Complete Placenta Previa-Scheduled C-Section

bknight2018

Was told at 22 weeks that I had a low lying placenta after I was spotting for a few days.  I was put on pelvic rest and the bleeding subsided.  Doc took me off pelvic rest and told me to go about my merry way as  usual but that we would follow up in a few weeks with an ultrasound to see if it had progressed.
Last week, during my 27 week ultrasound, we saw that the placenta was now completely covering the cervix.  Doc told me more than likely we would have a scheduled 37 week c-section, at which point they'd give me a few steroid shots and such.  I haven't had any bleeding whatsoever, and wasn't put on bed rest (but no sex)... Doc told me just to take it easy.  I've been reading a bunch and seeing that most doctors restrict activity with CPP, so my hubby and I decided I'd go to work and do the absolute minimum in terms of physically walking around, and as soon as I get home it's feet up and rest.  So far, no bleeding and I am feeling pretty good with the exception of just general achy/pressure in my pelvic region.  I am scared about the c-section, as I've read there are a lot more risks involved.  I know the recovery will be rough, but I am more concerned with my baby boy's health.  I am also anemic, so the blood loss associated with CPP during c-section worries me.  Doc says it's a "bloodier than normal c-section" whatever that means!
I'm just looking for some reassurance...anyone have a similar circumstance? or have had one in the past???  

cait5413

I've had a successful c-section, but not with CPP. Just want to add a word of encouragement that c-sections are not so bad, generally, and the recovery really wasn't bad, either. I am sure they will have extra blood on hand just in case you need a transfusion. I will also mention that, in general, there is no good evidence that bed rest prevents pre-term labor (https://youtu.be/Zir-OXs8Rfo?t=8m38s ), so your doc may be right in just telling you to take it easy. If you trust your doc, I would just listen to what s/he says and try to avoid going down internet rabbit holes. Glad to hear you haven't had many complications so far; I hope it stays that way. 

FakeFinn

No experience, but wanted to send you Internet hugs. Good to hear that you haven't had any complications. I hope it stays that way!

alexis_25

I have a posterior CPP which as of 26+5 had not moved at all. The OB told me that quite often the placenta moves around weeks 32-35. 
I have had so many different opinions about what level of activity to keep up with. The only consensus has been no high impact activities and pelvic rest. I was supposed to go back to teach grade one this school year but did not go back because I was having a lot of cramping and contractions. The rest I have been getting since sending my older kids back to school has helped so much!
I find the diagnosis frustrating because you don't know Day to day how things will be so I'm trying to go a day at a time and hope for the best outcome!
Thinking of you!

alexis_25

There are some placenta previa support groups on Facebook and Baby Center that I have found helpful and interesting!

Amber_Waves

FWIW, a good friend of mine had a scheduled c-section with her second child (he was 11 pounds, so they didn't want her to deliver vaginally.)  She told me that the recovery from the c-section was no worse than the recovery from vaginal birth.  I think a lot of bad c-section recovery stories are referring to emergency c-sections, which means the mother is actually recovering from BOTH a long/complicated labor & c-section.  

dkizz82

Also a word of encouragement. DD was taken at 38.3 weeks via c section. It wasn't easy but I survived. I will have a scheduled with this one too

kalawa

*lurker from March* With my first I had CPP at 28w and by 31w it had moved up to the safe zone. I was on pelvic rest for a couple weeks, and told to take it easy. If you do need a CS just remember that it's for safety reasons, and your doctor will have all the necessities there in case of blood loss. 
@cait5413 I think she wants to do the resting, etc to avoid placental abruption, which is why I was told to take it easy when I had it. 

bknight2018

Thanks everyone for the encouraging words.  29w today and no bleeding or complications.  I've been really taking it easy which seems to really help, but has increased my weight gain exponentially! I don't care about the weight, I will continue to take it easy

whitta1015

*lurking from January!* - I'm currently 26 weeks and at both my AS (20 weeks) and my 24 week checkup, I had MPP. My placenta is .7cm away from my cervix and my doctor said I can't deliver vaginally unless it's more than 3cm away. We are going to check again next week, and if it still hasn't moved, he said that we would just "prepare" for a C-section and check again in early December. Hoping everything goes smoothly for you!! I just keep thinking that I would rather be prepared for a C-section than to have to be rushed into an emergency C-section after thinking I was about to vaginally birth!