Major placenta previa

[rek21]

Well, I've been burying my head in the sand about this so far, but I think now is the time to ask for the collected mumsnet wisdom.

At my 20 week scan the baby's placenta was centrally positioned at the bottom of the womb completely covering the os. A repeat scan at 24 weeks showed no change of position although the sonographer felt that there was no sign of the placenta growing into the scar from my previous c-section (DD, 16 months was breech). I have another scan lined up at 29 weeks followed by a consultant's appointment.

I'd really like to hear from anyone with experience of this severity of the condition, either first hand or otherwise. Is there any chance of the placenta moving? I have found it hard to pin medical types down on this - the best chance I have been given is 50/50. Has anyone had major placenta previa and not had a bleed? If so when did you have a c-section? Do any other symptoms accompany bleeding? I have this fear that it will happen in the middle of the night and I won't even realise!

Really, I'd be grateful for any experience. I have read the RCOG guidance on the net but I would really like a more personal perspective.

Many thanks.

Hello everyone,

We're home! We came home on Weds and I have been loving being at home so much that I hadn't left the house until today. DD1 has been a dream, DH did so well at keeping her routines the same that its like I've just slotted back into her life! She is really pleased with her sister and we have been giving her loads of time and cuddles. DD2 is also doing brilliantly, she has had her nasal feeding tube removed and she is breastfeeding on demand, putting on little bits of weight but enough to keep her going in the right direction. She has her day and night confused, but given that she was in NICU/SCBU for a week where day and night are the same, that's not very surprising.

Just wanted to let you all know that things are going well & hope that you are all well too, rek x

My dear Rek! That's wonderful! Many congratulations to you and all your family. I'm so glad that the transition to home has been smooth. You can now get on with life - and what a great one it will now be! (Has she got a name yet?) I have been checking the thread in case there was more news from you so I shall sleep now!!

Our little family is doing OK too. Little Harry lost rather too much weight the first week (down to 5lb 9oz) but he was jaundiced & sleepy so not feeding as much as he should. K & A then found they (reluctantly!) had to wake him (A to do nappy-change & K to breastfeed) for a few days but he's a lot better now & has got the regular feeding idea, although he doesn't seem to know day from night either. Nappies are all too big aren't they? Last Saturday (10th day) he had regained the weight plus a few grams. Now 6lb 2oz but still a bit yellow so will go to clinic on Thursday for final signing off. Seems so tiny to me (Andy was 9lb 4oz & my ds2, Tom, was 10lb 4oz while my dgs1, Eden, was 8lb 5oz) so I feel he is fragile yet. But neither he nor your DD2 should be here yet so they're doing well.

Kerry is getting on well & we went out for our first walk in the park on Saturday so life starts to look normal. Andy is on 2nd week's leave to be with his wife & son and K's mum goes in every day to help. As Andy goes back to his placement, Kerry's parents go on holiday for 3 weeks so I might make myself useful then. Can't wait! But have to split my time between Harry & Eden & home & work! Ooops! Spreading a little thin. Who cares?

Enjoy every minute Rek. It soon goes. Listen to the old lady!

Lots of love, Glynis xx

Ah bless you Rek!!!!!!!! Fantastic!! I'm so so pleased for you... I'm so glad that DD1 is still in a good routine too. It must feel so exhilerating being at home now. Its been such a tough few months for you and you are another one who has come out the other side!!! Yippeeee.

Nannynorfolk its good to hear from you too. Glad everything is going well for Kerry and your son... and your beautiful little Harry!!!
Such life changing experiences you have had...

Rek you seem like a completely different person now!! I am so happy it was a good end to a very traumatic pregnancy for you and your family xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

My daughter was born in 2007 by cesarean due to low lying placenta.It was not a good pregnancy due to the fact that none of the scanners etc would commit to answering whether i could give birth naturally or not.Its tricky as all the way through you are told that the placenta may move.I was told mine had and was eventually given an induction date as my baby was late.During a last minute scan i was told oops you will need a c section as placenta was still too close for comfort.No one available to do surgery as it was easter weekend,not allowed home in case of bad blood loss altogether crap experience.Now pregnant again and hope all goes well this time,