Placenta previa

[Kelly8654]

Hi. I'm 21 plus 1 with baby number 7. At my 20 week scan I was diagnosed with major placenta previa. It's totally covers the os and is based left laterally. Anyone else had this? And what's the chances of it moving? The sonographer isn't so sure it will move. I'm being re scanned at 32 weeks. I've not bled since early pregnancy. Been told to stop intercourse. Would love to hear from anyone else that has had this. Ta xx

I had this with dd2 (who is now 18). I only found out as I started bleeding at about 25-26 weeks.
I had steroid injections for her lungs in case she was born early. They did want to keep me in but I had dd1 at home so I went home.

No one actually told me what to do or not to do, so I carried on doing all my normal things.
I was booked to have a CS a week before due date because the placenta hadn't moved, but I went into labour at 37 weeks.

I was in the room ready for a CS but they found she'd pushed past the placenta and I had a vaginal delivery.

Everything was fine in the end

I have a good story and a bad story. I had PP the first time. No bleeding in pregnancy. Planned CS at 38 weeks.
Second time. Near constant haemorrhage from 20 weeks. Spent 6 weeks in hospital and delivered at 26 weeks. He’s fine despite a brain bleed not long after birth.
There is no way of telling which placentas will bleed and which won’t.
Do not do anything that might in other pregnancies cause harmless contractions- so spicy food, sexual intercourse, getting dehydrated and even scratching your nipples and stimulating them can make some placentas bleed. As I said either your placenta is a ‘bleeder’ or it isn’t and there is no way to be certain.
If you have full PP and you have made it to the 3rd trimester there is also a major chance of a placental bleed. If you do have this, go to the hospital immediately. It could be life threatening for you and the baby.

Glad you posted this, I found out at 20 weeks about my placenta. It's front and low and covered my cervix
Just been rescanned at 34 weeks and it has moved but is on the threshold of what is safe for vaginal delivery.
So basically the consultant has said it's my choice to have elected c section, where I'm likely to bleed due to cutting through the placenta or vaginal where I'm also likely to bled.
Really don't know what to do!

I had an anterior placenta fully covering the cervix. I bled during my C section but not a great deal and they were totally prepared in theatre for it. They had a vascular surgeon on standby and they had extra blood ready. There is no comparison between a CS and a vaginal delivery for something high risk. I am a bit surprised you were even given the choice as it goes against the RCOG guidelines.

@PotolBabu thanks for this. I didn't know where to look for some answers! My gut says c sec but concerned about after effects.

I currently have a major placenta previa completely covering cervix which was detected at 15 weeks after a small bleed I am now 28 weeks and due for a scan next week to check placenta, consultant is confident it won't move as it posterior and also wrapping round anterior too and its centrally over the cervix so even with slight movement it would still fully cover.

I am due to have a CS at 36 week as long as I have no more bleeds which they'll book at 32 weeks if it's still presenting same which They believe it will, I was told no sex, no heavy lifting and no over doing it!

Take it easy 💗

Thanks everyone. Just trying to work out the chances of it moving. I have 11 weeks to wait to find out. Just want to know what's happening. My youngest is disabled so no chance of me not lifting etc. She is 3 and getting quite heavy. Think I'll have a private scan at 28 weeks. Will get them to check its location then. X

Hey ladies, I'm now 37+4 and my placenta has done a massive shift. It is now over 4cm away. So try and not stress and get a scan between 35/7 weeks to check x

Hi @Kelly8654 don't want to scare you but I had major placenta previa and ended up in hospital from 32wks bleeding on and off. Had or have dd delivered via section under general anaesthetic at 37wks but if I had a bad bleed she would have been delivered earlier.

Everything was straightforward until I started bleeding at 32wks. Luckily I knew to expect it.

Also I was at risk of needing a hysterectomy at the same time. I got away with it this time but the placenta was stuck right in so if I got placenta previa next time it would definitely be a hysterectomy. Depends how great your chance of bleeding is. They knew I would bleed heavily because of where it was.

@Kelly8654 , how are you getting on? I know your youngest is disabled but it's really important that you don't lift if at all possible.

I had a complete pp and was told no lifting or sex and then from about 34 weeks was told not to be more than 15 minutes from the hospital as it could go any time. It did, on the dot of 37 weeks, in the middle of the night and was utterly terrifying.

Is there anyone who can offer you extra help?

I’m 25 weeks with twins and twin 1’s placenta is classed as low lying and completely covering the internal os. It was pretty much the same at my 20 week scan but they said it needed a TVS to confirm. I was told last week they will schedule me another scan around 32-34 weeks to confirm position but we have said from the start that we want a c section which (until last week) the Drs in ANC have agreed with - the one last week was full of “oh it will move and you’ll get the vaginal birth you want” despite my notes being clear that’s Drs advising and me agreeing c section will be safest mode of delivery!!

Mine is still covering fully covering at 31 weeks got a scan in two weeks they don't except it to move it hasn't this whole time so looking to be booking section at my next appointment. I'm fine with have a section as baby is footling breech as was precious baby and I have gestational diabetes as well so it's already high risk pregnancy. Can't wait for him to be here hoping section will be between 36-37 xxx

Hi. Had ny 28 week scan yesterday. The placenta is still completely covering. And wherebits in a difficult position it means rather than it needing g to be pulled up to move. It actually needs to move sideways. Consultant is quite sure I'll need a CS. It's right at the front but also wraps round my left side. I'm booked to have another scan in 4 weeks to check and also see babies growth as he is currently estimated to weigh 3lb 2. About 4 weeks ahead lol. Having GLT done next week too. They haven't said. But I'm guessing if I need a CD they will have to cut through the placenta as it's at the front. Been told a CS will be done at 37 weeks. Will keep u all posted xx

Good luck! Mine is still completely covering mines opposite round the back and wraps round front on the right hand side. I'm 35 weeks and I'm being admitted from 29th for 2 days of Steriods then c section on 1st ! Can't wait for him to be here now. Hope all goes well for you @Kelly8654 xx

My friend had it twice with her 2 and she was absolutely fine. No issues at all