What's wrong?
First, the baby and I are healthy. Something is unusual about the baby's placenta. It is in reverse. Instead of being on the top back of the uterus it is in the bottom front, overlapping the cervix and cesarian scar. In addition, I do not clot as easily as everyone. This can result in mild to severe bleeding.
 |
| Why does baby think the best nourishment is near my vagina hole? |
 |
| ...and the best blood supply apparently is coming from my belly button. |
What causes the condition?
Almost all women have the condition very early in pregnancy because the placenta takes up much of the surface area of a small uterus. 1 in 200 women have the condition to some degree during mid-pregnancy. The condition is very common among women who've had a previous C-section like I did. But there is no known link between specific factors and the condition. Many women with no risk factors still develop it.
 |
| God has one of these. |
I was just diagnosed and I don't have any other details regarding my own condition. I will be updating this blog as I learn more. What I do know is that the condition may resolve itself as the baby gets bigger. If it does not, it can be very dangerous. The condition has a lot of variables and a wide range of outcomes.
 |
| FYI: Sarcasm |
What are the risks if the condition doesn't resolve itself.
- The baby could be born prematurely. If the baby is born too early, she may not survive or she may have health problems.
- I could bleed a little or a lot. I may require hospitalization or it could be life threatening.
- I may require a c-section, blood transfusion or hysterectomy which each present their own risks.
- Having the condition increases the risks of having other conditions that could further complicate matters. This is being investigated.
 |
| My Pregnancy Test. |
What is the likelihood the condition will resolve itself?
90% of partial and marginal placenta previa cases diagnosed halfway in pregnancy resolve themselves. Certain factors contribute to the condition persisting though. My previa is complete, I have some of those factors and others have yet to be investigated and ruled out. This lessens my chances but to what degree I don't know yet. I will post an update when I know more.
 |
| My Doctor |
Can you abandon the pregnancy?
At this point, past 18 weeks, the risks associated with terminating the pregnancy are only slightly lower than those of continuing with the pregnancy. The placenta is in the way - period. If anything happens to it, there is trouble - period. Since I chose to maintain the pregnancy, electing abortion with little risk reduction doesn't make sense considering that continuing the pregnancy may improve the condition. It also doesn't make sense to induce fetal demise when the possibility could occur anyway. Pending other tests, risk factors may change. I've already established that my life and the baby's life are of equal value but that the life of the mother of my other dependents will take precedence if necessary.
 |
| Reality |
What can be done to improve the chances of survival for you and the baby?
- Nothing official can be done to improve the condition. It can improve on its own as the uterus grows, essentially causing the cervix to distance itself from the placenta.
- Bed rest and proper diet help the baby and uterus grow correctly. And gravity while laying down may help direct the position of the baby and uterus as it grows.
- Some homeopathic therapies in eastern medicine are supposedly helpful such as acupuncture and herbs that help the condition. But since many cases of previa resolve on their own, there is no known official connection between these therapies and improvement. It could be the placebo effect. However, if these therapies are harmless, I may try them. I am researching them.
- Social and medical support are my greatest assets. And it helps that I live close to a hospital equipped to manage an emergency. Any support is welcomed and appreciated.
 |
| Frosted Prozac |
When is the fetus viable?
Preemies born as early as 24 weeks have survived with medical assistance. I am already 18 weeks. However, the longer the baby stays in the womb the better the chances of survival of the baby and the better the chances are that the placenta will move out of the way. So let's hope for the best. :)
 |
| What she has to look forward to. |
