Placental abruption at 18 weeks - help.

[usagal]

Hello everyone!
I have lurked around on mumsnet for ages but never posted before. However, now I think I need some help and advice so any at all would really really be appreciated. I am English but have been living in the States for 8 months and am 18 weeks pregnant with baby no.3. Other pregnancies were problem free. I started bleeding about a week ago and went for a scan and it was discovered I have a placental abruption (a fairly significant one). The dr said I have to have more or less total bed rest at home for a couple of weeks until the bleeding stops. (yeah right with two kids!) They were generally not particularly positive. They spoke lots about being admitted at 24 weeks when the baby is viable for hospital bedrest and steroids as the baby would likely to be pre-term if the abruption doesn't get better. (Can it get better or will it just not get any worse?). When I asked if it was better or worse in terms of baby prognosis that the abruption was discovered early I was told it made no difference and at least if it is born now I will have no choice what will happen to it. (ie it will not stand a chance). I just wondered if anyone has had any experience of this - with good or bad outcomes? I have no family out here and I am really really scared.

[usagal]

Hi everyone.

I am still hanging in there. The bedrest thing is so boring - and as I am doing so little I am starting to worry how I will cope when I need to be on my feet all day again! I have had a couple of days with very little bleeding but when I got up this morning there was quite a bit of fresh blood there. Also had some pains - not really contraction - like but quite nasty. If it carries on tomorrow I will probably go in to the hospital to get it checked. However, being a Sunday that would mean A&E - which I don't relish the thought of. Would much rather just go and see my OB on monday if poss. Anyway - should be laying down - will get told off my DH if I get caught on the PC

[DaisyMOO]

Hi usagal, I'm glad to hear that you're doing OK. I would be going out of my mind with boredom - sounds like you need a laptop with wireless broadband connection

Is there anyone you can call about the pains you're having to see if it's worth going to A&E ? Abruptions can cause pain as well as contractions so might be worth just checking it out? Surely they wouldn't keep you waiting for too long in A&E as you should be on complete bedrest?

Anyway, keep us posted and take care of yourself!

[lulumama]

id; get the pains and bleeding checked ASAP, regardless of whether it is a weekend ! only because i had bleeding late on in my first pregnancy, and was told that if i had any sharp pains and bleeding, to go straight to hospital to be checked....

best to be safe than sorry with such a potentially serious problem x

[usagal]

hello everyone!

Sorry it has been ages since I last posted but have really not been well and confined to bed. I do have a laptop with wireless connection but been feeling so crappy that I can't even do that! However, starting to feel a lot better now. I had another scan last week (I am now 23 weeks) and although the bleeding still showed - it had lessened a little. The baby seemed to be growing at right pace as well. My OB has said that they would not necessarily expect to see a decline in growth just yet anyway. They identified a kidney problem with the baby -one is bigger than the other. It could signify a blockage or reflux - so need monitoring for that as well now. . I have stopped bleeding for several days which is good news - but I have just been having really bad cramps. They usually last for a few hours in the evening and they make me feel really uncomfortable. Both my previous children were born naturally without pain relief and although it bloody hurt I have clearly not had the hideous experiences that a lot of other women have. - Therefore, I think I am sort of qualified to say what I consider to be painful in terms of contractions. I feel at a loss because my cervix is completely fine, so am showing no other signs of labour. (although I do keep having really wet pants - but the amniotic fluid level on my scan was ok - i think - I forgot to ask) . - Does amniotic fluid replenish itself? - I have not had a "gush" like I did when waters broke with dd. But with ds - my experience was a bit more like this - lots of wet pants over a few days. Not in pain at the moment though! The docs are being great - a little more optimistic than before - but still being told to expect a prem baby. As I am not actually bleeding at the moment I am able to relax a bit though. Just feel very confused and wish I knew what would happen. Different doctors say different things and my own research on the net does not make me feel any better about what I have. Is there anyone out there who has had experience of a placenta abruption??? Sorry - a very rambling post!

