Placenta Previa

Hi S.,
I was told with 2 of my 3 kids that I had placenta previa, and both times it moved as my uterus grew. Try to keep up hope!

Hi S.. About 20 years ago I was pregnant with our 2nd child and I too had Placenta Previa. I made it til my 16th week and then lost the baby. If the placenta tears away from the uterine wall,then that will deprive the baby of oxygen and the important nutrients not to mention that your friend could hemerrage. As far as a c-section goes, I'm sure they would give her an epiderual and she won't feel a thing. She may be sore afterwards when the epiderual wears off but there are things that could be worse. Congradulations to the both of you. I will keep you both in my prayers. K. P.

If your friend respects and trusts her doctor follow his directions to the T. Placenta previa can be a life threatening situation both for mother and child. A C section is this case is necessary to ensure a safe delivery for everyone around. C Section for placenta previa is not a frivilous diagnosis. Hormones make emotions very strong during pregnancy, but get over it. The lives of mother and child are more important. I speak as a mother of three but as a person who has spent many years as a Blood Bank Technologist and has seen more than my share of cases of placenta previa. The pregnancy may proceed in a number of ways. Become a partner in your own health process with your doctor and cooperate with him.

Do NOT deliver the baby at home! I am an OB delivery nurse so I have some first hand experience with this condition. As much as your friend may be terrified of a c-section, she needs to think about the baby's health first. The reason why you can't deliver vaginally with a placenta previa is that her placenta will rupture, causing the baby to lose his blood flow. The placenta doesn't just come out right before the baby. Delivery can be a slow process. The baby is surviving soley on his blood flow given by the placenta. If that ruptures, the baby can die. Also, if her placenta ruptures, she can lose a lot of blood as well. She could need several blood transfusions. If it is severe enough, she can die from blood loss. So think about the pros and cons: death or scar.

Placenta previa is a serious diagnosis that should not be taken lightly. Please encourage your friend to follow the advise of her obstetrician. If she were to try and deliver on her own without medical intervention...the placenta would come out first but after this happens the baby is no longer receiving oxygen and circulating blood and therefore would bleed to death. Your friend also runs the risk of bleeding to death if the placenta presents and she does not seek professional medical care immediately.
A cesarean section my have a slightly longer recovery time in the hospital but is well worth it when needed and has minimal lasting effects (most incisions are so low in the pubic hair line they can't even be seen). Please consider the safety of the unborn child instead of the "incovenience" of having surgery.
I have had a vaginal delivery and cesarean section and actually had a smoother recovery 1 month out from the c-section.
*I have been a RN for 15 years and working in ER, OB and ICU.

I had placenta previa but by my third trimester it had moved and wasn't a problem. For other reasons I had to have c-sections with my children, in fact with all 4 of my children I had to have c-sections. I know it can be scary, even with my fourth. I know what helped me was having complete trust in my doctor and being well informed.
V. C.

I was told early in my pregnancy that my placenta was low and it could become a concern. I FREAKED! I, too, was terrified of c-section. I wanted to go as naturally as possible. I brought up my concerns at my next appt and my doc told me that he wouldn't have even brought it up to me (the ultrasound tech told me) because he didn't see any reason to be concerned about it since placenta previa usually fixes itself as the uterus grows and things get moved around.

That being said, I agree with Amanda B a couple responses before mine... safety first. My placenta did move to a safe place and I was able to deliver vaginally. But if your friend's dr says she needs to have a c-section (when the time comes), she needs to trust that. If she doesn't trust her dr to make the right decision, she needs to find a doctor she does trust! Delivering by c-section will not be the end of the world. To refuse to go to the hospital for a c-section, would just be irrational. Serious and deadly consequences could result in such a decision.

I think she should talk to her doctor about her concerns. He/She is used to dealing with pregnant women's fears and can probably help her feel a LOT better! I know mine did. Hope this helps!

Good luck to both of you!

Good questions and glad you are asking. I, too, had a placenta previa that became a marginal (close) previa. Yes, most placentas migrate up fully so this is likely to be a non issue. I had my first baby by vaginal, second and third by c section as the margial previa with my second gave me a 4% risk of massive hemorrhage or death for me or the baby....easy choice!!! A full previa is extremely dangerous for the mother AND baby as mom or baby can die at much higher likelihood. There is really nothing to a c/section...it was scheduled, quick, easy, and I took tylenol and motrin for pain afterward...nothing else. My vaginal delivery tore me, I still have bleeding from my old episiotomy scar with the vaginal deliver, and my urine stream has never been the same not to mention the hemorhoids from pushing :) So all this to say...there is no easy way, they all work, and SAFETY is of paramount importance. It doesn't matter how they get here....what you want is to go home with a healthy baby. You can still breast feed and hold your baby right after a C/Section...you just have to let the doctor know what you would like. There is nothing as beautiful as seeing your new baby right at the time of delivery and it doesn't matter how they come out...they are THERE! Having done it both ways I appreciate the ease and safety and relatively quick recovery from a C/section...the discomfort was simply in a different part of the body! As I said there is no easy and perfect way, and yes one is "natural" and on requires surgery but I had an epidural with both ways and was cut with both ways....just about the same to me.
I hope this helps...

