Advice on scanning for previa, please

[Fingerbobs]

I was scanned at 22 wks and had complete previa then. I'm trying not to worry but it's really getting me down; the next scan's not due apparently until about 32 weeks or something - I'm currently 24. I'm really feeling as though I can't wait that long (god, that sounds even more childish when you write it). If it has moved, I could relax; if it hasn't, I could at least feel as though all the worry is worth it, IYSWIM. Part of my panic is that I read (thanks google) that the average onset of bleeding with complete previa is 29 weeks, so I would like to know if I should expect this or if the risk has defnitely gone.
I have an appt with the gp next week and was wondering if there's any chance I could (or should?) ask for an earlier scan to see if it has moved. Does anyone know if that's likely? Or if it's more likely to move later on when things are expanding quicker? Or should I just shut up and wait until the scan... Any advice/thoughts really appreciated as I'm driving myself slightly insane here.

[clutteredup]

I had it with dd1 and the fact that they don't worry about scanning again till late in pregnancy is based on the fact that at this stage there is no risk at all. IME everyone I know has been fine when scanned later on as it generally does move. i shouldn't worry, i know its hard, is this your first pregnancy? but i'd concentrate on enjoying your pregnancy rather than worrying about something that probably will turn out not to be a problem. good luck

[Fingerbobs]

Yes, it's my first - how did you guess?! Ok, I'll try to dial down the panic. Ommmmmmm

[magnolia1]

Stop panicking
I had complete placenta previa right up till birth, unfortunately for me it never moved.
I had a scan at 20 weeks another at 30 (a mobile scan in the consultants office) and one at 36 weeks.

I never had any bleeding at all but was not allowed to over do it (hard with 4 kids already) Dh took time off work just in case and I worried the whole pregnancy

It can move even up to the last week in pregnancy so scanning earlier means nothing. But I can see how another scan (if it showed it had moved) would put your mind at rest.

Stop googling, it makes things much worse!!!
Are you under a consultant? If so when is your next appt? You can ask then if they would scan agian to put your mind at rest x

[Fingerbobs]

Thanks Magnolia1, it's reassuring to hear that even if it stays, it doesn't necessarily mean pools of blood. I'll try to wean myself off the google habit, too!

[fruitful]

I think if you do bleed earlier, the first bleed is not normally a huge one. You go to hospital, wait till they're sure the bleeding has stopped, and go home again. And for some reason most bleeds are at night, which is quite convenient really!

I didn't bleed till 34 weeks and it was a bit of a flood, but I just went to hospital in an ambulance, and then sat around for 12 hours. Most unexciting.

Make sure your mobile phone works and then try hard to forget about it!

I am now 15 weeks with a baby that implanted very low, which means a high chance of pp again. I'm trying so hard not to think about it!

[fruitful]

Yeah, google is very very frightening, don't do it!

[Fingerbobs]

Thanks v. much Fruitful - do hope it doesn't happen again for you.
trots off to charge mobile

[fruitful]

It is nice to know though, isn't it. At least if you know you have a complete pp then you can quit worrying about labour!

[magnolia1]

I spent my whole pregnancy googling and insisted on my section being brought forward a week because I was in such a panic
Ds1 was born at 37 weeks by section and it went really well. I was told to expect huge blood loss ect... non of that happened and it was very straight forward

[Fingerbobs]

Yes I think the worst thing is the not knowing - should I be practising breathing or should I just be buying in the peppermint tea?
Also v. reassuring to hear about successful c-section. Thank you very much, all - am calming as I read.

[fruitful]

I'm sure that determinedly not thinking about the birth until after 32 weeks has got to be helpful, anyway...

Says fruitful, who is panicking at 15 weeks.

[berolina]

I had enormous bleeds at 17 and 21 weeks in this pg - first time a partial praevia was disgnosed, second time a complete one. By 28 weeks the placenta was completely out of the way I've been scanned every 4 weeks since it happened - the German medical system is very thorough - and it has been reassuring. I would try and get an earlier scan - also because you have to be more careful about physical activity, sex etc. with pp. Hope it does move. If it doesn't, the bleeds can be very heavy and hence frightening, but at least you will know what the problem is. Good luck