[lulumama]

your waters can leak slowly , rather than gush , and they do replenish, but TBH,in your situation it is probably best to mention it ASAP! hang on in there ! x

[misc]

Hi usagal, just to let you know it can turn out ok. I had a placental abrubtion at 16 wks and continued to be admitted to hosp with heavy bleeds over the following weeks and had all the symptoms you describe. Had steroids just in case and ds arrived at 30 wks when it was total abrubtion, luckily everyone was epecting that so cs happened very quickly.

not the pregnancy or birth i would have wanted but ds now 18mths and no different to any other 18mth old , ecept maybe cheekier!!

Good luck and let us know how you are getting on, will be thinking of you

[usagal]

Hi misc!

Thanks so much for responding - it is so good to know that someone else has had the same problem and everything was ok. - Were you put on bed rest - and at what stage were you admitted to hospital? was your bleeding on and off like mine? - So sorry to ask all these questions - hope you don't mind!

[misc]

Sorry had to go to bed last night..shattered!

Yes the bleeding was on and off throughout and a couple of REALLY heavy bleeds so make sure you have a decent mattress protector! sorry to be graphic.

i was admitted to hospital 5 times and told complete bedrest for at least a week after each bleed (well i think they said 2 weeks but my dd was then 2 so like you very hard!)

When it finally came away completely I actually started in labour so was aware that it felt different from the other bleeds and got myself to hospital sharpish to find out I was 5cms dilated considered too high risk of heamorraging (sp) for normal delivery so whisked off for cs (good job too as I did heamorrage and the surgeon was able to sort it out!)

I know this makes scary reading i'm sorry just telling it like it is (was!) no-one seemed to think i would go full term so i would prepare yourself for a surprise!

As I said earlier its all fine now, so try not to stress.
the hardest part for me was in the early bleeds when they kept saying they would treat it as a miscarriage, I was soooo relieved to get to 23/24 weeks and finally know that if it happened they would do all they could to save little one.
Really hope it goes well and will keep checking this post.

[dueat44]

Have they suggested taking you into hospital full time? I know this would be hard with two children at home, but would give you a lot more security.

[usagal]

Thats ok Misc. - I am in the States - so there is quite a time difference! (I am 8 hours behind you!). I have been told that as the bleeding has calmed down that I am allowed to do a little more within my home. Still not allowed out other than for appointments. I am worried that it will start again though! Also, the bleeding does quite often happen about 2 days after doing something that maybe I shouldn't. On my last scan it looked like the concelealed bleeding had lessened but was told the damage had already been done so am still at risk.
They did talk about admitting me to hospital at 23 - 24 weeks when the baby became viable. However, as my bleeding has stopped and the concealed bleeding had lessened that doesn't seem to be happening. Yet at the same time, I had an appointment with the neo-natal docs last week to discuss how my baby is likely to be cared for. - It is just confusing! Some days are better than others - I am just taking as much rest as I think I need and hope that does the trick! It is up and down! - Thanks so much for your help everyone!

[usagal]

Hi everyone!

No change here. Still having a lot of very watery discharge but it is not getting any worse. I called the hospital and they said that unless it gets worse I didn't need to come in.

I really frightened myself a couple of days ago though. When I had my last scan (the one where they said the concealed bleeding had not got any worse) they also saw that one of the baby's kidneys was larger than the other. They said this could be caused by a blockage or the baby may have kidney reflux. They said that it was not anything really big to worry about but would need monitoring before and after the birth. Therefore, I have not been worrying too much about it. However, whilst doing a bit of research on the net the other day about amniotic fluid (I am still scared it is low - I am now 24 weeks pregnant with my third child and I can fit easily into my size 8 topshop combats. I think I have put on about 4 or five pounds - my pre- pregnancy weight is about 8 stone - height 5ft 3 - is this in itself normal? - I def put on more weight than this with my other two - was certainly in maternity gear by now). - Anyway - it said that low amniotic fluid could cause the unborn baby to have a kidney / urinary tract problem. Exactly what this little one has. It also said that low amniotic fluid was linked to placenta problems such as an abruption because the baby is not getting enough nutrients, therefore does not urinate very much, therefore causes low amniotic fluid levels. It kinda ties up. I would hope that the sonographer would have checked the fluid levels but to be honest she was really bad at communicating so I have no idea if she did. It was only at the end when she had stopped the scan and I asked her about the bleeding that she told me it had lessened. She didn't actually show us it on the screen. I next go to the docs on Friday and I really don't want to say - "I have been doing my own research on the net" - cos I know it will get her back up - but I do want these issues addressed. I am just sitting at home day after day and have nothing to do but worry. There is a definite reduction in the amount the baby moves, have a constant dull back ache and have an irritable uterus. Now I am 24 weeks at least they will try to save the baby if it were born, but I am looking at every little sign as a signal of impending doom. Would I be out of order to ask if I could have a couple of hours monitoring to make sure the baby has a stable heartbeat? My next scan is another two weeks away and the stress of this is starting to make me ill! - Any positive comments would be really welcome - feel rubbish today even though I should be happy as I reached the 24 week milestone!