This is really the kind of thing your friend needs to discuss at length with her doctor. Education combats fear. If she isn't comfortable with the information she is getting from her doctor, she needs to seek out a second opinion. The placenta provides nourishment and oxygen to the baby. If the placenta is delivered first, there can be problems with excessive bleeding as well as no placenta means no oxygen to the baby. That of course is a huge problem and depending on how quickly the baby is delivered following the delivery of the placenta, there could be severe brain damage or death.
I really hope your friend will discuss all her fears with her doctor. She needs to make informed decisions, not decisions based on the unknown or fear.

There is a very good chance she could bleed to death. The placenta is very vascular. Her doctor could tell her about all of the horrible outcomes that could happen to her and/or her baby. That's not one to play around with. As you said, a small percentage actually stay that way. One of mine was that way and by 7-8 months it moved out of the way--but definitely not something to not listen to your dr. about.
L.

This is a serious condition. The placenta is the baby's oxygen source. If the placenta detaches and is 'born' first, baby is deprived of oxygen until it is born and starts to breathe on its own- which could be too late.

S.,
I can't give any advice about choosing a home birth over having a c-section as far as the health of the baby or mother goes. What I can tell you is that a c-section is not such a horrible thing. I understand your fears and your friend's fears. I had done everything in my power to have a totally natural birth with my 3 yo. Sometimes we can't control the situation! After a long labor I ended up with a c-section because it was either the health of my baby (she was stuck and her heart rate kept dropping dangerously low-I could have lost her) or a surgery that I could recover from. I have no regrets about the decision I made. I healed VERY quickly. I have a small scar that no one can see-even if I was brave enough to wear a bikini. I urge your friend to have a frank discussion with her OB and maybe even talk with a midwife to see what their opinion is. And continue to just help her through this.

It would be extremely dangerous. If it tore at any time they could bleed to death in a matter of minutes. The placenta is the baby's life line, every second that the baby is in utero the placenta pumps oxygen to the baby via blood supplied and processed by mom. At the moment of separation this stops, starving the baby of oxygen. Previa is dangerous to even labor with because of the natural compression of baby's head against the cervix.

Not trying to scare you but you should pray that it does migrate, but you and your friend need to educate yourself about c-section. This should never be a choice of convenience, but you should learn of the importance of this option. You may have to face the same decision in the delivery room. Stress of an undeliverable baby or possible birth injury as a result of not having a c-section have life-long consequences. You should not face delivery without having all the facts. I had 5 vag deliveries but the last had severe heart beat irregularities due to compression on the umbilical cord that I was able to position myself to alleviate, but this made delivery considerable more difficult, but my option was for them to run me to surgery for the c-section with the nurses hand up my who-ha (until delivery) to keep the baby off the cord.

More power to you for choosing natural, it is most admirable, but infant or maternal mortality are the best reasons to know all potential needs. Good luck and pray together,

I just read about this recently. If the placenta covers the cervix as the cervix dilates, the mother and/or baby could bleed to death. If the placenta delivers before the baby is born, the baby receives no oxygen at all until it is delivered. It could die from this as well. I read about a few midwives, in the time before modern medicine, who forcefully dilated the cervix to remove the placenta first and then immediately pulled the baby out, but this is very risky and mothers and babies die from this. It is likely that your friend's placenta will migrate (after all, if it were common there would be a lot fewer people in the world) and she will be able to deliver vaginally. I would recommend having her discuss her concerns with her doctor or midwife. She may need to be more forceful and stubborn, ie refusing the c-section until it has been demonstrated through ultrasound just prior to the surgery that the placenta is still on the cervix. I think that doctors prefer to have scheduled c-sections, because they know when it is going to happen, but I say that if they like schedules so much they've gone into the wrong field.

Just a note. If you want to avoid interventions such as a c-section, you (or your friend) may want to seek out a midwife that you like. They tend to be more on the side of letting nature take its course, although they will refer you to a doctor if there is a complication, including placenta previa.

I hope all goes well for your and your friends pregnancies.

I read a lot of advising to just "get the section, no big deal, trust the doctor, etc....". I am not advising you or her against "medical advise" BUT one person did mention speaking with a midwife and I would totally recommend that. Many who advised said "no big deal, trust the doctor and stats are one in four". Truly, your area hospitals have a section rate of about 34% - that's more like one in three - and it is a big deal. U.S. maternal death rate has risen in the last few years and so has the section rate, hmmm... Globally we are behind more than 30 other countries in our "successful (live)" outcomes. Those other countries may not be as blessed or "developed" but the one thing they have is midwives as an integral part of their maternity care. Doctors are wonderful at what they do, but they are trained in is emergency "help" in delivery. They can't be trained to "help" the natural birthing process because they really don't have a whole lot to do there - we do! Safety is certainly priority. It's likely to move still and either way -seeking education is best. Midwives are a great resource! Best wishes to you both!

As an OB nurse...PLEASE advise her she must have the c-section to save her life and her baby's if her placenta does not migrate. Yes, only 10% remain low over the cevrix at full-term, however, if the placenta detaches first the baby has no blood supply and no oxygen...the reason why we c-section is to deliver the baby full of oxygen and blood first, then get the placenta out. I understand c-sections are scary, but since the current rate is 1 in 4 pregnancy end with c-section, the good news many of us have had them and did just fine. Like me...wasn't my first option, but for the health and safety of my baby I would do anything.

