Complete placenta previa at 16 week scan - UPDATED

[LadyHutch]

I go back to the MFM for another scan in october to see if the placenta has moved. In the meantime, can anyone tell me a few things?

1.) Will it move? How likely is it the placenta will shift to a more regular position?

2.) Will I have to have a c-section? Is vaginal delivery possible with placenta previa?

3.) The doc has not put me on pelvic rest as I am not having any bleeding or complications at this time. What is the likelihood I will be on pelvic rest if there is no shift at my next scan?

4.) Please share your experiences with early diagnosis of placenta previa. Especially if you were able to deliver vaginally with it and a diagnosis around 14-16 weeks that resolved.


Thanks!

 

[amanda111308]

I was diagnosed with a complete placenta previa as well but at my 20 week ultrasound. I am going to be checked again at 28 weeks and again between 34-36 weeks. If you still have a previa of any kind when it is time to deliver unfortunately yes a csection will be absolutely necessary. Once your cervix starts to dilate with the placenta right over top it can disconnect and stop blood and oxygen flow to the baby and/or you may hemorrhage intensely.

Of course most previas do move. I read a statistic last week that said between 80-95% of previa will move. Luckily for you, you have lots of time for it to move up and away from your cervix. I am hoping for the same for myself. I really do not want a csection but at the end of the day if it's necessary, it's necessary.

As for bed rest/pelvic rest I am on a temporary sick leave ordered by my doctor from work until I can be reevaluated next Monday due to some bleeding and other complications that have come up recently. My doctor has prepared me that I may not return to work and may write me a letter for medical leave for up until I can take my maternity leave.

Pm me anytime! I know it can be very scary and uncertain but it's just so important that you take extra good care of yourself.

 

[Hippiemomlife]

I was diagnosed with complete placenta previa at 20 weeks, and was warned of it at 18 weeks (actually the diagnosis cannot be made before 20 weeks anyway because your uterus still needs to grow for accurate results). I was taken off work, but not told to change my habits, just to take it easy. I had my glucose test yesterday and my doctor checked my placenta as well. It has completely shifted up and is not covering my cervix at all! I'm 25 weeks now, so it shifted completely in 5 weeks. Don't stress about it too much!!

 

[Betheney]

I've read before that women HAVE delivered vaginally with complete placenta previa, but they weren't planned and were more a case of baby coming incredibly quickly. The baby ends up being born through the placenta. However it really is very dangerous. once the cervix dialates the placenta will just start to bleed out seeing as it's now sitting on an open hole. I don't think you will find a care provider anywhere that will allow a natural vaginal birth with complete placenta previa, the risk of bleeding to death because of the placenta being over the cervix when it dialates or from the baby going through it and the risk of the baby suffocating from the placenta separating from the wall as labour progresses and the cervix dialates is just too great.

i'm not a doctor so all this is just random information i've gathered online, i could be wrong about parts of it.

 

[ttc126]

Aww lady hutch! As if you needed more stress Hugs to you!!!
I've not had compete previa but marginal previa. They fully expect it to move with only a slight previa.

However, i did lots of research. With complete previa you will need a c-section. Even with a partial they usually insist on section. Pelvic rest would be necessary as abruption and random hemorrhaging are common especially in 3rd trimester. They would also likely put you on to bedrest at some point. You'd also be delivered early so not to risk you going into labor.

I really hope it's moved up at your next scan Hon! Praying for you!

 

[stephj25]

I was diagnosed with complete previa exactly a week ago. My head has been all over the place but I have seen a lot of positive stories on facebook (previa support group).
As I am only 21 weeks, I can't reassure you but I can tell you what I have found out.
- CPP with a placenta mostly anterior is very likely to move, equal amunt is less likely but Posterior which only just covers the cervix is unlikely to move because the uterus forces it to move forward.
- Some women get bleeding but others can go all the way through pregnancy with no bleeds and have a c section at full term
- Most women get advised to go on pelvic rest if you have the condition and no heavy lifting. Apparently this can help prevent docs advising bed rest later on
- you will be well looked after, with more scans booked in to see the progress of the placenta.
- If you do bleed, it's best to go to the hospital straight away, even if it is just a small one to prevent it worsening
- bleeding seems to happen for most ladies when they wake up from a sleep which suggests that this is due to the uterus growing while sleeping.
- Any bleeding that does occur as a result of Previa will have no effect on the baby so don't worry too much if you do bleed

I hope this helps xx

 

[LadyHutch]

Sigh. TTC, you are dead on, like I needed more issues!!