[alipiggie]

Hi there, I would ask for re-assurance why not. Customer Service is king over here. Ring them and assist on seeing someone tomorrow. You and your baby are top priority here remember that. Sending you lots of positive vibes from Colorado. Take care of yourself.

[mamama]

Oh goodness - I've only just seen this thread and, although I can offer no advice, I just wanted to offer my support.

I'm with Ali - I'd call and see - the last thing you need is anything extra to worry about - if they can reassure you about something, I think they should. Give them a call.

I LOVE Portland, btw - it is really beautiful. What a wonderful place to raise a family. I'm in Chicago.

Will keep popping back on this thread to see how things are.

Take Care of yourself, won't you.

x

[doulamummy]

Hi there,
just want to say hang in there.I know how you're feeling it is really tough(see my previous post viclb76).It is really strange but I also had a kidney problem detected with the same preg. as the abrubtion.They said one was bigger than the other.DD was put on trimethropin from birth and had a scan at a week old.Was given the all clear and taken off medication.They said this often does correct it self by birth.She is now coming up for 12 yrs old and perfect and lovely,though a very determined young lady.
I also had a toddler running around and in the middle of pottytraining so I really appreciate how frustrating and difficult bed rest is.
I will say though anything that doesn't feel quite right ,to call hosp. or midwife straight away.Go with your gut instinct as things like this aren't worth waiting and taking any risks.Like I said before I went into prem. labour twice and they managed to stop it both times with medication and was also given lots of steroids.I went on then to have DD a week late with no problems.
Good luck and keep us posted.{wink}

[doulamummy]

try againlol

[LupinsBigLump]

Hi

Have been following your thread but not replied yet - but wanted to add that I had extremely low amnio fluid with my dd, she didnt have any problems when born at 35 wks emergancy section - went into labour naturally - anyway it is pretty amazing how well the babies do cope with low water, are you going to have another scan? they will measure your water and let you know if its low - if you ask your consultant they will then tell you how low, mine was between 1.5 - 2.5 cm, normal range is 5-25 cm, I sopke to my consultant b4 getting pg this time and there is 50/50 chance of it happening again, I have quite a "tidy" bump this time altho some would say small I feel big, am getting growth scan next week, fingers crossed for you - if your fluid is low you will be seen alot more often

[usagal]

Hi everyone!

Thanks so much for your messages of support! - I felt much better today and did feel the baby move several times which put my mind at rest. I called the hospital and they said I could go in, but as I felt so much better I decided not to. Just took it easy and watched plenty of daytime TV! I am going to the hospital for a check on Friday anyway,. My next scan is due in 2 weeks, but I will tell the doctor my fears about low fluid levels and she may bring it forward, especially if I am measuring small for dates, or have not put any weight on at all for the third week running. I am eating LOADS though! Thanks again everyone!

[mamama]

Yay! Glad you are feeling better. I hope you found some good daytime TV - Oprah is always good for a bit of entertainment. And then there's Ellen...

