Placenta previa - on bedrest & depressed

anitame · Jan 6, 2003

I'm sorry to hear this Louise. It's got to be hard being on bedrest and worried sick with 3 little ones.

Well, at 22 weeks you're definitely too early to deliver and there is a wide variation in what happens with previas. Some patients remain on bedrest until term and then deliver a healthy baby via c-section. Others are hospitalized several times for bleeding and have their baby early via c-section. Your best bet is to be vigilant about remaining on strict bedrest; no easy feat with 3 other children, but it is VITAL at this time. If it appears you will have to deliver preterm, your caregiver might choose to give you IM steroids to help speed the development of the baby's lungs.

Get lots of help lined up at home. And go to bed :)

Good luck,

Anita

duckie · Jan 6, 2003

I'm not an OB LN but I will tell you that I am thinking of you and praying for a safe and healthy delivery. PLEASE do what your MD says. Call on family and friends to help you through this, accept help when it is offered and remember, we're all thinking of you and caring deeply. PLEASE keep us posted and I'll keep you in my prayers.

mark_LD_RN · Jan 6, 2003

most of the previas i have seen have done very well, just follow orders and get bedrest. things should be ok, of course I am sure they instructed you to follow pelvic rest also.. yes doc may opt for steriods to develope lungs and deliver a little early. but don't worry about that cross that bridge when you get there. remember each day that goes by the better it is:). you may bleed on and off this happens and will be ok.

my sister in law had same problem and made it to 36 weeks at which point they choose to do c/s. and everyone is fine. good luck:)

Texagain · Jan 6, 2003

Also, I would be prepared for a long term hospitalization after reaching viability, especially if you have another bleeding episode.

Carol

dawngloves, BSN, RN · Jan 6, 2003

I have a couple of websites for you.Sidelines It hooks you up with a support person while on bedrest, usually a BTDT. I voluteered for them and then needed their services. Great group!

Here's one for Previa, great info! Club Previa

Good luck!

renerian, BSN, RN · Jan 6, 2003

I had placenta previa for baby number 2. She turned out fine. When she turned and lowered into birth position they did an ultrasound and the placenta pulled off the cervix. I had a vag delivery. Had bleeding problems off and on despite bedrest. No riding in car or housework.(that is what dr. told me at least) I Had a 1.5 year old to watch. No help. WE watched tons of movies and cartoons every day. I had bleeding right after baby birth but it quickly stopped. I also had pit for all my babies. Natural childbirth. Was up walking within the hour after stitches.

Maybe a story from another nurse who had this problem will make you feel better.

renerian

SmilingBluEyes · Jan 6, 2003

I cannot offer any more advice or wisdom than the wonderful folks above have. I agree w/Mark. Previa, while a serious diagnosis can result in a healthy delivery and baby if you follow dr orders to a tee. I have seen countless patients with placenta previa go on to delivery healthy babies and do well. Maybe, the placenta will "migrate" a bit up the uterus as your uterus grows with pregnancy. That is not unheard-of. (it does not actually move itself, but the uterus pulls it up as it grows, as renerian described above). This would be great and yes, I have seen it happen. If not, still do not despair, with a good diet, rest and plenty of water and TIME, my earnest hope is all will go perfectly the day you do deliver (which obviously, with a complete previa will be by csection). Hang in there and try those sites suggested. The internet is sure a wonderful thing...wish it were around when I WAS ON BEDREST w/ds! Good luck and please do not hesitate to ask any question that comes to mind! Feel free to PM me if you wish.

Cheerio · Jan 6, 2003

I had complete previa with my second, and from week 18-28 pretty much laid around. I had a 13mo old at the time, and we spent lots of time on the couch and just laying around. I bled quite a bit in the beginning, but about 25wks, things got so much better. At my 28wk U/S everything looked great, the placenta had moved up as the uterus grew and I went on to have a lady partsl birth. I hope things work out for you, just rest, things will be just fine :)

louloubell1 · Jan 6, 2003

Thank you all for your thoughtful replies & support. Everything is just so stressful now & I'm really trying to stay calm & positive. The bedrest thing is hard, and I'm developing a new respect for patients that must be on bedrest, bless their hearts. I also feel horrible for my husband who now has to shoulder all the household responsibilities by himself & my kids who are having to make their own sacrifices right now too.

Aside from all the worries re:the rest of my pregnancy & the birth, there's all the ring-around-the-rosy I'm having to play with work (getting my leave approved, filing a temp disability claim, explaining to a cold manager exactly what's going on, getting my sick pay paid right, etc). It just all is combining to make this a difficult time.

I truly do appreciate that you all have taken the time to listen, respond, & care. I can't even tell you what it means to me.

May the Lord God richly bless your lives!

Lou

SmilingBluEyes · Jan 6, 2003

Louise we all wish you well. Let us know how you are doing from time to time!

finallyRN · Jan 6, 2003

The only advice I can offer is what everyone else has said. STAY IN BED. If you have no more significant bleeding incidents, there should be no reason you can't carry this child to term and have a healthy baby. Best of luck.

Meg