Ah! The saga...Where do I start? I guess the defining moment that set the tone for the months to come began in August of 1998. My dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer and not two weeks later did I suspect that I was pregnant again. 

 

I have two other children and both are eighteen months apart. God willing, I will have a healthy baby in May and that would make for all three of my children being eighteen months in age difference. Both of my children were "fairly" routine in that I had no real difficulties with the pregnancy, apart from early contractions with my daughter and one episode of spotting early in the pregnancy. 

 

Seven weeks into pregnancy #3, I had spotting. I went in for an ultrasound and the doctor said that he couldn't really tell much at that point. Two weeks later, I had cramping and severe bleeding. I called the doctor and he said that it sounded like I was miscarrying. He scheduled me for another ultrasound the following day, thinking he may have to do a D & C. Needless to say, I was in tears and my husband came home from work. 

 

The next day, we went in for the ultrasound and sure enough, there was a strong heartbeat. The doctor said that bleeding was fairly common during pregnancies and he wasn't going to worry too much about it. He said to expect bleeding for about two more weeks. He was right. 

 

At around week 14, I was bleeding again - the doctor told me I could miscarry at any time. I came in the following week for my alpha beta protein test and the nurse said, "Why don't we do a pelvic since you're still bleeding." The doctor came in and said that I shouldn't still be bleeding. He performed another ultrasound and confirmed Placenta Previa. I had done some reading before that from my What to Expect... book so I was suspicious that this would be the diagnosis. Now that my bleeding had a name, we breathed a little easier. It really helped to hit the discussion forum and ask other girls for advice about to get to the hospital that was forty-five minutes away, should Niagara Falls hit. 

 

Now at almost 25 weeks, I haven't had any bleeding for about six weeks. I'm feeling a little better knowing that the baby has a better chance at survival should Niagara fall. I'm having another ultrasound in about two weeks to see if the placenta has moved at all. Keep on praying! (2/7/99) 

 

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Update (3/6/99) 

 

I sit here in disbelief as I type this. Believe it or not, my placenta has migrated north! Hip hip hurrah! I eagerly said to the doctor, "That means no more c-section?" and he replied, "Well, not for this." Sigh. I guess this baby is breech. From what I understand, a lot of babies do the big turn around later on in the pregnancy, so I won't dwell on that. I'm just so excited! I had COMPLETE placenta previa - there is hope out there, girls! 

 

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Update (4/19/99) 

 

On April 3, I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl whom we named Julia Katherine. She was born at 32 weeks gestation and the doctor thinks that the plancenta, in migrating north, stretched the amniotic sac to the point of breaking. So, even though the placenta moved, it may have caused me to deliver early. Sigh. My daughter will probably be in the NICU for a month and I am so grateful to God for the wonderful care she is receiving and I can't wait for her to come home soon! 

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Update (4/28/99) 

Julia was released from the hospital on 4/26.  Hallelujah!  She is nursing very well and is gaining weight.  Now all I have to do is keep the sibling illnesses away from my precious little "Jewel." 

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Update (3/4/99)

Hi to all! 

I talked to Kristi last night, and she is doing fairly well. The doctor's and perinatologists agreed that the magnesium sulfate was depleting her calcium, and other vitamins and minerals too much, so they took her off for good. No more trying to stop the labor or the bleeding. So, as of yesterday, she had been off for 
about 24 hours, and no signs of labor yet, which was surprising.  She's just hanging out, waiting for something to happen. Katie is doing fine... hubby is worried, but I'm sure the whole family will get through this. She sounds pretty upbeat, and has had 4 steroid shots so far. The baby should be just fine. Thanks for all your concerns. 

Brynda 

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Update (3/21/99)

Webmistress's note:  Kristi had her baby and we will have an update very soon on everyone's condition! 
 

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Update (3/3/99) 

Well guys, there is hope!! I went for my 24 wks ultrasound, and sure enough, the placenta has completely moved off the cervix, and I can resume my normal life!!! So, please be encouraged, especially if you were diagnosed early. I'm thinking they shouldn't even tell you about previa until later in the pregnancy or if you start bleeding!! So much worrying! But all is well, and I will keep everyone in my thoughts and prayers, and check back to keep up on everyone! Thanks for the support!! 
 

 

Here is my ongoing story! My name is Jennifer. I live in PA, for a few more 

months anyway. We were going to move back to SC, where all of our family is, before the baby, but the Dr says no way for now! I am pregnant for the fourth time, with my third child; the first pregnancy I lost at 13 weeks. This one 

was a bit unplanned, due to the move, etc. I am due June 11. At 12 weeks I 

starting spotting. I went to the Dr, not my regular one due to the 

Thanksgiving holidays. He said it looked like it had stopped, so not to 

worry. It continued on and off until 17 weeks; then the radiologists did an 

abdominal U/S and said it was "low-lying"; no sex, but not to worry. When I 

saw my Dr at 19 weeks, I was still spotting several times a week. He went and 

got the high-risk OB, who did a vaginal U/S, and said it was a complete pp. I 

am now on VERY limited activity. They have prepared me for the worse ( I 

asked for very straight and conservative answers and I got them!), but we are 

hoping for the best. I am now, as of 2/7/99, 22 weeks with no more bleeding 

for three weeks!. They will do another U/S at 28 weeks, unless I have lots of 

problems before then. 