I had been doing a little better with the HG...but today I am crap again. Back to barf city.

I go on oct 2 for my next scan. Hopefully it has moved. I am certainly praying. I really do not want a c-section. I will if I have to, but do NOT want. At the end of the day I just want us both to be healthy.

Guess I'll find out more on the 2nd. I'll let ya'll know then.

 

[Demotivated]

Hugs ladyhutch.... as for your questions, i had complete placenta previa at 13weeks...



1.) Will it move? How likely is it the placenta will shift to a more regular position?

- mine was totally up, at the top, at my 20 week scan..so they do move..

2.) Will I have to have a c-section? Is vaginal delivery possible with placenta previa?

unlikely. sorry. since if you have complete PP and giving birth vaginally, then instead of baby comnig out first, placenta will be out first, disconnecting baby's supply of oxygen. Ofcourse, if the baby comes out instantly as well, then it is possible. But it usually doesnt happen.

3.) The doc has not put me on pelvic rest as I am not having any bleeding or complications at this time. What is the likelihood I will be on pelvic rest if there is no shift at my next scan?

- i was not put on any kind of rest. Hell, i was given an okay to take a cross continent flgiht (8 hours). I roamed around whole of Europe for a month lnog vacation / work break.
However, i was told not to have sex, not pick up weights / heavy stuff / no running, sprinting, and no jerks / bumps while travelling.

4.) Please share your experiences with early diagnosis of placenta previa. Especially if you were able to deliver vaginally with it and a diagnosis around 14-16 weeks that resolved.

- no idea on the birth part.. but as you enter 20weeks, uterus stretches even further and placentas lift up. so, good luck

 

[Blondish_keg]

Hay I just wanted to say Hi, I am a little further along at 21 weeks and also have CPP found at my 20 week scan.

It's nerve wracking, kinda ruins that perfect image of a hippy perfect labor but from what I hear you have a good chance of it moving when its seen early so don't give up on the positive vibes yet

Some mums even prefer a C-section birth (not quite convinced personally..) and I keep meeting new people who got to nearly term with no bleeds - fingers crossed for you

 

[LoveMy2Boys2]

I just got diagnosed with mild placenta previa..... They think it was full and has moved and I'm 18 wks.... I spotted my entire pregnancy until around 14 wks it went from daily spotting all day long , to just a few days a wk and small amounts here and there .... I go back wed to see exactly what's going on , I just had a quick look at the hospital..... I have also had a ton of lower pressure .....right above my pubic bone, do you have that pressure also? Almost like a bruised feeling ...... And my Braxton hicks are putting me in tears because there's no room down there and it keeps squeezing the bruised area...... Can I also add its a pain in the ass to be on bed rest and pelvic rest is torture! Lol

 

[LadyHutch]

Just updating in case anyone else finds themself in that position at 16 weeks.


Went for anatomy scan at 23+1. Placenta now in perfect position. All went well. Goober is healthy and strong and 1.5 lb.

We are good to go now....I just need to stop throwing up.

 

[ttc126]

Wonderful news!!!! So thankful! I was praying for you!!!! So glad

PS, I'm still sick too, but with my ds1 it got better at 25 weeks. Hoping yours will too and mine will do the same this time. Lots of days i vomit even with the zofran but hopefully gone for us both soon!

 

[LadyHutch]

Thank you for your prayers! God is indeed good and miracles are abound!

 

[Perplexed]

Happy to hear that your placenta migrated away from your cervix. I had the same thing in my previous pregnancy.

 

[lanet]

Wonderful news! I was diagnosed at 15 and 3 and I've been bleeding on and off for 2 weeks. It's so alarming. My dr thinks it will move by my 20 weeks scan.