Placenta previa bleeding 27 weeks

[Georgina125]

I have had some small scares in the pregnancy so far with complications from hypothyroidism and early bleeding at 8 weeks but all has been well otherwise. In the 20 week scan, they said the placenta was low but would probably move so I didn't worry.

On Friday night (26 weeks + 5) I had a massive bleed. It was painless but terrifying. Husband rushed me into hospital and bleeding slowed down. The first doctor did I test that indicated I was at high risk of preterm labour. Five mins later she returned having read my notes and said that actually the test was known to be inaccurate in cases of placenta previa. Still she sent a very sombre NICU doctor down to speak to me and my husband.

I have been monitored ever since and blood pressure/tempetature/Baby heart rate is fine which is great. I have had no further bleeds just old brown blood which is reducing. I may be allowed how today which is lovely but i have been warned that I am likely to be back multiple times in the future. I am attempting to distract myself with practical stuff- planning a proper hospital bag (didn't have one this time), thinking of bringing forward baby purchases in case of preterm delivery, arranging to self certify off of work this week while I rest (then 2 weeks annual leave following)...

Problem is that I am terrified. The bleed came out of nowhere- what if i go home and the rest makes no difference and I end up back here? What if I deliver my baby far too early (27 weeks tomorrow) and I lose them? I feel myself beginning to freak out and lose rationality. What if my waters don't break spectacularly and simply quietly leak and I don't notice because of the hot weather?

Tbh, the uncertainty is not anything that anyone can fix and I suspect I will need to distract myself with knitting and Netflix to stop myself from losing it completely.

Not sure if there is much advice anyone can give. Just needed to vent.

Couldn't read and run. I had an extremely pre term birth at 24 weeks last year and the uncertainly in those few days was horrendous. In my case, it wasn't good news but every day your baby is growing inside, the higher the survival rate is. You just have to try and keep yourself calm (I know it's easier said than done!!) and have hope. Look after yourself, that's all you can do because this, in turn, is helping your baby too!

I hope everything turns out OK for you!!

I had almost exactly as you describe at 26 weeks, blue lighted to level 3 hospital and nearly had to have a c-section. It wasn’t something I had given much thought to, although I knew I had a low lying placenta, I remember seeing so much blood and being convinced I was losing the baby, horrible shock. In the end I had one more bleed that wasn’t as bad and went to 39 weeks. It is very scary but I think there is very little you can do to stop it. Have you had steroid injections?

Thanks for both of the replies so fast. So sorry Dorabean for your loss.

Didiusfalco, so glad to hear it can work out ok in similar circumstances. They gave me 2 lots of steroid tablets and some iron. Steroids seem to be stopped for now. Guess it's has just given a boost, then let baby respond? They have been quiet so far today but heartbeat is fine so am finding reassurance in that.

It’s so scary isn’t it? I had placenta praevia and had lots of bleeds from 23w. DS hung on until 36+3 in the end Wishing you lots of luck

I had several bleeds from 22 weeks. Managed to get to 36 weeks. Went into pre labour at 32 weeks & they managed to stop it with various drugs. Had steroid injections & I was on heparin injection also as was on bed rest. I was in & out of hospital from 22 weeks. Went in permanently at 28 weeks because of a bleed.

Dc is now 19!

I had this from 24 weeks. Constant bleads until my little boy came.

I carried him to 37 +4

Hopefully everything goes smoothly
. Good luck OP.

Im 19 weeks and had a huge bleed at 14 not really stopped until yesterday sort of brown blood mainly with the occasional gush of red. Spent a night in hospital this week saw the consultant Friday. She said to me that whilst 24 weeks is viability she wants me to get to at leadt 28, (so youre almost there) as survival rates improve and then at 34 weeks she wouldnt even think twice about getting baby out as survival rate is even higher. She said if i have another bleed from 30 weeks onwards it will be decision making on the day. I have a placental abruption though. My placenta is high up away from cervix but is breaking up already. Thats my understanding of it anyway. Hope you manage to stay at home and rest for a few more weeks. Take each week as it comes and just think youre a week closer to safety every time. Its so scary when its happening though.

Thank you all so much for your reassuring messages. I got myself worked up about worst case scenarios and I was on my own so no one to distract me. I am being allowed home soon so might feel better in familiar surroundings. Doctor said no marathons and to take it easy "whatever that means" (his words). I will pack a pre-motive hospital bag because I will likely he doing this again according to doctor.

I basically did nothing for 10 weeks. Not total bed rest due to risks of DVT, but no lifting, hoovering, pushing supermarket trolley, sex, baths, anything energetic at all. Bed to sofa to sit in garden etc. I’m convinced rest was what kept him in until 36, although the bleeds are really unpredictable and mostly happened at 3am for me.

I was released on Sunday but bled again today. Think bleeding is stopping now. If it happens again I think I will be kept in until birth. As long as baby is ok, I don't care.

I am still here in hospital. The bleeding never quite stops. Tomorrow baby will be 28 weeks. Hoping my body can hold on

My friend lived in hospital for a month with pp with twins- she did a blog!
It’s not fun being in- especially in this weather.
Have you got a private room- that is usual if you’re in long term- for sanity/ sleep so cry/ beg for that.

I feel for you OP. I ended up having over 30 bleeds with my DD. She was born at 37+5 and is currently running me ragged! Good luck

Thanks. I have got a private room (partly because I am staff) and it is bloody hot but nice to have privacy. I am happy to stay in now if that helps baby. They have had steroids and magnesium sulphate now so they've had a head start.

Hi OP, I had exactly the same situation. Bleeding started at 27 weeks and I was kept in hospital with the hope of getting to 35 weeks. I made it to 32 weeks and DD has just turned one

So hard to write this. At exactly 28 weeks, the bleeding started again and wouldn't stop. My waters broke and finally our beautiful son was delivered by c-section. He seemed to be doing really well and I was going to be allowed to see him the day after the operation for the first time. But he fell terribly ill and slipped away just 14 hours after birth. My husband and I have been given a private room so we can hold him and make memories. This morning I woke and saw his crib next to the bed and remembered all over again that our son is lying there and will never wake up. At some point they will need to take him away and we don't know what we will do.

I'm so, so sorry to read this update

I bled from 27-34 weeks and eventually gave birth early and he ended up in SCBU for a month due to his lungs being undeveloped despite having the steroid injections.
I was hospitalised for those weeks as I had massive bleeds. I had an emergency caesarean as the placenta was totally blocking the birth canal.
Hope things will be ok.

I missed the update as I wrote it and then didn't press post.
I am so sorry. You did all you could to carry your baby as far as you did.
Nothing I write will be of comfort to you but sending hugs and hope you get the support you need from family, friends and the health service xx

I’m so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful son

I had a big bleed at work at about 35 weeks and they asked me to stay in until I had a c section at 38 weeks. No more bleeds, everything fine. I have everything crossed for you!

I’m so sorry I didn’t read the update before I posted Words can’t express.

The doctor looking after our son came to see us to explain what happened. He was just too small essentially. The doctor looked utterly devastated.

So sorry what an awful time for you and your family! Sending lots of love 💕💕

Thanks for all of your love and support. One last question of you. I want a locket necklace where I can put a photo of my beautiful boy and a lock of his hair. Has anyone seen anything like this (ideally engravable)?