Placenta praevia @32 weeks - not getting much info from NHS!

[Celaun]

Hi, I am 32weeks pregnant and just had a scan which showed my placenta is covering my cervix by 13mm.

The sonogropher didn't really give me any info other than to say i have to go back for a further scan @36weeks. It was suggested i speak with my midwife if i wanted any info but she is currently on holiday and i didnt really get a lot of info when i managed to get hold of another local midwife.

Perhaps its a positive sign that they don't seem too worried about it but having had a quick search on the internet it seems it can be quite serious! Does anyone have anyone have any exerience of placenta praevia or know whether 13mm covering is a lot or is it still likely to move?

I'd be greatful for any feedback - i am feeling quite worried, especially
as i have a holiday planned in a couple of weeks time (in the UK) but wondering whether i should cancel and stay close to my local hospital in case their are complicatins.

Confused and panicking!

My friend's mum had this and had to be delivered by CS.

If its a partial previa like yours, 13mm, there's still a chance that this will move away from your cervix as your uterus expands. You'll have another scan to see if this has happened.

If it is still a partial previa or a low lying one, you'll have to deliver by CS as the chance for bleeding when the cervix dilates will be high.

You'll also be told not to do any strenuous activity-lifting/housework or anything that will cause you to strain as this may provoke the placenta to bleed.....which means hospitalisation with possible early delivery.
Also, pelvic rest is advised (no sex ).

I don't know how likely you will be to have a bleed with 13mm partial previa, but if you do, you'll need to go to hospital straight away.
Don't know whether this will help you make your decision about going away.

Have you googled it?
Try Babycenter for more info.

HTH and good luck with everything.

It depends a bit on the extent of your previa. This is the rcog leaflet about placenta previa for women hope it's useful.

Is your placenta covering the os and then going over by 13mm? Or is it 13mm from the os? The former is unlikely to move at this stage, the second may move. I had previa at my 20 and 26 week scans but moved by 32 weeks check.

You should see a consultant with your next scan if its still low, and as above you'll need an ELCS unless its moved to at least 20mm from the os. Personally, if it is a complete previa, covering the os, I wouldn't be going away. Or at least finding out where the local obstetric units are (not MLUs) but big obs units with full neonatal backup.

Good luck, hope all is straightforward for you.

Thanks for the replies ladies and the links to more info - i really appreciate it. My notes say that my "placenta covers the internal os by 13mm" so I guess its looking likely it will be a c-section :-(

As you suggest HP - I think i will check how far away i'll be staying from local obs units if i do go on holiday and take a decision from there.

Fingers crossed i won't get any bleeds - feel like i am constantly checking at the moment! In the meantime i think i'll try to take it easy (which may be a bit difficult when i haven't finshed work yet and have two other children under 4 to look after).

Thanks again for your replies

Don't forget to also take a list of the obs units on route. I went away recently at 35 weeks and took a list of about 8 hospitals, so no matter where we were on the way, I'd never be more than 30 mins from help.

All the best for an uneventful time!

I'm so sorry to hear you're on the NHS knowledge blackhole on this Celaun - nothing more to add to the very good advice above apart from hope it works out ok and you don't get any bleeds.

Could you not call the community team for advice before your own mw gets back? I called mine about somehting similar a couple of weeks ago and they put me through to a mw on the antenatal day unit who was more than happy to explain things to me.

Celaun I'm currently going through this and I've just been booked in for a section for the 18th April (I'm nearly 37 weeks). At my 20 weeks scan my placenta was totally covering the internal os, at the rescan at 32 weeks my placenta was 14mm from the internal os and at 36 weeks it was 21-23mm from the os - 'borderline'. I've been given an option to try for vaginal delivery if I really wanted to with a risk of haemorrhage or go for the c-section. I opted for the section as I felt it is a more controlled environment in case I start to bleed excessively.
I've been advised at my 20 weeks scan not to travel, excercise or have sex. I would recommend you the same. I haven't bleed so far and I do believe it's becuase I took it very easy. I still had to commute to work 1 1/2 hour each way each day but that was it. This is my DC1, so I don't have little ones to look after and we hired a cleaning lady.
I felt just like you, constantly checking for bleeds and worrying but now as I'm nearly full term I feel much better. Time flies, you are nearly there with no bleeds! I am now really worried of the section....
Oh, you can request to see a consultant before your next scan if you wish, I didn't know this but I have asked for an appointment and got to see a doctor. You'll need to book a consultant appointment for after your 36 weeks scan! Good luck to you :)

Thanks all. Kitkat - all the worry is horrible isn't it. I'm really pleased that you've managed to make it full term without a bleed, thats really good to hear and fingers crossed I will be the same. all the best for the c-section, not long until you get to meet your little one!

Celaun I suspect the next 18 years will be a worry:) You'll be the same, just try to take it easy and think of yourself!Please update us how you get on!

Yes kitkat i think you are right .