Placenta Previa

[NK]

Hi,

I am currently 28 weeks pregnant. In my second trimester ultrasound they found out that I have low lying placenta. The gynae did not really warn me of what that means until I started bleeding when I was only 23 weeks pregnant. I was hospitalised for 1 week before they let me go home. Now, most of the time I am on bed (not too strictly though), trying my best not to exert myself.

I later on learnt that a friend of mine who was pregnant through IVF was also diagnosed with placenta previa.

I am wondering what are the chances of me carrying the baby until my due date? I will have another ultrasound done at 30th week.

It would be great if anybody who has gone through similar experience could share their experience.

[angelaezra]

Hello,

I haven't experienced placenta previa myself, which is surprising because I have had everything else but from what I have learned when I attended nursing school years ago and my sister experienced it, most women do not make it to their due date. My sister went into full term labor at 34 weeks and delivered my nephew. But, the very positive thing is that your doctor is aware of it and monitoring it. So they will be able to make the appropriate steps if needed. It also depends exactly where the placenta and baby are lying. For example, if it is more toward your cervix (complete or partially blocking the cervix) then as the baby grows the more likely it could lead to preterm labor. Please just take it easy and listen to the bed rest instructions or light activities and inform your doctor of any changes even if you think they are minor.

By the way, the physicians were really concerned about my nephew’s lungs being mature but he was just fine and didn’t even need to go to NICU.

Please keep us updated with your progress. I will be thinking of you!

Angela

[aims327]

NK - I am 13 weeks along with twins and was just told one of the placentas is low lying. It was discovered because I was spotting. The doctor also said there was a tiny tear. Since I am still early in pregnancy, my doctor felt like it would fix itself so I'm hoping he's right. I was just told no strenuous exercise and call back in a week if I still have spotting. I have a friend with twins who had the same thing. She was bleeding a lot and was put on bed rest for 3 months. She carried the twins until 37 weeks though and had c-section. I hope this helps some. Take it easy in the meantime!

[NK]

Hi Angela and aims327,

Thanks for answering my question. I have been keeping my fingers crossed and really hope I will make it to at least 37 weeks. Rest is in God's hands. The best thing that can happen is when i do the 30th week ultrasound the placenta is not covering the cervix anymore! I will keep you updated. Thanks again.