Hi S.,

Tell your friend not to worry from my own experience, i had 2 C-sections, 2 premature births, and plencent previa. I delvelped placentaprevia with my first born son 15 yrs ago, and like your friend I was terrified when it happened. He was due in June, I was rushed to the hospital by ambulance after (not to be graphic) a gush of blood came runnibg downmy legs. I couldn't believe what was occurring. I was in no pain at all. Once I arrived to the hospital and was placed in my room and ultra sound, my physician explained what was occurring. She explained that I would not delive vaginally at that point. That really concened me I had prepared in my mind that I would. At first theplan was to keep me on bed rest in thehospital until my due date, but then she decided to perform an ammiotesis (taking fluid from the amnio fluid witha very big and long needle)...I'm sure you can understand the worry that came over me after hearing that. The test would give an idea of the babies lung development.
Well it came back good to go and I delivered a 5 lbs 1 oz baby boy on April 19th. And he was healthy and I was fine.
So tell her not to worry and from what I know there s no other option for her. She most deffinetly don't want to run the risk of not being at a hospital before going into labor. More then likely her physician will schedule in advance her delivery before she get's that far long to go into labor.
I hope that she can go through her pregnancy as long as possible before any possible complications may arise.
But my 2nd child a girl was born very very early 5 yrs ago. She was due Aug. 15 and had to be delivered May 3rd by C-section, when my water broke. She weighed only 3 lbs 12 oz. And again with God's blessing was very healthy and only stayed in the hospital for 29 days.
I sure hope this information brings you and your friend comfort.

Take care and I will be routing for the two of you.

I think that you should advise your friend that what is best for the baby is the only thing to do...if that means a C-section, it means a C-section. Period. I didn't want a C-section either but I had to have one (breach baby, and my cervix never dilated past 1 cm) and ya know what? It's not that bad. Everyone makes it out like it's just soooooo terrible and makes you scared of them, but it's not a big deal. They are the most commonly performed surgery in the U.S. today. I would advise your friend to research them and talk to her doctor about how they are performed and what to expect, and prepare herself to take some of the fear out of it. She is probably going to have one, so she needs to get used to the idea. I don't mean to be harsh, but I really hate to see someone insist on doing something that could harm their child....

I don't know what will happen if she didn't go to the hospital, but I would not take that kind of risk!!! Why so "terrified" of a C-section?? It's not that big of deal. I had two of them. Recovery is a little more painful than regular birth, but other than that, it wasn't scary, or painful or anything. I had to have one because I wouldn't dialate past 7cm and it had been 24 hours since my water broke. Yes, a C-section is surgery, but I would go through ANYTHING and EVERYTHING to make sure my baby came out right and without distress. Please tell her: Do not take the risk of not going to the hospital just because you are "terrified" of something... that is not fair to your baby!! The more you learn about C-sections, the more you will not be afraid of it. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. My first one was needed, and my second one was optional.

Best of luck!

While I'm sure the advice given here was right on the money, don't forget what you said in your own post. The placenta usually moves. I had this condition back in the early 80's when ultrasounds were very hard to come by so this condition was very unknown at the time. The doctors gave me all sorts of dire predictions. It even turned into a bit of a placnta abruption when I started to bleed and bled through much of 4th month. But it reattatched and moved and my daughter was born very healthy. The only bummer was that the reattatchment ended up causing a lot of tough scar tissue which meant it was difficult to deliver. But who cares right? My girl was perfectly healthy and perfectly worth it.

First of all.... think safety first. Placenta previa usually clears itself up...meaning it will move...she still has quite a while to go. Both of my sisters had that with 3 pregnancies total. Also, I had a csection because I was in active labor for 26 hours and wouldn't dilate past an 8. I had never had a surgery before (and I wanted to do everything as natural as possible!) and yes I was scared but I also trusted my ob/gyn and had faith in The Lord. I didn't want to do it, but I didn't want to put my baby or myself at risk. Surgery is kind of scary but I didn't have to be put out completely and the healing process was fine. I have a very tiny scar very very low. You have to remember that people actually schedule/choose to have a csection (I don't necessarily agree with that unless its necessary) So why "cut a hole if you already have one"? Because sometimes it is the safest for the mother and baby. To flat out refuse, is to say yes to your fear of the unknown (which every pregnant woman has about something) and say no to the putting the safety of you and your baby is just unreasonable. She probably is just scared, and why worry about something that hasn't happened? Not to be negative, but there are complications just as serious, if not more serious, that can result from a vaginal birth. Its a chance everyone takes, and thank God we live in the say-in-age we live in because people have been (obviously!) giving birth for millions of years and they've got it down pretty much to a science but unexpected things....that's something people face every day just being alive. Being in a positive state-of-mind is part of taking care of yourself, especially while carrying a child.

As far as what would happen, those are questions she could ask her doctor (but why go there just yet?) Relax, enjoy this special time--both of you :) ---and deal with things as they come while doing the normal eat right/be active/take vitamins. Good luck and congratulations!

I had the same thing during my first pregnancy and prepared myself for a c-section the whole time. Then at my 37 week sonogram (I had a few other complications) the placenta moved and I was able to deliver vaginally without any problems. :)

Hi S.! I work in labor and delivery in a well known St. Louis hospital. My advice to your friend is to not risk "not making it to the hospital" for many reasons! Her OB will have some idea on how her placenta is sitting but with previa there are many other complications that can occur ie; babies heart rate can become irregular and cause fetal distress, she could bleed out, the uterus may not contract properly to deliver the baby. There are so many risks to take any chances and having a c-section now days is almost like having a tooth pulled (little more discomfort LOL!) because it is so common. She can always deliver vaginaly next time if it comes to a section! I hope I was a little helpful!
Good Luck to you guys! M.

