Placenta Previa - Fort Lauderdale,FL

I had it due to carrying twins. My regular ob kept an eye on it and I had no complications...just a little more rest at the initial diagnosis because there was a little bleeding. Went 38 1/2 weeks with no signs of early labor, had a scheduled CS.

I had this and was on bed rest for five weeks. Mine was diagnosed earlier, though -- at 15 weeks. By my 20-week ultrasound it had completely resolved, and I was very active for the remainder of my pregnancy. I actually switched to a midwife AFTER the whole previa thing because I was uncomfortable with the course of action the diagnosing OB had planned. I had a completely natural (not induced, not medicated) delivery, but in a midwife-friendly hospital, not at home.

While the previa thing was going on, I never switched to a high-risk ob/perinatologist, nor did anyone recommend that I do so.

I was also never told that a vaginal ultrasound would be contraindicated with placenta previa. That doesn't mean that it ISN'T, just that I personally have never heard that before.

Really, the thing to remember with previas is that the majority go away on their own, with no complications. For the minority of people whose previas don't resolve, you are looking at a high-risk pregnancy, with a c-section, but that's a small percentage. Statistically, I think you have good reason to be optimistic, and you can always switch back to a midwife if things work out. I would probably recommend being realistic about the possibility of a c-section if it doesn't, though, just in case.

All it means (at least in my case) is that the placenta is in front of the would-be opening for baby to get out. No special doctor. I just knew that I would likely have a C-section. Mine was flush to the opening and not really in the way, but labor could have sent it either way, and they didn't want to take that chance. My doctor happens to be an awesome surgeon, and I don't know if that is atypical among OB-GYNs; maybe he was already the "special" doctor. The only "high risk" was that I would go into labor before they could cut me. There was no concern of early labor, just any kind of labor. They scheduled my C-section for 39 weeks.

I think that in situation that has complications, you should seek (maybe even through your midwife) an OB who will work with you. I get that it's important to you to do it accordign to your plan, but adjustments have to be made when complications arise, and it doesn't mean that your faith is less or that you are selling out. It means that you are taking precautions. It just makes good sense to prepare for whatever might happen, when you have the tools. You don't have to use the OB to deliver, but it would be wise to have one on board, one you can trust to respect your desires and convictions. In addition to your needing someone who'll work with you, you and your fetus also need an advocate and someone who will be able to race into action and do something else if necessary. It's not you against them; they are your team, not mere hired hands. You have to trust them to do their jobs, which is NEVER, EVER just exactly what you say "no matter what". You are the authority on your body, and you have insight to what makes your ideals right for your soul, but there is something to be said for science, and I hope that you'll be open to make room for it at your table.

my sister recently went through this and her regular ob monitored her condition with ultrasounds. She too wanted to deliver naturally but her placenta never moved. She started to bleed heavilly at 33 weeks and was confined to the hospital for a week and a half. They let her go home on strict bed rest and decided to deliver her baby at 36 weeks due to how severe the bleeding had been and didn't want to risk another rupture. It was a hard choice for her to make but she did so for herself and her baby. Her baby was 5lbs and 3 oz and didn't have to go to the NICU. I know you probably have your reasons for not wanting the ultrasounds but please, please, please be careful. This is one of those situations that can go really bad really quickly. I know, i almost died from a tubal pregnancy that ruptured. Sometimes interventions are a blessing. Wishing you and your baby the best!

I had this with my first and it didn't resolve. I had other issues, as well, so my OB asked if I wanted to see a high risk OB, but I said no. My OB was perfectly comfortable dealing with it, had access to a really good group for my ultrasounds, and we performed the c-section in the hospital that also had great facilities in case something went wrong.

For just placenta previa, I totally recommend having a regular ob in addition to the midwife. And it the previa doesn't resolve (as shown by an ultrasound late in your pregnancy), it would be foolish to not give birth in a hospital. Many cases of partial previa resolve. If you have complete previa, you might want to start wrapping your head around having a c-section. At least get mentally prepared for it.

With my daughter, I was diagnosed w/ PP. Never heard of it before that moment. My dr said to take it easy and notify them immediately if I saw any spotting or worse or had any problems. She did warn that if I started having problems I could end up on bed rest. It resolved itself and I delivered vaginally. I did not have to see a any dr other than my ob. Additionally I had Gestational Diabetes so they were going to induce me about a week early but I went in labor on my own. Even though that gave me two reason to be a bit "high risk", I still didn't need any special care.

Ask your doctor a lot of questions. My friend was placenta previa, but its been 25 years so things may be different now. I think, but am not sure, her ob delivered her, but he had failed to tell her there were restrictions she should have been following. I believe certain exercises, etc... should be avoided.

My regular OB monitored my placenta previa. Mine resolved itself, before delivery.

I had placenta previa with my second child. I was already seeing a perinatologist because my son was diagnosed with a heart defect. Because of the PP and the heart defect, it was in my baby's best interest to be delivered via c-section.

I only saw a regular OB until the heart defect was detected (20 weeks). Then I switched over completely to the perinatologist. I'm not sure you need to see both?!?

I would not expect the PP to resolve.

Congrats on the pregnancy. Sorry about you having previa. I, too had it w/my oldest...complete previa. Most of the time, when it's complete, it doesn't move. Mine did, around 31 wks. Almost unheard of.
I would NOT risk a home birth. I'd see an OB on a regular basis. If your placenta ruptures, you have a very short amount of time for a c-section. You have too much to loose.
I have a girlfriend who has 3 children. Her first 2 were born at home. Naturally, she wanted to have her 3rd there too. She was seeing a midwife. She was turned over to an OB b/c of the seriousness of previa. She ended up having an emergency c-section at 31 wks b/c her placenta ruptured.
Not to scare you, but it is a very serious condition.
Best of luck. I hope it moves.

I had if with my first daughter. I was on bed rest for 3 months and it corrected and i delivered naturally. I saw a regular OB the entire time.