Advice on Placenta Previa

I'm so sorry you have to go through this. I cannot imagine how difficult being on bed-rest must be, and all I can do is offer sympathy. I did not have placenta previa, but I ended up with a scheduled c-section 6 months ago because my baby was breech. It was emotionally extremely difficult for me (I had been planning on a drug-free birth) but there are several things I did before the birth that I sincerely think helped me heal quickly. If your situation does not change (and it may - you never know) your doc will certainly recommend a scheduled c-section too, when the time comes. Both now and in the future I think attitude is really important. Channel all of the energy that you would normally be putting towards keeping up with your boy, towards staying healthy and growing a strong baby.

If/when you do the c-section, talk to your baby once you have a date scheduled and let them know that they'll be coming out, just a little differently. Relax and prepare yourself for being a new mom all over again. All of the energy that you would have used birthing the baby needs to be channeled into healing your body after the surgery. I know this sounds a little touchy-feely, but I think in all things - bedrest included - attitude goes a long way to making unpleasant things bearable.

Also, I have read elsewhere that there is a yahoo group for moms on bedrest. Would be worth checking out at groups.yahoo.com.

Good luck.

Hi B.,

I'm so sorry your going through this. No worries though. You will get through it. Follow doctors orders and you'll have that healthy sweet baby in about 20 weeks or so!! I can't exactly relate to what your going through but I can relate to having a family and being unable to take care of them. It's so hard and I'm not going to sugar coat it and tell you that you and your husband won't have times of pure frustration but you will get through it. I had my daughter in March 05 and broke my leg two months later. She was almost 3 months, I was a new first time Mom and I couldn't do anything for her. It was devestating to me. For 3 months I had to wear crutches, have metal pins put in my leg and could put no pressure on my left leg. I don't know if you've used crutches before but you certainly can't carry a baby or really anything else since your using your arms and hands to "walk". My husband really stepped up to the plate and I will never forget everything he did for me and for our daughter. But you know what.....that's what a spouse does. If your hubby were disabled for any reason you know you'd step up and take care of thing because that's what we do for the people we love. And you never know just what will come out of something like this. Because my husband was my DD's primary care taker for 3 months they grew such a wonderful bond that I don't think would have happened had this accident not occured. Just a few words of advice. Don't rely ONLY on your hubby. Ask your family, his family and every friend and acquaintance you know to help. I got so angry at my family and friends for not just coming over and helping but all I had to do was ask. They didn't want to intrude but the moment I told them when and what I needed they were all over it. Don't be shy, speak up, ask for what you need and your going to be very suprised by who steps up and even by those who do not step up. I know it sounds crazy but this ended up being a very defining time of my life and as difficult as it was and as many tears as I shed over it all I wouldn't have given up all that I learned about my personal relationships. I hope you get responses from Mom's who have had the condition but I just wanted you to know that the bed rest part of it will work itself out. Good luck and don't forget.......start writing a list now of who can help you and how they can help you!

I did not have placenta previa but I have had three c-sections and bed rest with all three of them. I completely understand your frustrations. My husband was very good to me during all of this. I lucked out and got a great guy who is willing to do everything for me. One thing I recommend is not getting upset when things inevitably do not get done the way you usually get them done. It is not worth it since there is nothing you can do about it.

Has the doctor said you have to be very still or is it just on bed rest where you can't walk around except for the bathroom? I would make up activities to do with your one yr old. Make sure you have a basket of books and games that you can play with him. Have his favorite movies nearby so he can snuggle with you and watch them. My heart goes out to you as it is very frustrating!! With my third son I was on bed rest at home for 2 weeks then bed rest in the hospital for 9 days before they did my c-section at 38 weeks. At that time my boys were 6 and 3 with the 3 yr old being tested for ADHD. If you just need to talk please feel free to email me and vent frustrations to someone who has been there.
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I don't have advice on your specific condition, but I had to go on bed rest when I was 20 weeks...its SO HARD on everyone invovled, but you can't worry about that. You focus on YOURSELF. This is when your husband needs to be self-relient...you have to be VERY selfish at this point. Take care of YOU. My boyfriend almost went NUTS, but I just had to focus on keeping my own head under those conditions and taking care of my unborn baby...in the end, I made the right choice. Being on bedrest that long is too hard for you to be worried about everyone else. Sit your husband down and explain that you know its going to be hard on him, and you want him to know that you love him but you need his complete support: tell him that for the next 4-5 months he has to be a ROCK...its not going to be fun, but its what is NECESSARY. Remember you aren't goin anywhere--your 18 month old will still be able to hang out with you--if anything you have more time to read to him! :) GOOD LUCK and please keep us posted!

