Placenta Previa....anyone had this?

[Cassiopei]

Well I got the results from my ultrasound and apparently my placenta is in the wrong place. Has anyone has this? What did you have to do? I heard there is still a chance that it will move since I am only 22 weeks. What happens if it doesn't? I am kinda freaked out. I don't want a c-section or anything.

[bear]

sweetie i KNOW that is scary. I had a scare with that my first pregnancy. i was 7 months pregnant and started bleeding. went to the closest hospital, which my docs didn't have rights at, and the "specialist" did a sonogram and told my i had placenta previa.

i went to my dr when i was released from the hospital and they did a sonogram and told me that the "specialist" was completely wrong. my placenta was no where near my cervix! MUCH undue stress. especially because i now had unexplained bleeding.

from what i learned about full placenta previa though is that the placenta will not move and that it does involve a c-section by around 36 or 37 weeks. and they typically want you on bedrest. :(

if they are telling you it could move out of the way than i don't believe it is really placenta previa, just a low-lying placenta, which can move up.

is there a way you can get a second opinion? did they say if the placenta was completely covering the cervix or just partially?

check out some of these sites for more info....

http://www.parentsplace.com/pregnancy/

http://www.babyzone.com/pregnancy/default.asp

http://epregnancy.com/index.htm

you need to search through for the info but they all have tons of information.

I wish you MUCH luck! :)

bear

[bear]

here is something else i just read on my dr's website...

Placenta previa is a condition that occurs during pregnancy when the placenta (the sac surrounding the fetus) implants in the lower part of the uterus and blocks the cervical opening to the vagina, therefore preventing normal delivery. It can only be diagnosed by ultrasound.

It is not certain what causes placenta previa in every case. However, it is more common if there is:


Scarring in the uterine lining from previous surgery
A large or abnormally shaped placenta
Multiple fetus' (twins or more)
Multiple prior deliveries (6 or more previous deliveries)
Scar tissue from a previous cesarean section

Early in pregnancy, such as before 20 weeks, placenta previa is usually not a problem. The cervix usually remains tightly closed early in pregnancy, therefore no significant risk of bleeding exists. The placenta often migrates away from the cervix as the uterus grows. Therefore, someone with placenta previa at 20 weeks often does not have placenta previa 4 to 8 weeks later.

If your follow-up ultrasounds show persistent placenta previa, then your pregnancy will be followed closely. If you continue to have complete placenta previa, your physician will continue to watch you very closely until late in pregnancy. At that time, it will be necessary to deliver your baby by cesarean section. The timing of your c-section will vary from physician to physician, and may be as early as 36 weeks or as late as your due date.

thinking good thoughts for you...

[Cassiopei]

My doctor sad it was real low but not completely covering my cervix. Since I am only 22 weeks I am hoping if moves up. I will wait six more weeks before my next ultrasound til I really start to worry. Thanks for all te information. Stuff like this is unsettling. I am so sorry that they misdiagnosed you, I hate that. During my last pregnancy i was in emense pain and i didn't know why. My doctor told me that is was just really bad heartburn. Not til after I delivered did a different doc tell me that it was gallstones and I had to have surgury. I had to endure those attacks for a whole 9 months. I guess that is why I want to be prepared for this. Thanks so much again, It makes me feel alot better. :)

Sarah

[bear]

I can only imagine! That is nuts.

Definitely don't worry yet. I am sure it will move! You have lots of growing to do by then. And if it doesn't move, at least will have a little time to prepare yourself for what to expect.

I wish you the best.

[Cassiopei]

Well I got my second ultrasound and its still real low. This sucks. But its not blocking anything anymore. They just told me to come in if I start bleeding. I think I am a nervous wreck. He didn't go over anything with me just rushed in and said call if ya bleed. I think I hate male OBGYN's. I have never had a good one. Thanks goodness its only a few months left. :)

[bear]

You are going to be fine. I know it is hard but try try try to be positive. Visualize it moving up. Keep talking to that baby. Tell him/her that you two are going to be fine. I am glad it isn't blocking it anymore. That is a good sign.

I am wishing for you. A safe natural delivery. I know just the thought of a C-section is quite scary.

bear

[grumpydawn]

Wow! Try and stay on your back with your feet elevated on pillows, and no lifting!!! This will keep the pressure off your cervix. And remember to bend @ your knees. I have had 2 c-sections, it's not the end of the world. Just try not to stress yourself out. I'll keep you in my prayers.