 of my friends also have in the last year. None of us had any complications, no reduction in activities and by week 30 the placenta had moved away. Hopefully you will experience the same.

Hi Taca,
I had an ultrasound at the very end of my pregnancy because my doctor (also my husband's uncle) felt the baby was breech. What we found out was my placenta was located very low and the tech couldn't see the complete borders. He HIGHLY recommended a scheduled c-section because he didn't want me to risk hemorrhaging. Sometimes the placenta will move prior to delivery, they do additional ultra sounds to monitor the position. Placenta previa is VERY serious, some doctors won't even do a pelvic exam unless you are in the hospital, in case they need to do an emergency c-section. If you have ANY bleeding you should call you doctor ASAP. Have your midwife recommend a good OB if you don't already have one. As for the c-section itself, I had no problems and was up walking the halls the next morning. Email me if you have any questions and if I don't have answers I will try to find them. I married into a great medical family so I get alot of free advice!:) Take care and try not to stress.
Sincerely,
L.

Dear Taca,

I am sorry to heat that you have been diagnosed with PP. I had it with my 4th child, and while it can be managed very well it can carry some significant health risks - understanding your condition and keeping a close eye on it are your best chances for a complication free delivery. Here are some facts:
PP is when the placenta adheres across the cervical opening during implantation/development. It can migrate, so keep your hopes up that nothing more than a few more ultrasounds are in your future. My PP was complete, and budged not an inch. *laugh*
Mothers with PP are at times assigned to bed-rest, but usually you are told to simply keep a lower-than-usual profile with activity, and contact your doctor if you have any signs of bleeding.
Complete PP requires a cesarean for safe delivery of the baby.

I was scheduled for a cesarean at 39wks (PP usually requires a 38wk or even 37wk cesarean) because I wanted my baby to "bake" as long as possible, and with my previous babies I had never gone into early labor. The morning of my scheduled c/s I woke up at 4am hemorrhaging. I was rushed to the hospital where they were able to get my bleeding under control, and deliver my now 3yr old daughter, but I was put under general anesthesia and almost required a blood transfusion. My daughter lost blood as well, and it took us both quite a bit of time to recover from her delivery. The hemorrhaging is painless, and this is where the concern from doctors for an early c/s comes into play. I had recently gotten up to go to the bathroom (for the 100th time *wink*) and so I was not in a deep sleep. I recognized immediately what was happening. But some women are fast asleep when they begin to bleed out - and when they wake up they have already lost too much time and blood.

If I were to do it over again I would not have pushed my delivery date as far as I did. I thought I had experience as a guide for choosing to wait, but PP is no laughing matter. It need not be anything more than a frustrating condition which keeps you from natural childbirth. There is no strong correlation between PP in one pregnancy and continual PP in subsequent pregnancies (I have not had it in my subsequent pregnancies). But it is serious enough to warrant careful monitoring and observation during your final weeks of pregnancy.

I wish you the best!

~T.~

Yes, but didnt know until it was time for delivery in which I thought was going to be a natural childbirth. It ended up being an emergency C-section.
I started cramping, lite bleeding to heavy bleeding by the time they figured out what was wrong (placenta previa) so for them to diagnose you early is a blessing, take it easy, but placenta previa means the placenta is breaking away slowly...

That was 10 years ago, my daughter is healthy as a horse and smart as me :-)

Taca,
dont let any of your dr.'s tell you that you must have a c-section because of this until they've done an ultra-sound just before the delivery. American Dr's are so much more willing to do c-sections when they don't need to. The placenta can definitely move out of the way by 40 weeks.

Good luck!

Hola Maria,
I also had placenta previa with my first child. At the time it was a surpirse - an unforeseen thing in those days I guess (I never had an ultrasound - I had planned a home birth, but ended up going into the hospital 2 weeks before her due date - fortunately I did not have to have a C-section because she was born within 3 hours of first labor pains and they didn't have enough time to prep me before she was actually born! I don't know about bed rest - since I didn't know this would be happening, I was still working (some) up until she was born and was also walking every day.
Best wishes - I would say listen to your own inner voice about this, if you can do that.

Hi Maria,

I had it also at 39 with my first. I had to go on modified bed rest, which meant no working out at the gym and no long walks. I could still work at my desk. I felt great and my daughter is amazing, but it is a very serious condition. Mine did not move and I had a planned C-section. Please keep in close contact with your medical folks and do not ignore it. If you start to bleed, it can be potentially fatal for both you and the baby.
Best wishes for a healthy pregnancy and wonderful baby soon!

I was 20 weeks when I was diagnosed with placenta previa. Please talk to a medical Dr. before you see your midwife as my Dr. said (at least in my situation) that I couldn't have anymore vag. examines, intercource etc because of the risk of bleeding. I was put on modified bedrest which basically meant that I had to be off my feet most of the time and if I was sitting that my feet had to be propped up.
My placenta never moved and I did have to have a c-section. Because I followed Drs. orders and stayed down as much as possible they only took her 2 weeks early. I have a healthy little girl now. Please be careful and don't overdue it I had a friend who had the same issue and didn't stay down was too active, the placenta tore away and she had to have an emergency c-section 6 weeks early. While the child is fine now she had to stay in the NICU for 3 weeks and has breathing issues still.

