Tips with coping with pregnancy after prematurity

[WindYourBobbinUp]

I had DS1 at just turned 36 weeks, which I know is nearly term but we still had a lot of problems. This was due to a massive bleed with placenta praevia.

I'm pregnant again and delighted but also terrified. I still get flashbacks to the bleeds before the birth, the birth itself and various moments afterwards whilst in hospital.

Chatting to other pregnant women, they're all so relaxed after their 12 week scan. I know that's the first milestone (I'm 9 weeks) but even if that's ok I'll be worried about 20 weeks and then giving birth early again. I can't find anyone in RL that understands, not that many people know yet.

I'm also worried about reactions, I've had a few "better not have any more" comments, in case the same happens again

Sorry this was longh! For those that have had subsequent pregnancies, how did you get through it?

I had doc1 at 34 weeks. I didn't relax at all during my 2nd pregnancy and was seeing signs of labour in everything. I was even admitted to hospital at around 33 weeks. Dc2 was born at 39 weeks in the end. Do you know why your dc was early? Have you been told to expect another early one?

He was early because I had placenta praevia and they couldnt stop the bleeding so had to deliver by emcs. I wont know where my placenta is until the 20 week scan and there's not much information on chances of a repeat - I've been told it's chance where the egg implants. So all rather uncertain!

It is very difficult. However you know the reason for your early birth and with this cause I think it is unlikely to happen again? I tried to be positive and enjoy the pregnancy (mine was not a positive one, but dd is here and fine) and as it was my last I enjoyed the baby stage more as I knew what to expect. She never had any problems like ds had so the anxiety was not there? If that makes sense?
Are you under a consultant? Bliss charity has a good chat board for pregnancy.

Thank you for your responses. There doesn't seem to be much research on if it'll happen again - previous praevia makes another placenta problem more likely, but I can't find any info on how much by. They don't really know what causes it anyway, I had no risk factors last time and throughout the pregnancy the consultant said it would move and be fine. It did move - the wrong way!
I'll being seeing a consultant, to discuss vbac / elcs at some point. I imagine that'll be after 20 weeks when they know what's happening.

That's good advice Miaow at least I'll be somewhat prepared this time. I went into hospital at 35 whilst still at work and was going to do the bag packing that weekend. I don't particularly want DH bringing my best, white, wedding underwear again - something about the instruction for big old pants that cover the scar went out the window, so will get that packed early this time!

I must admit I had a feeling it would happen again. They also did take me seriously when I called them with problems. Push them if they do not investigate further though.
My dh managed to buy a vile dressing gown first time round, he is colour blind....

There should be a thread for inappropriate hospital bag packing by DPs

I had a feeling the first time that something was going to happen. This time, I'm not sure, I think I'm just frightened

Hello bobbin I am in a similar boat, and understand all you write. dc2 was born at 27 weeks. I too had placenta previa. I am pregnant again and currently coming up to 16 weeks. After the initial shock of pregnancy, I surprised myself at how relaxed I was, however, I am now at the stage where things started to go wrong and feel my anxiety levels rising. Even though I know worrying is a waste of time, I keep getting waves of panic.

We have not announced our pregnancy yet either, only MIL and best friend know as I dread their reaction after all we went through last time.

I am seeing consultant next week, and I pray he/she can tell me that the placenta is sky high. I was told that it is all down to where the egg implants and we were just unlucky that it planted really low down last time?
I really really hope you have a smooth pregnancy this time around

I hope it goes well for you summer Are they able to see your placenta already? I found out at the 20 week scan last time but I guess they weren't looking for it before then whereas this time they will be?
I too was told it was bad luck, I had no risk factors last time
I'm hoping to delay telling people until I know what's what - I carried small last time so might get away with it!

I asked at 12 weeks scan and was told it was too early to see. I too had no risk factors. I am nearly 16 weeks and lucky in that I am not showing yet, maybe look like I have put on a few ibs, want to wait till 20 weeks scan at least until i officially tell.

I really want to enjoy the pregnancy as I didn't think I would get another chance. I have googled and there is nothing conclusive about if you have had it once you will get it again, the only positive is the egg will not implant in the same place twice, so I am using that as a positive and praying for a high placenta at my scan! Will keep you posed on how I get on.

I hope it is high for you, all the best for your scan