Anyone with placenta previa or parcial previa who went into labour before elective c section

[Savama]

Hi,
Just wondering about the experiences of women with placenta previa or partial previa (my case) who went into labour before elective c section.
I’m kind of scared of this happening to me.
How was with you? Where you close to hospital at the time?
Did you need blood transfusion? Was it all of sudden?
I can’t stop thinking really...

Me ! I had placenta previa and had a couple of bleeds at 23 and 32 weeks. Then had a large bleed at 35 weeks and got the blue lights to hospital at 11pm and had an emergency section soon after arrivin g. Yes it was scary and I didn't get to hold my son for about 45 mins as I was bleeding but I didn't need a transfusion and believe it or not I walked out of the hospital after only one night. Recovery was amazing was up and about. Try not to worry just keep your notes with your when travelling in case you have to go into a hospital and look after yourself

How many weeks are you OP? If your partial and before 28 weeks I think there is quite a large chance it will move x

Thanks for replying!
Do you reckon you were in early stages of labour when you went to hospital at 36 weeks? Cervix dilating?
Impressive recovery though!

I’m 35 weeks, so no chance to move said the doctor. I’m quite close to a hospital, but a heard that when your cervix start to dilate, it can happens even before you feels any contractions, if the placenta starts to detach you can bleed a lot really fast, so I would rather be kept in hospital.

Oh are you bless you so close I remember being scared at 35 weeks too. your c section is planned because of your placenta location not elective right ? When is it booked for? Have you had any bleeds before that ? Have you had an internal scan recently so that they can accurately see?

I didn't feel a contraction but the placenta was falling away so it was an emergency. I was just in bed and felt a gush my first thought was waters breaking but it was obviously blood. I was about 25 min drive from Southend hospital so I did panic but the ambulance crew seemed so calm just kept telling me I was going to meet my baby soon

any other questions no matter what I will be happy to answer xx

I wouldn’t know I have a partial previa if it wasn’t the routine scans, I haven’t had any symptoms.
On the 32 weeks scan they also did a internal scan to confirm exactly the position and then they said about the elective c section.
I haven’t been able to relax much, during the day I’m fine, but at night I always get a bit worried.
Thanks so much for the support and for sharing your experience, it does make me feel better to know about it.

I'm currently 35+3 with a complete previa. Scan on Thurs then hopefully a date set for ELCS. Terrified of bleeding or going into labour at any time. I don't want to be in hospital though, as I have two toddlers at home. Had no bleeding so far, but I know things could change at anytime. Just feel like I'm holding on at the moment!

I will add, the night it happened I had done stupid amounts of walking that day. Round a large boot fair , walking the dog 🐕 I remember getting home and thinking I probably shouldn't have done that. Try to rest up and take it easy (hard with toddlers obviously !)
Will you both come back and let me know how you get on . It's really positive you haven't had a bleed thus far!

@RLOU30 I’m taking it easy at the moment as the doctor said I should always have someone with me 24 hours, have my medical notes, everything organise just in case...
I will let you know how it goes.

@RoLaren Fingers crossed for us all will go well.
Xxx

Hi all! 36 week scan today and placenta hasn't budged a smegging inch so ELCS booked for next Thursday when she'll be 37+4. Eek! Have to have steroid injections beforehand, has anyone any experience of them? I've heard they hurt!

@RoLaren I’m having antenatal care at UCLH and they offered me steroids as well, they also wanted me to book my c section at 37 weeks, but I questioned if I could wait a bit longer, so they booked me one at 38 and few days.
From what I read it seems to me that any baby born before 39 weeks, they are offering steroids injections to reduce the chances of respiratory problems and time in the neonatal care. I haven’t made my mind up about having the steroids injections...but doctors seemed to be all for it.
Is your placenta a total previa?

Savama

Yes, total grade 4 previa, it has been since 18 week scan. I think due to my age (43) they want to err on the side of caution and have her out at 37. There were no slots available for the next week and the week after was too late. Good news is that the placenta isn't over my previous CS scar and there's no indication of accretia. Also it's the same surgeon and anaesthetist as last time which is reassuring as they know their way around my insides!

Got lots to organise now!

Oh, and the consultant said to me today that as I haven't had any bleeding so far, it was highly unlikely now. Quite reassuring

@RoLaren I'm booked for ELCS next Thursday too (Mine's due to PPROM & breech presentation though) at 37+2 and they aren't giving steroids to me. I was on a 7 day course of antibiotics last week once PPROM was diagnosed but they seemed to suggest they don't bother with steroids unless pre-34 weeks.

Weathergirl

Hmm, interesting. I think steroids are a bit of a preventative, an easy (read - cheap!) way of reducing the risk of needing SCBU intervention. Fascinating how different Trusts operate. Mine is Rotherham, may I ask yours?

@RoLaren Addenbookes, Cambridge so fairly large regional centre. Would you need to transfer for SCBU if you needed it?

Weather

No, there's a SCBU at my hospital luckily.

Well that can't be behind their reasoning then!

@RoLaren I’m glad that it isn’t accretia and the doctor told you that risk of bleeding at this stage is small. Not long to go :)

I’m still waiting to talk to the consultant and set a day for the c section, I have an appointment next week.
@Weathergirl1 and RoLaren
I hope all goes well for both of you next week xxx

Weathergirl

Just wanted to wish you luck for tomorrow. I had to have a last minute MRI scan today to check for accreta, which was entirely un-fun!

Hopefully we'll both have our babies in our arms this time tomorrow

@RoLaren ah yes you too! 👍🤞 I am quite looking forward to no longer being pregnant 😁

@Savama hope your appointment goes well if you haven't had it yet too 🤞