Hope all goes well for you

I am 37 years old and was 16 weeks pregnant with my first child when I was diagnosed with a placenta previa. I was told to not to overdue anything, no walks, no lifting, no long car rides. Well I ended up bleeding at work and was on bed rest for one entire month. After several check ups, Dr. gave ok to go back to work, then agian two weeks later, I started to bleed. I ended up on strict bed rest for the duration of my pregnancy. I had to be examined every two weeks by my doctor to see if the previa had moved, it never did. I had a c-section at week 37 and now I have a beautiful healthy 8 month baby boy.
Do not take any chances. Your doctor should keep a close eye on you and your progress. You may be one of those lucky ones where the previa does move out of the way. Just take it easy, rest with your feet up as much you can. Do not take any long trips in the car, stay close to home, do not go shopping have someone do your shopping and do not do any housework (hire someone). The only way you will be able to have a normal delivery is if the previa moves out of the way. I am so grateful and consider myself luck to have my baby boy.
Good luck. I hope everything turns out for the best.

Hi,

My last pregnancy I was diagnosed with placenta previa. I was told that you have to think of it like a balloon as the balloon inflates the sides move up. I was very concerned but that is what happened the placenta moved out of the way and I was able to have a normal birth. In fact I had the baby at home. I did make sure that all was in place if I needed to be at the hospital. I had a wonderful OB that shadowed my lay midwife. I didn't have bed rest but took it easy so that I would feel that I had done everything I could to have a great outcome, and I did. Good Luck! If you have a great midwife to work with she will give you great advice and all will be well for you and your baby.

I have had two children so far. Each time they have told me that my placenta was too far down. Yes they will have to do a c-section if that is the case. In my case however my placenta has risen so there was never a problem. It is different with everyone. I have also had both of my children in my 30's. I don't think they usually put you on bed rest. It just makes it so you have to have a c-section because your placenta is blocking the babies passage out.

Hi,
My name is J.. I was never diagnosed with placenta previa but I did have placenta accreta. You can get that after you give birth and it's not fun. I almost died and had to have 3 blood transfusions and a hystorectomy. All that happend 5 weeks after my daughter was born. I googled Placenta Previa and came to a sight called babycenter you should look it up cause it covered alot. Your realy lucky that they were able to catch it during your pregnancy, they didn't with mine and I know it would have changed a lot of things for me if they would have. Good luck to you and your baby!

I was diagnosed with marginal previa at about 18 wks. As your uterus grows so does the placenta - I am now at 21 wks and my placenta has moved further up. In most cases, the placenta should move as your uterus grows. Just to be safe, do take it easy - no strenous exercise and you may have to refrain from sex - your doctor may have told you this already.

Hello Maria,

I have three children and with my second pregnancy I was diagnosed with placenta previa. There are different levels of placenta previa. It occurs in the second and third trimesters and the levels are total, partial,marginal and low lying placenta previa. Your concern should lie with which placenta previa you were diagnosed with. I had a partial and I was not on bedrest but there was a risk of bleeding out so I could not travel far from home. I needed to be sure I was close to my Dr. just in case anything happened. My family also has a history of placenta previa but with my aunt it was more serious. She started bleeding and had to be put on bed rest for several months. My cousin was born at 6mos. So with our family history, and the fact that I had an emergency c-section with our first one, I had another c-sect. at 38wks. We thought it better than to risk bleeding out and possibly losing my baby or my myself. But as other women have said, this all varies depending on the person and the type of placenta previa you have. As you will find out with most cases the placenta moves by the end of the pregnancy without any complications. Really abide by the "no heavy lifting" during pregnancy with placenta previa you really don't want to risk it. Congrats on your baby, enjoy every second.

I was also diagnosed with placenta previa around 20 weeks. It moved up and out of the way long before my due date. But, mine did move to the front of my uterus which meant I had to be very careful not to bump into anything too hard with my stomach. But, I would not worry at this point yet. I have known a lot of people that are diagnosed early on, then it moves out of the way. Good Luck:)

Taca:

First congratulations on your pregnancy.
Second, i feel some concern for you as placenta previa can become a life threatening condition. who diagnosed you? you should be asking all thses questions to your OBGYM. It is extremely important that you engage in a good relationship with the physician of your choice and a good prenatal program, specially in your condition. If any problems should arise, a doctor that already knows your full medical history will be much safer and helpful than been rushed to a hospital's emergency room where they have to start your evaluation from zero,
My grandmother suffered a placenta previa and almost die from the hemoorrage. they had to preform a histerectomy (removal of her uterus)and she was unable to have more children. I am not saying that is necesarily the course of a placenta previa but there is the risk.
Let a local physician determine what the course of your care will be and whether you will be a high risk pregnancy or not.
Please , take care of yourself and search for sound and accurate health advise and not just good willed but not necessarily medically knowledgeable advice.
Be safe, too much is at stake.
Good luck and take care of yourself

Patricia R.