I was diagnosed with Placenta Previa with my second pregnancy & it was also in my second trimester. They had even talked of bedrest if it didn't move itself because of the dangers to the baby & me if I were to go into labor. Fortunately, it did move approx. 8 weeks before my due date, so I didn't have to go on bedrest or have a c-section. Do tell your friend she will be putting her life & the baby's on the line of she does not listen to the doctor (& I don't even like Drs or hospitals). Also, try to find out what her fears of a c-section are. (I wouldn't want one either,but maybe there's some fears that can be worked out)

i just wnt to say, I don't know much about placenta previa, bt I just had my first csec (2nd child) 9 weeks age. I won't lie, I was scared when they told me (found out frank breech after 8 hours and water broken). But, everything has been fine. Find a doctor she trusts and try to relax, its not that bad at all. The scariest part was when they moved me from my bed to the table, thought I was going to fall! my scar is tiny and so low you can't even see it in a swimsuit!
She should try hard not to concentrate on her upcoming surgery and jut stake care of herself and get ready for her baby! After all, it's so exciting just to get to see them, don't worry about how!

First of all, please encourage your friend to talk to her doctor about the stats on this. I had placenta previa and the placenta moved into the correct place, therefore avoiding any potential problems.... If I remember correctly, more often than not, the placenta does move.

Second, I expressed the same concern about a c-section and was told that the baby would/could die if vaginal delivery is attempted with placenta previa as the baby would be delivered 'through' the placenta. It is serious and c-sections are crucial if this is the case.

Again, have her talk to her dr. for more info! Good luck!

I had this condition. The good news is you get a lot of ultrasounds! I was told not to lift heavy things and becareful exercising. Tell hernot to panic about the c-section (however if she refuses a C and needs it the placenta could tear - bad news for both mom and baby. II have know 3 other women who had the condition and we all delivered naturally. Good luck!

I have had 2 c-sections and both have been successful and not nearly as scary as you might think. I've also had a vaginal delivery and the only difference was a little longer recovery w/ the c-sections. From what I know of placenta previa, there is no other option for delivery. I'm sure her Dr. would be able to explain the reasons. Hopefully, it will move as the pregnancy progresses and she won't have to worry about a c-section. I wish you both happy healthy pregnancys!

S.,
If the placenta previa does not migrate up into the uterus, your friend will have to have a c-setion. I know that is scary, but by not having it, she puts her life and the baby's life in jeopardy. The placenta is the life source of the baby and if comes out first, the baby has no oxygen and the mom starts to bleed. Have your friend talk to her doctor and hopefully her doctor will reassure that everything will be ok. The recovery time after a c-section is longer, but a healthy baby is what is important... Hope that helps.

First off, c-sections are not as terrible as you might think. I've had two, for various reasons, and I didn't want one to begin with either. Second, I'm pretty sure that your friend can bleed out and die if she has this condition and tries to deliver vaginally. This is definitely something she should discuss with her doctor. I've talked to several women who have had this that have been on bed rest and delivered via c-section and it probably saved their lives and the lives of their babies.

I don't believe your friend has much choice. I had placenta previa and had to have my c-section scheduled early because if I went into labor I could bleed to death- pretty serious!! Unless you follow doctors orders and then you will be ok. This was my third and I didn't want to have a c-section either, but it is the safe choice. Also, unfortunately most of the time after the second trimester they may not be able to see the placenta on ultrasound anyway because the baby is too big, so they will have a c-section just to be safe. I know it sucks but it would be a lot worse to leave the baby without a mommy- I sure didn't want to take any chances. the actual surgery was easy- I got a spinal just like an epidural and the delivery was fun for us as we laughed that my husband and sister could see my actual uterus and of course took pics!! The only bad part was recovery, which I believe would have ben better if I had stayed the extra day the doctor wanted(morphine!!!) Anyway the worst of the recovery was not the incision, it was the gas bubbles from my stomach being opened up and letting air in... this can also go easy if you take lots of gas-x... it really works great. Anyway- tell her to be safe and listen to the doctors and she will be fine. Hope it helps!!!

I have also had two c-sections and as others have said, they are not nearly as bad as everyone makes them out to be. In fact, I have talk to several moms who have done it both ways and prefered the c-section over 100 stitchs down there because the baby was too big and they ripped really bad. Also, c-sections get a bad rep because emergency c-sections are a lot hard on mom then a scheduled c-section. If they have to take the baby out in a hurry, they basicly rip you open and pull out the baby as fast as they can. If it scheduled, they can take their time and move things around gently so that you don't have as many bruises afterward. Hopefully, your friend will be one of those that has the placenta move and it won't be an issue but please reassure her that c-sections aren't that bad. She needs to ask as many questions as she can listen to her doctor so that she goes into this as educated as possible and is not putting both herself and her baby in jeopardy because of misconceptions.