 

I have a boy who is almost 6 and another boy who just turned 3. We think this 

is a girl!!!! Well, I guess this is all of my story for now. (2/7/99) 

 

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Update (3/26/99) 

 

This is my update. I went to the peri for my 28 week u/s and my placenta has moved north!!! It is completely out of the way. We were very excited about this news. So, if you are worried about a complete pp, hang in there and have faith, because they do move sometimes. Thanks for all the support here. 

 

Hello, my name is Jennifer and this is mine and my husband's first child. We're due July 6, 1999. I'm twenty-four years old and now in my 25th week. When I was in my 16th week I had my first ultrasound and was told that I had a low-laying, complete, placenta previa. My story is very much the as Hillary's story. I have been told by my doctor that when she did my first ultrasound, my uterus was still very small and that as my uterus grows the placenta will more than likely move up. On April 5th I am due for another ultrasound to see if it has in fact moved. Just last friday, I did have some bleeding but my doctor said that I just had kidney infection because the bleeding stopped and wasn't that much. I'm just so worried that I'm going to do something that would cause me to loose the baby. I'm trying to find out about c-sections just in case. I have a small amount of brown discharge and small pains every now and then in my lower abdomen. I have told my doctor and she seems to think that it's fine and normal. Is that true? If anyone has any helpful information I would love to hear it. 

Thanks so much! (3/26/99) 

 

Jennifer 

 

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Update (4/9/99) 

 

Great news!!! I am "free" of previa. We went 4/5/99 to have our second ultrasound and it had moved. Thanks so much for the support, all of you were great. By the way, it's a girl. Thanks again, 

 

Jennifer 

 

I was diagnosed with marginal placenta previa at 37 weeks gestation. I had been planning a homebirth for my third child until I noticed the baby was very high at such a late date. I saw the OB who attended my second child's birth for an ultrasound, expecting him to tell me I had a fibroid that was holding the baby up. I was dumbfounded when he said the words "placenta" and "cervix" in the same sentence. I have a hereditary bleeding disorder and this particular diagnosis was the worst possible one I could have developed. 

 

My doctor was reluctant to perform a cesarean because of the bleeding disorder and with the baby being so high, my cervix was not ripe at all. An induction seemed pointless so we decided to hold out for natural labor as long as the baby continued to do well. I was hoping the baby would come early. HA! 

 

Three days before my due date, a marginal abruption developed in my placenta and I began bleeding. This would continue for the remainder of the pregnancy but since the bleeding episodes came and went, we just monitored the baby and continued our wait and see approach. 

 

When I was 2 weeks overdue, I was certain my doctor would induce but my cervix was still thick and closed. I was about ready to force the induction issue but he said we'd wait 3 more days before coming up with a "Plan" and I agreed. 

 

The day before my time limit was up, TWENTY days past my due date, I finally went into labor. I had been having very strong braxton hicks contractions for weeks and during one of these, my water broke with a great pop. It was 1:41 am on October 14th. I called my husband at work and alerted the doctor and my labor support people, plus my mom, who was to stay with my sons. I had 2 or 3 more BH contractions which sent thick, particulate meconium gushing out of me. It was so gross. 

 

At midnight, I had my first real contraction. We left for the hospital at 12:45, arrived in the birthing room at 1:15 am and at 1:41 am, Caroline Kristina was born naturally, no drugs or intervention. I really believe that my body and my baby knew she needed to be born quickly and that's why my labor was so efficient and short. Cara was intubated and suctioned because of the meconium but the doctor did this on my belly so I could rub her and talk to her while the procedure was accomplished. She weighed 8 pounds, 13 ounces and was 21 and a quarter inches long. She's a beauty. 

 

When the placenta was delivered, the doctor was noticeably upset. He explained that the cord had a velamentous insertion, which I later learned is associated with fetal exsanguination (complete blood loss) and a high mortality rate. I never would have agreed to go so far past my due date if I had known about this beforehand. It is also theorized that this complication can arise from placental migration, which would naturally occur with a previa. I'm very grateful that my daughter was born safe and healthy, I realize it took a miracle but we had faith in her all along. 

 

I did hemorrhage after the birth and received 2 shots of Hemabate (the stuff is HORRIBLE but I suppose it works) plus 4 IVs worth of pitocin over the course of 2 days to keep my uterus involuted. I also required 6 doses of the factor product I need for my bleeding disorder. It was basically a nightmare postpartum but nothing compared to what I would have endured following a cesarean, considering my other complication. Cara needed no further intervention than suctioning of the meconium in her airway and a little oxygen. 

