I was diagnosed with placenta previa at my 19 week ultrasound, then again at 21 weeks.?

Question

I was wondering if anyone could tell me the odds of this going away on it's own, or if by 21 weeks it is here to stay? I have another ultrasound in a week but the ultrasound tech seems so stuck on it correcting itself that she hasn't even told me of what the complications are, or to do to avoid problems, and it makes me nervous. This will be my 3rd ultrasound so obviously there is somethingwrong, does anyone know at what week I would know for sure that I have to plan for a c-section and take things easy? THANKS!

Answer 1

This happened to me when I was pregnant with my last child (which was some time ago.). I had a couple of bleeding episodes in about my 6th month after which I took the dictum about staying off my feet more seriously (they had only said that shortly before the first bleed). They were scary, but I went to the hospital both times and they stopped the bleed. They kept me overnight once and for about 3 days the other time. They did lots of ultrasounds (can't remember how many). The thing moved enough before he was due so that I didn't have to have a C-section but it waited til just before the end to migrate. I was in my thirties and on my 5th kid at that time. So stay calm, mind the Dr. and try not to worry too much (hardest part). Good Luck!
PS that child will be 16 yrs old in Jan.
PPS. In some cases of placenta previa if the placenta did not implant directly over the cervix (the floor of the uterus) but rather, very low on the side causing it to impinge onto the cervix it can actually move far enough to become less of a problem. Don't ask me how it moves (cuz it sounds fishy to me too) but since it happened for me I know its possible. (btw--ultrasound tech said it would to me too...I did not believe her but I do now)

Answer 2

I was initially diagnosed with low-lying placenta or actual placenta previa in both pregnancies (very near or touching the cervix, but not covering it). And it resolved on its own both times.

They definitely waited more than two weeks to look again.

If you're worried, you should talk to your doctor.

But this early in your pregnancy, and without knowing the degree of previa, there probably isn't much you should be doing differently.

I was never given instructions to avoid sex, take it easy, etc.

It really does resolve itself most of the time.

You will have plenty of notice if your doctor thinks you will have to have a C-section.

Answer 3

You are still early in your pregnancy. I wonder why they only waited two weeks to see if the previa had resolved??? Usually, we wait longer. Anyhow, this is what I found:

"Placenta Previa is much more common in early pregnancy than at term. During routine second trimester ultrasound, the placenta is observed to cover the cervix in 5-20% of pregnancies. However, because of the growth of the uterus though out the pregnancy, more than 90% of early Placenta Previa's covert to a normal location by the time of delivery."

http://www.geocities.com/cutebootee/PlacentaPrevia.html

" Don't panic if your second trimester ultrasound shows that you have placenta previa. As your pregnancy progresses, your placenta is likely to "migrate" farther from your cervix and no longer be a problem. (Since the placenta is implanted in the uterus, it doesn't actually move, but it can end up farther from your cervix as your uterus expands. Also, as the placenta itself grows, it's likely to grow toward the richer blood supply in the upper part of the uterus.)

Only about 10 percent of women who have placenta previa noted on ultrasound at midpregnancy still have it when they deliver their baby. A placenta that completely covers the cervix is more likely to stay that way than one that's bordering it (marginal) or nearby (low-lying)."

http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/830.html

Answer 4

placenta previa, the implataion of the placenta partially or fully over the cervix, does not go away. Once the placenta is implanted, it's there to stay. To remove it before the baby is born would be extremely dangerous. Talk to your doctor immediately. Theis condition usually means bedrest and a C-section. I would recommend taking it easy until you can talk to your doctor. Please call your OB ASAP.

Answer 5

i have just had my second ultrasound and i can definitely sympathize with you the odds of it correcting itself are 90 percent so i wouldnt worry until the doctor tells you to worry if you wanna read more check out webmd.com and what to expect when your expecting both have some good stuff about this to help you