I had A LOT of surgeries as a child and so I was TERRIFIED of doctors and hospitals and needles, etc., but when you weigh your fear against the possiblity of your baby or you not living through a home birth, your fear seems very trivial. Unfortunately, bleeding to death is a possiblity, in a hosopital they are aware of this and take every precaution. Focus on the out come, not the delivery!

M.

PS I had 2 c-sections, one planned one not and I'm here to tell about it!

I don't think there are any alternatives. Even the most staunch natural-childbirth advocate will tell you that placenta previa means a c-section is necessary. She should absolutely follow her doctor's advice and not try to avoid this very necessary surgery. If she refuses to have a c-section, which would be absurd, she would likely die trying to give birth. She will NOT have the baby "by accident" at home. It won't come out!! Get a grip. A lot of women have c-sections and live to tell the tale. It's not THAT bad. In any case, why wouldn't she just ask her doctor/midwife about all this?

Placenta Previa is not something to mess around with. The placenta, as you know, is how the baby receives nourishment and oxygen while developing in the uterus. If the placenta delivers first, the baby could die. There are not any alternatives but a C Section.
C Sections are not that bad really. I have had 3 of them. Yeah you are really sore afterwards, but you would be with a natural delivery as well. You can still be awake for the birth and know everything going on around you, unless its an emergency situation and they have to put you under to do it.
C Sections are safe and rather common these days. And, the scarring from the surgery can be very minimal.
I would recommend that your friend do exactly what her doctors tell her. For her safety and the safety of her baby. She has a serious condition, and unless it corrects itself, taking matters into her own hands is not a wise idea.
I hope I helped a little bit. If you want to know more about the whole c-section delivery, you can email me at any time!
____@____.com

I didn't have placenta previa, but I did have c-sections with both my children for other reasons. I was disappointed not to be able to have a natural childbirth experience, but my c-sections were both very easy recovery and went well. I don't think they are anything to be scared of, although it was still nerve-wracking waiting for everything to start. Good luck!

I too had plancenta previa,which caused me to have to have a c-section. I know it is scary and almost depressing that she won't be able to have a natural birth -but please reassure her that the doctors will schedule it so that she won't have to worry about going into labor and having complications. I was terrified of the c-section as well (even cried when they took me into the operating room) BUT it wasn't bad at all! Don't get me wrong, there was pain involved, but it's all worth it and the recovery time went quickly. I guess my advice would be to tell your friend that no matter how she gives birth, the outcome of meeting her child will definately ease the pain!

Hope this helps!

I had placenta previa as well with my third child, and although my placenta did move as the preganancy went on, my son actually was frank breached. Since I was on my 3rd preganancy, I thought this was supposed to get much easier, but in my case, it got worse. I did end up having to have a c-section, which I was totally against, since my other 2 children were born vaginally. I went into the hospital dialated an 8, and 8 hours later, never dialated any more. My doctor told me that we had to do the c-section because we were putting the baby at risk. I have a scar that is approx. 3 1/2 inches long, but it is so close to the hair line, and Im able to wear a two piece with no signs of ever having been cut. Please encourage her to do what the doctors tell her. They are the experts, and by no means does she want to put the baby in harm. I completely understand all of her reservations, because I had them all myself. I wish the both of you the best of luck and hope you have wonderful deliveries.
D. G

I would tell your friend to try not to worry. I had placenta previa during my second trimester and by the time I was due, it had moved out of the way. She should DEFINITELY not avoid having a c-section if it does not fix itself. She could do a lot of harm to herself and potentially cause her baby's death, due to lack of oxygen and nutrients, if by chance she does continue to have the condition and doesn't get the proper care. Also, tell her that a c-section is not horrible. I ended up having to have one, due to complications during labor. While it is not the ideal situation, when your at that point in your pregnancy, all you truly want is a healthy, happy baby. Definitely, recommend she talk with her OB/GYN. Perhaps if she gets her answers from a medical professional, she will be a bit more comforted.

Yes, the baby would die. If the placenta delivered first there would be no oxygen for the baby. Hopefully, the placenta moves up, if not a c-section is her only option.
Tell her to do some research. Many people have c-sections and survive. They are not necessary, most of the time, but in this case, it may be her only option.

V.

With both of my pregnancies my placenta has done the same thing but by 34 weeks it has risen as my stomach and uterus has grown. It is very dangerous for her to have a natural delivery with the placenta previa. She can bleed out and in return cause problems for her and the baby. It could even be as bas as losing them both. Tell her to just relax and see how things go. Your body naturally wants it to move up so most likely it will. Also, have her talk to her Dr. to see if there is anything that they can do to help it move up any. I don't know if there is, mine always did naturally. Good luck and things will all work out for the best.

Unfortunately no there is no alternative if the placenta doesn't move. I had to have an emergency c-section and I recovered very well with proper care from my dr. I was able to return to my normal job after only 6 weeks. The difference is pretty much this regular birth= more pain before baby, c-section= more pain after the baby. Either way there will be pain. By choosing not to go to the hospital she almost guarantees her babys death. The placenta is the life line during pregnancy and birth. It provides oxygen and blood to the baby until it is cut. If the placenta comes first it will essentially be like suffocating the infant. Tell your friend not to be scared instead be well informed.