 

We had faith in her and she has blessed us. 

 

My story is a little more complicated than just a previa, but I would like to share it so others will not lose hope. 

I was diagnosed with "low lying placenta" on my routine ultrasound, and a marginal to partial previa on the followup. I was well, no bleeding, working light duty when on another followup ultrasound at ~29 weeks, they noticed that the baby's head was too small. Another ultrasound 2 weeks later showed that the head had not grown at all, was now 7 weeks behind. At this point the high risk OB said " This baby has microcephaly. I'm very pessimistic. The baby will either die, or be severely mentally retarded." Well, of course my husband & I were devestated. Family and friends joined us in prayer, we went to grief counselling. Then, at 34 weeks, I woke up in the middle of the night with blood gushing out of me. The previa had reared it's ugly head! I was only admitted for 24 hrs and sent home on bed rest. 

 

One week later, another middle of the night bleed sent us again to the hospital. At this point they did an amniocentesis to see if the baby's lungs were mature for delivery. They were, and they did a Ceserean Section on me April 23,1999 at 35 weeks. The baby stayed in the NICU for 11 days because of jaundice and feeding difficulties, but the head was normal size and the results of all testing shows that the baby is normal!! There isn't really a medical explanation so we feel it was the result of all the prayers. Our "miracle boy" is named Alexander, and he's doing terrific now. He's been home from the hospital a week.I know how scary a diagnosis of placenta previa is, but it is important to look ahead to the wonderful blessing of a healthy baby in the future. 

 

Dear Club Members, 

First, my husband and I would like to thank all of you for the support you unknowingly gave to us during a very difficult time. I was diagnosed with Placenta Previa at 28 weeks during my 7th pregnancy. We have 4 healthy children (2 miscarriages) and were scared to death by the diagnosis. My computer was on the fritz so my husband would print stories from your page to encourage me. Anyway, on to the story. 
After the diagnosis, my doctor said no hanky-panky (who has time with 4 kids) and that was about it. I thought he should be more concerned but he said not to worry so I didn't. My husband and I went to a baseball game on the 18th of May and I climbed up to our seats, not thinking anything about any possible negative affects it might have on my pregnancy. OOPS - the next morning, I took my older 3 children to school and had just put my 12 month old into the high chair and my placenta ruptured all over the kitchen floor. I called my doctor, then 911, then my husband, and then a friend to help me with the baby. It was a scary experience but the paramedics were there in 7 minutes and my husband and doctor were waiting when we rolled into the ER. 
The baby's heart rate was decreased so we did an emergency C-section at 32 weeks. Grace Elizabeth arrived 9:12 a.m. May 19, 1999 weighing 4 lbs 11 ounces. She was rushed off to NICU and there she stayed for 3 weeks. We did have to have her on a vent for 2 days and she had a feeding tube for 2 1/2 weeks.Her weight dropped to 3lbs 15oz. She had to be taught how to suck but is doing wonderfully. I think we are on the uphill side of this thing and only have to wake her every 3 hours to eat. She is eating well now and weighs 5 lbs 5ounces. We brought her home June 8th - THANKS BE TO GOD!!!!! 
We would be happy to encourage any parents with this condition by saying - take it easy, help each other because this is hard for dads too, and have faith. If we can be of any help to anyone, please send us an e-mail at dsokol@flash.net. 

 

Best wishes to all.... 

Carole and Buddy Sokol and clan 

p.s. you can see our Gracie at www.webnursery.com 

Medical Center of Arlington 

 

I am the second Jill writing in, so I hope I don't confuse anyone. I just turned 31 and am 16 weeks pregnant with my first child. Last week I had some bleeding. I called the doctor and he told me to stay in bed and get a sonogram. I was pretty good with the bed rest, but did use the stairs a few times. I did contiue to bleed a little. My sonogram said I have total placenta previa. My doctor then told me that I need complete bed rest (only getting up to use the bathroom). The bleeding has stopped since I've been staying in bed; but I am already going crazy. My husband has been great, waiting on me constantly and supporting complain about this whole thing. (He is getting a little frustrated though, which I guess is normal.) I go back for another ultrasound in three weeks to see if it moved. The doctor said the chances of it moving are the same as winning the lottery, but from hearing some of your stories and reading other information on PP, I am feeling slightly more optomistic that it WILL move. I guess I just have to wait and see. Thanks to everyone who wrote in to tell your stories and to everyone who put this whole site together. It has really helped me. If anyone can relate to my experience, please write. (4/17/99) 

 

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Update (5/28/99) 

 

Hi, this is an update from my previous submission. I have incredible news: My placenta has moved completely out of the way of my cervix!!! I am placenta previa free!! (I was diagnosed with total PP just four weeks ago)I hope this gives all of you some hope. I know that reading the stories on this site really helped me and kept my spirits up. I've also learned to appreciate my busy lifestyle a lot more, so there were even some good things that came of this. Good Luck to everyone and hang in there.