We took a quick peek at the baby. Measuring right on track for 12 weeks, the heart looked strong.
Then he took a look at the placenta. I already knew that I had an anterior placenta, which means it attached to the front of my uterus instead of the back. However, it has moved to completely cover my cervix (placenta previa). There are varying degrees to this, and hopefully mine will move in the next few weeks as my womb expands. It was recommended that I go on modified bedrest- taking it really easy, not standing for longer than 10 minutes, avoid traveling long distances, no heavy lifting. Tell that to a 2 year old. The most common problem with placenta previa is bleeding.
My disappointment comes because I was really looking forward to the "honeymoon phase". The first trimester behind me, this usually is the easiest part of pregnancy. Thinking of weeks of "bedrest" ahead of me is not what I envisioned for the mid-part of this pregnancy.
I would classify this pregnancy as more stressful than my other pregnancies in terms of worry. One of my devotionals talks about how we cannot force blessings from God's hands- we just have to cling to Him and utter "Not my will, but thine be done". I am trying really hard to have this mentality.
I know it will get better, but tonight I am just really bummed.
6 comments:
What a Bummer!!!!! PLEASE let me know if there's anything you need - someone to watch the boys, a meal, etc... until then I will keep praying for you and baby birdie...Praying that your placenta moves and that you can get back to your "honeymoon" phase...praying the boys love each other and play nice with each other...praying for patience. We love you guys and want only the best for your family.
Thank you so much, Cara. You are such a great friend! Thanks for being there for me this whole process- I really appreciate YOU!
O.K. I found this online and thought I knew that many of these cases resolve themselves - and then I read it's 90-95% of the cases! So I know this bums you out but there is lots and lots of hope! And if you need some tips for bed rest, I'm your girl. ;)
During second trimester ultrasounds, done in some places on a routine basis, will show that there are many more previas diagnosed at this stage. Typically at 16 weeks the placenta takes up 25-50% of the surface area. Also the third trimester brings a growth of this lower uterine segment, that out flanks the growth of the placenta. For these reasons, while 5% of pregnancies are diagnosed with complete previa in second trimester ultrasounds will see 90% of them resolved by term and while 45% of pregnancies are diagnosed with marginal previas will see 95% resolved at term. A follow up ultrasound will be done, and as noted above the vast majority of previas are not seen.
O.K. that was Laurie not my 12 year old, Paige. :)
Thank you Laurie. I appreciate you looking that up. You are a great friend, too:-) Even though I only ever see you in the blogosphere!
I am really hopeful it will resolve itself and not cause more problems. I guess I am not even thinking that far ahead right now. Just trying to focus on how I am going to go about this bedrest business. Tips would be great! Thankful my mom is so willing to help!
Bed Rest Tips:
1. Take a shower everyday. Even if that's the only thing you get up for all day. It will restore your spirit and make you feel human.
2. Break all the rules of acceptable t.v. viewing for you and your kids. It's o.k. They won't turn out any worse for it.
3. Find some good books and keep them couch side.
4. Accept anyone and everyone's help. People want to help and you're in need of it. Don't deny them and their need to feel useful.
5. Let people come visit you. Even if your hair is a mess or your house is a mess or you're having a down day. It will pass the time, lift your spirits and once again, make them feel useful.
6. Allow yourself to cry and mourn the loss of a normal pregnancy. (Hopefully for just a few weeks ...)
7. Tell your husband he's a rock star.
8. Keep blogging. :)
Take care lady!
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