While some placenta previas do migrate with the growth of the uterus there are many that do not. Refusing to go to the hospital with a placenta previa is certainly not a good idea. It is not as simple as the placenta delivering first; the mother could easily bleed to death not to mention the baby could die as well. Your friend should discuss the situation with her physician and attend childbirth classes and cesarean section classes if they are available. The ultimate goal is to have a healthy baby and a safe delivery. If the c/section is necessary, it is not a fate worse than death. My daughter had an emergency c/section for a pacenta previa last fall. She started bleeding and the bleeding would not stop. She, too, did not want a surgical delivery since she had four other children natural without any intervention. However, as the situation presented itself there was no alternative. The surgery went well and everyone was fine. The fear and anticipation are far worse than the event. I have a 30-year history working in labor and delivery. I have seen it all!

I had placenta previa with my second pregnancy. My placenta abrupted (detached) six weeks early, and my son was delivered by emergency c-section. The critical concern was oxygen for the baby. Thankfully, I was so worried for the baby at the time that I did not realize that I, too, was in danger. It is a very scary thing to go through, but we had to do what was best for the baby. He did have developmental issues during his childhood, but has eventually overcome them all. It does not matter how scary it may appear, you are the mother and need to do what is necessary to save your child. Medical technology has come a long way, and you should take comfort in this fact. And a few prayers would help. You have mine. Good luck!!!

Hi S.,
I too had Placenta Previa and it didn't move. I was in the hospital on bed rest for a month then my daughter was born by c-section at 34 weeks. She's a happy healthy 4 year old now.
I think it's important that your friend get plenty of down-time if possible. If she could sit with her feet up a couple hours a day that might help things move.
I guess she could try to refuse a c-section. But, when they haul her to the hospital in an ambulance and she's bleeding to death, she will be given one to save her life and hopefully the baby. Why put the baby at risk?
We are so lucky to live in a day with ultrasound technology and doctors with the ability to do c-sections. If I had been going through my pregnancy 50 years ago, myself and my daughter probably would have died.
Good luck.

well, actually if it comes down to it they will hotline her for neglect of a child if she refuses to do whats medically safest for herself and the baby. and yes, she could hemorrhage and the baby will almost certainly die (as will she) if she still has this at delivery time and refuses to have a section. i had it with my son and it resolved, and trust me, after being cut from here to there to get his big head out when i refused the section...just trust me, 11 staples is no big deal compared to 75+ stitches in the yoni. good luck.

Congrats to both of you about your upcoming births!
Your friend really needs to discuss this with her Dr. about these issues and concerns. I did not want a C-Section either, when my 2nd child was Breech, but I got over it and healed. This is serious, and I do not think that she would want to put her baby in danger.

I don't have any first hand knowledge Placenta Previa, but, I have had two C-Sections. I have a hereditary brittle bone issue and my babies could have also been born with it. To be on the safe side for me and not end up with a possible pelvis fracture and being a new mom, I opted for a "C". Also, for the safety of the baby who could have been born with it and "suffered broken bones through a vag birth", we went with a C-section for his safety. It doesn't make you any less of a mom having a C-section. The important mission that you have is to get your baby here safely and keep you healthy too. It can take a little while longer to recover with the first C-section. My recovery time on the 2nd was very quick. The bright side to a C-section is your bottom doesn't hurt.LOL And on both kids, I returned to my job as a in-home daycare provider by the time my babies were 3 weeks old. They are now 14 and 12yrs old.
M. C

Hi S.,

Placenta previa can be a very serious condition, and as scared as you friend might be of a c-section, she needs to discuss it with her OB/GYN. Placenta previa can cause premature labor, which may cause the placenta to detach and she may suffer a hemmorrage, putting her and the baby at risk. She will probably need closer monitoring from her OB doctor and should follow his or her recommendations.

I haven't had placenta previa, but I have had 2 c-sections. I was disappointed with the first, because I felt I failed as a mother, but there was no other option. She will have time to adjust to the idea, I didn't. A c-section is a surgical procedure, so she will have a spinal tap in to numb her from the torsoe down. Once she is numb, but awake (so she won't feel pain), her doc will start the surgery to take the baby out. It's pretty fast, about 30 min. Once the baby is out, her doc will stitch her up and she will be monitored for an hour in recovery. She will feel groggy for the rest of the day. She will have a catheter in her bladder, so won't need to get up to go, it will empty out in a bag. She will be on pain medication for about 4 to 7 days and will be asked not to do any lifting heavier than the baby for 6 weeks. You usually only stay 3 days in the hospital for a c-section. My second son was born at Anderson, and the staff there was really nice. I was a bit nervous before my second c-section but the nurses in the OR with me were very caring and reassuring.

There is no reason your friend won't make it on time to the hospital. Considering she has placenta previa, she may not give birth at 40 weeks since it can cause premature labor, so she may end up being scheduled for a c-section when her baby is mature enough to lower the chances of complications for both mom and baby. To answer your question about why cut a hole? sometimes there is no other viable option. If it wasn't for a hole, my oldest son would not be alive. She has to remember: do what is best for your baby. Here's what she will have left from the procedure: a scar that won't even show in a bikini, and a beautiful baby without a cone head. Feel free to email me if you have any questions.

