Complete Placenta Previa...

[ilovecolinfirth]

Hi all,

I'm new to mumsnet, so hoping to get lots of good advice/information.
I am 31 weeks and 5 days and at 20 weeks was diagnosed with a low-lying placenta. I was told then that I had a pretty good chance of it moving out of the way in plenty of time.

However, at 26 weeks I was admitted to hospital with bleeding - pink blood which was enough to leave a mess (also passed a clot), but I don't think it was too serious. I was kept in hospital for 3 days and given another scan. At that scan I was told I had complete Placenta Previa, and the consultant told me I still had a chance of it moving but it was becoming less likely.

I was then admitted to hospital for 24 hours at 30 weeks with a relatively minor case of bleeding.

When I was discharged that time I was told I could still work as long as I didn't have a long commute, and also as long as I was put on light duties. The doctor also half mentioned that the consultant might decide to admit me to hospital at 34 weeks, regardless of if I bled again or not. I didn't really take much notice of this, as I generally feel pretty great during this pregnancy. HOWEVER, I have since read on several sites that many consultants decide to hospitalise any woman with Complete Placenta Previa who has bled in the later part of pregnancy.

What do others think? Is this likely?

I am a little nervous about this as I have a toddler, and I know from being in hospital on previous occassions how hard my husband finds it to drop him off and pick him up from nursery every day, as well as coming to visit every night, especially as we have no family close by.

However, the more sensible part of me is relieved as my son (only child) arrived 3 weeks early, with a relatively fast delivery.

This baby is already big for dates so I wouldn't be surprised if he/she attempted an early escape!!

Many thanks for thoughts/opinions on this

x x

Hi i'm in a very similar situation. I'm 26 wks atm and was diagnosed with complete previa at 20 wks. I have carried on as normal and so far have had no bleeding (thankgod) was told not to worry, yet the chances of complete moving are very slim and prepare for a section. However i saw my consultant for the first time yesterday who told me slow right down absolutely everything you do even cough puts pressure on the placenta and as its only a jelly like substance could push it down and cause bleeding. I've been told stop work asap (i work in a nursery) no hot baths, no sex, no lifting more than a bag of spuds, no swimming or long walks!!!!

He told me there is every chance i will be admitted at 34 wks incase of heamorage or pre-term labour, I too have a child at home DD is 4 and it will be round xmas am also concerned about leaving DH.

I have a scan in two wks so hope to get an answer then but it is worrying and now hard to enjoy this long awaited pregnancy. I've also struggled as all the midwives have different advice but i'm listening to the consultant now.

He also told me eat lots and lots of iron rich foods incase of blood loss. If you still have complete previa they won't let you deliver naturally you will have a section.

Hope i've been some help

It's good to hear from someone in the same position. I think I'm already resigned to having a c-section. I don't think that I particularly mind the idea of it, as long as I know beforehand that will be what is happening.

I've been attempting to stay at work for as long as possible - I work as a teacher in a secondary school, and have been given only admin work to do since school started.

I'm guessing that if you've been told about being admitted to hospital even though you haven't bled, it's more than likely I will be in hospital.

Hmmmm, how to spend several weeks stuck in a bed?!

Really feel for you having this hang over you over Christmas. Will keep my fingers crossed your placenta decides to give you a break and shift!!!