Placenta Previa can sometimes migrate up and fix the problem. However, if not you are subject to bouts of vaginal bleeding, which if severe can necessitate an emergency C section. Bleeding puts your baby and yourself in danger. Your midwife may put you on bedrest so be prepared. As a L&D nurse for many years I can tell you that you will be watched closely by your midwife/doctor. The less you worry the better for the baby. You cannot change the outcome so give the baby positive energy and love and do the advice:rest, no sex, etc the others have given. Good luck.

I had this with my second pregnancy. I have heard that it can move, but mine did not. I didn't have to go on bedrest until I started having episodes of bleeding, and early labor. I ended up on bedrest for 3 months- I was allowed to get up for around 5 minutes at a time- use the bathroom, shower, make a snack and go to my doctor appointments. I seemed pretty daunting at first, but all in all it wasn't that bad. the hardest part was I had a toddler at the same time, and even though she was in daycare, it was hard for me not to be up and caring for her. I did have a c section 3 weeks early as to prevent going into labor. I had another baby just this last year and had no issues at all!
if you do have to endure bedrest, I have alot of tips for you-
feel free to contact me if you do!

Hi Maria,

I was also diagnosed with placenta previa at about 18 weeks. There are many different cases as to the severity and it may move. You just need to watch your body and should take it easy. I was fine until I hit about 22 weeks at which I was put on bed rest because I started spotting the beginning of December 2007 and I was due April 1st 2008. I did end up having the worse case scenario. At 26 weeks I was admitted to the hospital on Christmas morning because I was hemorrhaging pretty bad (3rd bleeding episode). I was in the hospital for 3 weeks before I delivered a premie boy at 29 weeks.

While in the hospital, there were a couple of us in there for placenta previa. One woman went home after a month because her bleeding had stopped and was safe for her to go home (she supposedly had it worse than me). But, the placenta can move even later in your pregnancy.

The best thing you could is really take it easy, each week matters and is a milestone for your baby. My son is doing great and is really healthy. Ethan was born on 01/16/08 29 weeks at 2 lbs and 11oz. He is now 14 1/2 months, 25lbs, happy and healthy.

A little about me:
I am turning 31 years old this month, Ethan's my first child. I do hope to have another child soon, even after this past experience. I also work full-time as an HR Mgr.

Hello, my name is J. and I'm 25 weeks pregnant with my first child also. I was diagnosed with placentia previa at my 20 week ultrasound. I just had an ultrasound again at 24 weeks and my placentia is already moving. My doctor explained to me that this is a common condition for first time moms to be and they would monitor it and for me not to worry. I feel great and just keep hoping it will move completely out of the way before labor. I'm sure yous will move too!

At 32 years old, I went through the majority of my first pregnancy not realizing I was pregnant due to a long standing thyroid issue which made my menstrual cycles extremely unpredictable. So at about 6 1/2 months I went to the doctor for weight gain (which I thought was related to my thyroid) and was told I was pregnant, and that I had placenta previa. I went to another doctor who specialized in pregnancy complications and they did regular ultrasounds to monitor the placenta and after about the 8th month, the placenta did move to the side and it never became an issue as your doctor from your home country explained. So, basically, it's a waiting game and I never had bed rest, worked until 4 days before I went into labor, etc. The pregnancy really made no difference in my life except for a change of attire and a bigger belly! So good luck, I hope your situation is as pleasant as mine turned out to be!!
PS: I ended up having an emergency c-section only because my son got stuck on my pelvic bone and I was so exhausted I knew I'd never be able to push him out so the doctor and I decided to just take him out.

I had placenta previa with my first pregnancy and one of my good friends had it with her second. Both of us had the placenta move from the vaginal opening in the third trimester when the uterus really expands and had vaginal deliveries. I'm sure your doctor has told you the same thing - no exercise other than walking and no sex to protect the placenta from being damaged. My friend experienced a couple bouts of bleeding and was put of bed rest, so you have to be gentle with yourself.

hi my name is T. and i am now 21 weeks and i was diagnosed with marginal placenta previa when i was 16 weeks. it scared me alot because this is my 3rd pregnancy and child and this has never happened to me in the past so it took me by surprise. my doctor said its nothing to worry about. they havent put me on bed rest just on pelvic rest. ( no sex) until i have another ultrasound when im 28 weeks. i really wouldnt worry about it just take it easy and everything will be fine. i wish u all the best and congratulations.

Hi Maria,

I had partial previa. I had to be careful to not strain or lift heavy things or do anything strenuous. They'll monitor you again and check to see if the placenta has moved back. If it gets worse then yes you could be put on bed rest. Just take care of yourself and don't over do it. Good luck. D.

I was diagnosed with placenta previa during my second pregnancy. I don't remember how many weeks I was. My placenta did end up moving out of the way. Your midwife or Dr will be able to tell you if you need bedrest. Try not to worry. Good Luck!!