I have an 8 month old daughter (born in November 2007) and I was also diagnosed with this early on in my pregnancy even in the 2nd trimester. My Dr did not seem concerned about it as you mentioned in most women it corrects itself. So, she shouldn't worry about something that might not happen - there are alot more things to worry about. :)

Don't be too freaked out about a C-section. I have had 2 c-sections. Both were emergency C-sections and I recovered quite quickly from the 2nd one. I can't say how it compares to vaginal as I have not experienced it. But if it's the only safe way to deliver a baby for both of you - there's not much you can do but be prepared just in case it happens. Also, it doesn't make your connection with your baby or the fact that you had a baby any less if you have a C-section. You won't get to hold the baby immediately following birth but that doesn't interfere with the bonding of you and your baby.

It is my understanding that if the placenta doesn't move and is still over the cervix at the time of delivery that a c-section is necessary. I've heard this not only from the reading I did when pregnant with my boys, but also from a friend who is a staunch natural-birth advocate. You may want to do a bit more research on this because I don't know exact reasons, but I believe it is dangerous for the baby when the placenta is delivered first. I think it has something to do with delivery of oxygen. I'm certain that there are books your friend can read specifically about c-sections, that will help her come to terms with her fears and helping her to still have a satisfying birth experience. There is also always the possiblility of getting second opinion. I would not recommend her refusing to go to the hospital for her c-section in the event the placenta is still over the cervix at the time of delivery. That would be dangerous for her and the baby. Perhaps she could talk with her doctor about the possibility of waiting for labor to begin naturally instead of scheduling the c-section. I had a friend who convinced her doctor to do this.

S.,
Congrats to both of you. I also was diagnosed with placenta previa with my first pregnancy. Mine did move on its own, but I was in labor for 22 hours and only dialated to a 4, so I ended up having an emergency c-section when the babies breathing became an issue. No one wants to have a c-section, but why would you risk the health of the baby or mother to avoid it? Yes, the baby could die or the mother could die. There is a huge risk of hemorraging and basically, she would bleed to death. She doesn't want to leave her child without a mother. There is a good chance it will move on its own, but if it doesn't, a c-section it is! I had c-sections for both of mine, and the second was by choice. The incision is small, and I can't even hardly see the scar from where they cut anymore (my youngest is almost 4). They make the incision on the hair line and it is so small, you actually wonder how in the heck they are going to get the baby out! I recovered easily and my babies were healthy. I wish you both the best!
D.

I had a friend with that condition and by the time she was due the condition corrected itself. May I add that I have had 2 c-sections and I was scared at first but when her heart beat dropped I was scared to death and the only thing that mattered was getting her out! By the 2nd child (we went into labor and tried natural with her) I was more terrified of something passing the other way! C-sections are not that bad. I wish you both the best and I'm sorry I could not have been more help. Good luck to you both.

Unfortunately here is no alternative. If he labored the placenta would come first which would cause massive bleeding for her (and possibly death)and kill the baby too because the placenta is how the baby gets blood, oxygen, and nutrients from mom. I C-section is not the end of the world. I am an anesthesiologist for OB and am a huge proponent of vaginal births but I have had both a vaginal birth and a C-section and have helped thousands of women to have both and if you need to have a C-section (which your friend will if her previa doesn't resolve) it is no big deal and what you want at the end is a healthy baby and healthy mommy.

Lots of time for uterus to grow and danger to pass ... ask your doctor(s) lots and lots and lots of questions. Get informed about it. Very informed. Understand ALL the risks. All of them. Educate yourself as much as possible and be your own medical advocate. And don't ignore your instincts. Lastly, stop with the fear cycle, and worse, fearing a future hypothetical. It does nobody any good.

God Bless.

Hi I am also a SAHM with a 4 year old boy. I had Placenta Previa and was bed ridden the second half of my pregnancy.
I had no problem given birth to my son the old fashion natural way. My son was perfectly healthy and I had a great delivery. Tell your friend to talk to her doctor again and ask about a natural birth and tell her not to worry. :) Hopefully it will move by the time she is ready to deliver
mine did. However make sure she does what the doctor tells her for her and the baby's saftey.

I think csecs are way overdone, and you and your friend have every right to be terrified of them. The best thing you can do is read The Silent Knife, a book about avoiding them. You can also look up your local ICAN network--it stands for something about avoiding csections. About 30% of US pregnancies are csecs, but only about 5% need to be. Unfortunately for your friend, placenta previa is a circumstance in which you must section or risk death of the baby. Having had one section and one VBAC, I know both, and it is WAYYYYYY better to have a baby vaginally. To increase your chances of doing so, hire a doula (www.mamasara.com is a wonderful choice), and refuse to listen to negative birthing stories. What's the point? Good luck!

I had my first child with a c-section and the second without. In MY situation, there were pros and cons to both. I knew I was having a c section. To me is was WAY less stressful than the second one. I'm not sure the recovery time was that different. I didn't feel that one experience was any better or worse than the other. I wound up with 2 healthy babies. But, that's my experience. I'm sure you're hear from others with different experiences. And, that's what you have to remember. Each pregnancy and deliver and baby is different. My advice would be to be as informed as possible, but be prepared to do what's best at the time and under YOUR circumstances.

I had this at 18 weeks as well, but mine moved by 22 weeks. So hopefully this will not be a problem. From what I know there are really no good alternatives to a c-section. Having a vaginal delivery could cause severe bleeding, fetal and maternal death. A c-section is really not a bad alternative when you consider the consequences of not having one. I am not sure if there are any alternatives, but I suggest you continue to encourage her that there is still plenty of time for it to move and that a c-section is not the worst thing in the world. It's much better than death.