Hi, all I want is to wish you luck. I didn't have placenta previa through out my pregnancy but the day they induced labor I had placenta previa it was a horrible feeling, loosing almost half of my blood count, having an emergency c-section but I had a great team of Dr.'s after they worked on my son to help him breathe I had 2 blood transfusions and after a week I went home. Just follow all the recommendations that your Dr. is giving you and I am sure you and the baby will be alright.
GOOD LUCK.

Hi B.,
My name is Jenny, I have a 5 year old and a 3 year old boys. When I was pregnant with my second one, I was diagnosed with partial placenta previa when I was 24 weeks pregnant. I vividly remember my reaction when my Obstetrician called me on a Saturday afternoon. It sounded very urgent until he told me the bad news. I was told to be in a complete bedrest, only to get up to go to the bathroom and to minimize walking. I was able to go down the stairs about only twice to eat my lunch and dinner with my family. My first thought was who will take care of my 17 month old son. Luckily, my parents were in town and I had requested them to stay with us to take care of my son. At first, it was a difficult decision since I was always the main caretaker for my first born son, it hurt me a lot to ask my parents since I am asking several months from their retirement days to stay with us. They were happy to help and accepted my request because they know the impact on what this condition to the unborn baby. Secondly, my husband is the bread winner and he has to take care of all my household responsibilities except cooking. Of course, he took care of our son when he came home from work. My bed rest days began and did a lot of research on how and what causes this condition and what the impact can this do to your baby. If you were to deliver early at the second trimester, your baby is still developing and if he/she is born early, the tremendous impact on this early delivery will change your lives permanently. There's a great chance that your baby will be physically disabled, deformed and might have a tremendous serious health risks for the rest of his/her life. Remember that the organs are still developing at this stage of your pregnancy. I know you're worried about your son but I think you have to focus on your unborn baby and your health. If you're not careful, this will affect your lives tremendously. If your baby is delivered early, the emotional, physical and financial aspect can impact your for the rest of your lives. Remember that this condition is just temporary. The baby might move and the placenta will turn to its original place. I was supposed to be bed ridden until my doctor requested for another ultrasound which was scheduled 8 weeks after my second ultrasound. That was the longest 8 weeks of our lives since I had this condition during the summer. I wanted to got outside to take my son out for a walk but I couldn't. The day of my third ultrasound, believe it or not, I was cleared from this condition. According to my doctor, my placenta has moved back to its original place and the baby's head is in line with my birth canal. That was the best news I ever heard. We were all relieved. I really followed my doctors orders. This might happen to you also and just remember that this condition is temporary not permanent.

In regards to how I handled my son at the time, I talked to him and told him that Mommy is sick and has to stay in bed. I told him that he was welcome to visit me when he misses me. We watched cartoons, Barney movies while I was on bed a lot, we took naps together which was wonderful but I have to emphasize that there is a one rule, no jumping on me and on the bed. After our precious moments, he goes back to playing and spending time with his grandparents. Don't worry about your husband because you have to take care of your self and your baby and that you have to reassure him that this is temporary. You have to take care of your unborn child.

I do have to warn you that because you are laying down at all times, your muscles will weaken and will cause you to experience some cramps. I have to tell you that one morning, around 2 or 3 in the morning. I woke up with the most painful cramps on my side. It felt like something inside me was poking every inch of my abdominal sidewalls. It was so painful. I called and woke up my doctor and just advised me to take Extra Strenght Tylenol and get a Heating Pad. That sharp pain kept coming back. Thank God for the Heating Pad.

I really wish you and your baby the best of luck. I do hope that you will get out of this during pregnancy because there are cases that they have this condition until delivery. I hope that I helped a little bit to address your concerns but just think of you and your baby as of now. Your unborn baby depends on you. Now, my second son is a joyous and playful 3 year old. One day, I will tell him what I endured during my pregnancy when I was carrying him.

Jenny

Hi B.,
I can't relate to you personally but I am a labor and delivery nurse. I just wanted to tell you that two nurses on our floor just recently said they had complete previas also. Both completely resided a after there 24 wk ultrasound. They both said that they laid on the side that the placenta needed to move toward. Whether or not that really help, who knows but it would be worth a try. It is common for the previas to reside so think positively and take care.
D.

I also had complete placenta previa that did not move throughout the whole pregnancy. I also had to be on bedrest and had a 16 month old to take care of as well. I was fortunate enough to not have any complications. I do understand your frustrations though. I felt so out of control. I had no choice but to have a c section, which i totally didnt want. I know these months are going to be a little rough, but be strong and remember this isnt permanent and soon you will have a new baby to enjoy!