[usagal]

Hi everyone.
Quick update - I am going to start another thread about what has happened but I thought I would update quickly on here. A week ago I started bleeding quite badly, went to hospital and was admitted. Still bloody here. . The baby is fine, is growing normally and has had a great heartbeat the whole time I have been in. (been on 24 hour monitoring the whole time). I have been having contractions - sometimes it is more like an irritable uterus and other times it is much stronger. Was given various medicines to try and stop them but none worked and so I ended up on Magnesium Sulphate. Hideous stuff. I could cope with an average dose but at one point they upped it as the contractions were really thick and fast. It virtually knocked me out and I have no memory of the day or two I was on it. Thankfully I am now off the magnesium but have been put on another tablet which stops contractions. They are only letting me take the tablet when my blood pressure is not too low - which is about 50% of the time. They want to let me home as the bleeding has stopped, but I am getting constant contractions which are aggrivating the abruption and these get worse when I can't take the tablet. They wont put me back on magnesium right now as it only works once within a short time period - yesterday I was told if the contractions didn't stop I would have to deliver the baby - but today I am being told about the possibility of going home. . As far as I know I am not dilating but have not been checked for 6 days - does anyone know if you continue to have contractions you ALWAYS dilate, or can this go on for weeks?

[maisym]

lots of thoughts for you xxx

[usagal]

Am now 26 weeks.

[rahrah1]

Hi usagal... I just wanted to say hi...just seen your thread...

I had very similar problems to you... I had serious bleeds and concealled bleeds which effected the placenta. Although the baby was the correct size, I continued to bleed and have stomach cramping. Then at 22 weeks I had a massive bleed and contractions started. At this point they saw a big shadow over the placenta which was blood clots. After that big bleed the pains continued and I began leaking waters. They were not too concerned about the waters to be honest, until my membranes went at 23 weeks. We then found out that there was no fluids left around the baby and I had him at 24 weeks. We had some issues within labour as I bleed very heavily and they also found an infection so could not examine me. In addition they could not use a monitor to determine the stages of labour. The midwife missed all delivery signs and unfortunately the neo-natal team were not present for his delivery.

Therefore I would like to congratulate you for being over 24 weeks, it is such a milestone and you are doing so well... hang on in there... everyday is helping your little one... My advise is:

• Stay at the hospital as much as possible as they can give you an emergency C-section if placanta goes any more
  
• Take total bed rest
  
• Try and relax as much as possible (relaxation techniques etc)
  
• Report any different incidences to your hospital,,, like new loss like water a show..
  
• Keep vigilant for any infection...(that is what we think made my waters go... even though I was in hospital they only acted after the event)
  
• Insist on going with your instincts (we wish we had)
  
• Have a clear plan in case the baby is born and discuss your expectations on treatment.
  
  You have managed to go quite a bit further than me... but saying that there were babies at 23 weeks that we at my hospital and doing well... Unfortunately our little one did not make it, he was with us for 6 hours... but his lungs had stopped developing at 23 weeks due to zero fluid. Your baby stands a very good chance even if delivered now, due to being a couple more weeks developed..makes all the difference..
  
  Best wishes and want to hear about your little one when born...You are doing so well.. XX

[madmumNika]

Hi usagal,

Just came across your thread and although I haven't had placental abruption I have had a prem baby (30 weeks, so not that prem) and wanted to suggest a website that has been a fountain of knowledge and support, & I'm sure a good few mums on there have been through what you are going through (both placental abruption, amniotic fluid loss & early labour):
Bliss message board (Bliss the premature baby charity)

I also had magnesium sulphate (to stop seizures as I had pre-eclampsia) and agree it's horrid!!

My DS is now 22 months by the way, and just like any other 22-month old, but maybe a little more fiesty!! It was a long road, and the first year was tough, but he made it in the end and is healthy, happy & full of life!
Others on the Bliss board have had babies much earlier, there are a few 23,24 % 25 weekers on there, many of whom are doing superbly. Just wanted to give you some hope.

Huge hugs sweetheart xxxx

[sanash]

i had a placenta abrubtion at 39 weeks when i was pregnant with my first child, it was the worst experience of my life i was bleeding for over 3 hours while they tried to work out what was happening it was only when the consultant on the next shift took over that they rushed me in for a emergency caserean. They told my husband that i might not wake up because of the amount of blood loss and my baby needed resusatation although my baby was fine he had to stay in neo natal for five days and i couldn't see him for two days due to my poor condition.

There are so many details of the hospitals mistakes i could list but if i started i would be here all day i was given an epidural and they were going to make me start pushing which i was told afterwards would have killed my baby and probably me aswell.
A Placenta abruption can be really serious and i don't think that enough is known about it or what causes it, i had never even heard of it until it had happened.