I had placenta previa with both of my pregnancies. With the first it was early on, I did have cramping and bleeding, so I was put on bed rest for a short period of time. By the time I gave birth everything had corrected itself. With my second one I had a low placenta the entire time so they continuously monitored it. When I was about 8 months pregnant it turned into placenta previa, and my doctor scheduled me for a c-section 2 weeks later. I went in the following week for an ultrasound to make sure all was okay and my placenta had moved 8cm. It seems that the baby going into position made my placenta move up. When my doctor had scheduled me for a c-section he said I could not go into labor because the placenta would be delivered first. That if I had any type of bleeding I needed to let them know and tell them that I had placenta previa. If she would like more information on it she can alway google placenta previa. Thats what I did, I also did research on c-sections. But most likely her placenta will move up and there shouldn't be any problem.

S.,
I too had placenta previa. I was diagnosed at 14 wks. still had it at the 22 wk. ultrasound, but it had corrected itself by the 28th week. Many women have it and it most often corrects on it's own as the fetus grows.
If she were to go into labor and deliver vaginally with placenta previa there is a good chance the baby wouldn't make it. If the placenta is delivered first it cuts off the blood and oxygen supply to the baby. C-Sections aren't the end of the world, own shouldn't let it get in the way of giving birth to a healthy baby. After all, my pregnancy was fine at the end and I still ended up with a c-section, my little boy had his cord wrapped around his neck twice! I thanks God for the ability to have a c-section.

I don't know anything about PP but I did have a c-section (baby didn't want to deliver normally.....too big). The only bad thing about the c-section was I was SSOOOOOO dopey and had to force my eyes open to watch them clean and weigh my son. Recovery was a breeze though. Nurses were shocked at how well I was getting around afterwards. You also don't have all the bathroom issues you get with a vaginal delivery.

Although I was hoping for the vaginal delivery so I could experience the true birthing process, I'm fine with having a c-section too.

Hope this helps. C-sections aren't that bad.

My son was breech, so they "turned" him two weeks before his due date. During this, he went into fetal distress briefly and they prepared for an immediate c-section. I was scared, too, but the ONLY thing that mattered was doing the safest thing for my son.

I hope that you and your friend BOTH have healthy deliveries!

I can totally understand your friends feelings towards a C/S. I was there in the summer of 2004. I had a previa...they thought it it was partial, it ended up being a complete. I actually ended up having an emergency c/s due to my water breaking 5 weeks early. It was beyond scary.

If she doesn't have a c/s yes she can die and so can the baby. Its not as bad as she is imagining it. Its in the best interest of her and her child to have one.

Just try and help her relax, you never know her placenta may move and everything will be just fine...if not then the baby comes out the escape hatch!

The best thing your friend can do is educate herself on birth including cesarean sections. One great resource is the International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) - http://ican-online.org/ There is a local chapter that meets monthly in both St. Louis and St. Charles, MO. Information on dates and times is on http://stlouis.ican-online.org./ ICAN provides support to women who want to recover from a cesarean or prevent an unnecessary cesarean.

Cesarean Sections are definitely misused. However, there are also instances where they can be lifesaving for mother and baby.

The following are medical indications for cesarean sections
# Complete placenta previa at term
# Transverse lie at complete dilation
# Prolapsed cord
# Abrupted placenta
# Eclampsia or HELLP with failed induction of labor
# Large uterine tumor that blocks the cervix at complete dilation (Most fibroids will move upwards as the cervix opens, moving it out of baby’s path.)
# True fetal distress confirmed with a fetal scalp sampling or biophysical profile
# True absolute cephalopelvic disproportion or CPD (baby too large for pelvis). This is extremely rare and only associated with a pelvic deformity (or an incorrectly healed pelvic break). Fetal positioning during labour and maternal positioning during second stage, most notably when women are in a semi-sitting position, cause most CPD diagnosed in current obstetrics.5
# Initial outbreak of active herpes at the onset of labor
# Uterine rupture

Since your friend is not due until December her placenta still has time to move. Complete placental previa at term is really rare (.3-.5%). Did your friend's doctor tell her what her actual chances of having a complete previa at term are? Perhaps as someone else said she might want to seek a second opinion with a doctor or midwife. She has to have a doctor she feels like she can trust and feel comfortable with. Even if she has to have a cesarean, she has to know that care provider is doing it for the "right" reasons (those that are medically indicated). If she doesn't trust her doctor now, her trust isn't necessarily going to increase as she reaches 40 weeks. This doctor may be a great doctor but it may not be the best match of care provider for her.

I had both a cesarean and a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC). I thought my cesarean was an easy recovery until I had a VBAC. A cesarean is definitely a good thing in the instance where there is an emergency - complete previa at term is one of those. However, there are still risks with cesareans. One of the risks are increased risks of placental abnormalities including placenta abruptia, and placental previa. These risks go up with each cesarean section. According to some researches, the risk can increase as much as 10%. Families who want to have large numbers of children should be aware of these risks.

I wouldn't refuse a cesarean if it is a truly a life or death situation. Mental and physical recovery from a cesarean is so dependent upon each individual person. Women should know their risks. Perhaps if your friend empowers herself, knows the facts, risks and benefits in each situation, and seeks support she will feel like the decision is hers. After all the goal is not just a healthy baby but also a healthy mother - both physically and emotionally.

Good Luck