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Coping and support
By Mayo Clinic staffPregnancy is supposed to be a time of happy anticipation. If you're diagnosed with placenta previa, you're sure to be worried about how your condition will affect your baby. Some of these strategies may help:
- Learn about placenta previa. Gathering information about your condition may help you feel less scared. Talk to your health care provider, do some research on your own and connect with other women who've had placenta previa.
- Prepare for a C-section. Placenta previa may prevent you from delivering your baby vaginally. If you're disappointed that you may not have a vaginal birth, remind yourself that your baby's health and your health are more important than the method of delivery.
- Make the best of bed rest. If your health care provider recommends bed rest, fill your days by planning for your baby's arrival. Read about newborn care or purchase newborn necessities, either online or from catalogs. Or use the time to balance your checkbook, organize old photo albums or catch up on thank-you notes.
- Take care of yourself. Surround yourself with things that bring you comfort, such as a good book or a favorite pair of pajamas. Give your partner, friends and loved ones concrete suggestions for ways to help, such as bringing a favorite food or simply stopping by for a visit.
References
- Kay HH. Placenta previa and abruption. In: Gibbs RS, et al. Danforth's Obstetrics and Gynecology. 10th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Wolters Kluwer Health Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2008. http://www.danforthsobgyn.com. Accessed March 29, 2011.
- Bleeding during pregnancy. American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp038.cfm. Accessed March 29, 2011.
- Houry DE, et al. Vaginal bleeding in later pregnancy. In: Marx JA, et al. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?about=true&eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05472-0..X0001-1--TOP&isbn=978-0-323-05472-0&uniqId=230100505-57. Accessed March 30, 2011.
- Williams DE, et al. Placenta previa. In: Rakel RE. Textbook of Family Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/191205553-4/0/1481/0.html#. Accessed March 30, 2011.
- Ramin KD, et al. Placenta previa. In: Bope ET, et al. Conn's Current Therapy. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2011. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4377-0986-5..C2009-0-38984-9--TOP&isbn=978-1-4377-0986-5&about=true&uniqId=236797353-5. Accessed March 30, 2011.
- Lockwood CJ, et al. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of placenta previa. http://uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 30, 2011.
- Lockwood CJ, et al. Management of placenta previa. http://uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 30, 2011.
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