placenta previa

[Reinarex]

Hi everyone I was diagnosed with placenta previa at my 20 weeks scan and at 28 weeks it was still 1.8cm away from the os. At 28 weeks 2 days, I had massive active bleeding suddenly in the middle of the night and was admitted to the hospital and warded for 7 days. Now the doctors gave me a month of rest, movements restricted except for visiting the toilet. Doctors did discuss the possibility of another bleeding occurrence. I am feeling very scared and worried at home now as I'm still a long way (currently 29 weeks 1 day) from my due date.
Anyone has similar stories or advice?

 

[babyjng]

Hi,
I had previa for my first pregnancy.
Bled at 30 weeks, 1 week home rest and 12 days hospital bed-rest because the bleeding didn't stop.
Delivered my baby at 32+ weeks amidst massive blood flow.
He did fine in NICU for about 3.5 weeks and has grown into a healthy soon-to-be 4 yo.

If you find yourself bleeding continually, heed the doctor's advice to do bed rest.
It sucks to have limited movement but the rest will help keep baby in a bit longer.
I had a few jabs (2-3) for baby's lungs to mature quicker, in preparation for premature birth.

 

[Reinarex]

Hi babyjng, thanks for sharing your story. How did you deliver your baby? Through a natural or c-sec? Was yours partial or complete and did any complications set in during or after birth?

 

[babyjng]

Hi Reinarex,
Mine was partial (though I didn't ask how close and my gynae kept us focused without fretting).

Was on hospital bed rest when I started bleeding profusely at 32+ weeks, so gynae made the decision to do a C-sec under GA.
In many ways, I have come to appreciate that taking the baby out was a relief (because I wouldn't know if he had difficulties in-utero, or if he was affected by my constant bleeding). At least he gets good medical care outside my tummy.

** complications after birth: As he was 8 weeks early, his lungs were under-developed and needed treatment in NICU, including CPAP (3 days) and oxygen box. But thankfully he was of good weight, so discharged from NICU under 36 weeks when he was about 3.5kg and feeding well.

I was very worried about his premature birth/ health and I know it may be a difficult time for you.
But you need to stay positive - there is literature that suggests depression triggers early contractions.
I am sharing my story to let you know that there are good outcomes - my boy gained speech and emotional cognizance slightly later, but he is doing well now and thriving.

Ease up, move less and keep faith.
I look forward to reading your healthy delivery

 

[Reinarex]

Hi Babyjng, this is my 1st pregnancy and I'm very overwhelmed with fears now. Apart from being scared of another bleeding, I'm very fearful of the c-sec. Did the doctor put you under GA due to your bleeding? I wonder if I can opt for GA too but at the same time I would love to meet my baby in her early moments of arrival. I've friends telling me that they actually felt the first cut during c-sec bcos their epidural didn't work so well... that scared me. I also had another friend who said she could feel the pain when the doctor tugged and pulled her baby out!
Thanks for taking time to reply me as I really need some comfort now.

 

[babyjng]

Er....I wouldn't lie. I was sad when my gynae said "C-sec" and heartbroken when he added "under GA".
I was really hoping to cuddle my baby the moment he was out of my tummy, which would be impossible under GA.
But yes, he undertook the GA decision because he didn't know what was triggering the bleeding and whether there would be complications (in the event I needed surgery). I wasn't given a choice.
So I would say to you, indicate your preference to your gynae but be flexible/ prepared for either way.
** I never got to cuddle my baby until Day 7 because he was all tubed up in NICU. Always teared when I visited him, but at least I know he is going to be ok.

Also, I had my second birth under epi.
Yes, even if epi works, you will feel the pressure on your tummy and the point of incision.
But I didn't feel any "pain", until after the epi wears off. The post-recovery from C-sec is more painful than the actual birth process!
By then though, you will see your baby's face and it will make it all worthwhile. Keep your eye on the prize!

Every Mommy's birth experience will be unique. Read positive, think positive and communicate your concerns with your gynae.
If he is experienced, he should be able to address your emotional aspect of the delivery process.