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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffIf you're pregnant beyond 12 to 13 weeks' gestation and develop any vaginal bleeding, call the doctor who is caring for you during pregnancy (obstetrical care provider). Depending on your symptoms, your personal health history and how far along you are in the pregnancy, your doctor may recommend immediate medical care. But don't panic. If you have placenta previa, it can be managed with a good outcome for both you and your baby 90 percent of the time.
Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment, and what to expect from your doctor.
What you can do
- Ask about pre-appointment restrictions. In most cases you'll be seen immediately. However, if your appointment will be delayed for a day or two, ask whether you should restrict your activity while you wait to come in.
- Share your medical history. Depending on your prior care, your doctor likely will already know important medical details about this pregnancy and much of your reproductive history. But if you haven't yet told your doctor about previous uterine surgeries, including dilation and curettage (D and C) following a miscarriage or abortion, it's important for your health and your baby's health to share this information now.
- Find a family member or friend who can join you for your appointment. The fear you may be feeling about bleeding during pregnancy can make it difficult to focus on what the doctor says. Take someone along who can help soak up all the information.
- Write down questions to ask your doctor. Creating your list of questions in advance can help you make the most of your time with your doctor.
Below are some basic questions to ask your doctor about placenta previa. If any additional questions occur to you during your visit, don't hesitate to ask.
- Do I have placenta previa?
- Is there a chance it could resolve on its own?
- What treatment approach do you recommend?
- What follow-up care will I need for the rest of my pregnancy?
- Is there anything I can do to help prolong my pregnancy?
- Do I need to be on bed rest? For how long?
- What signs or symptoms, if they occur, should cause me to call you?
- What signs or symptoms, if they occur, should cause me to go to the hospital?
- Will I be able to deliver vaginally?
- Does this condition increase the risk of complications during future pregnancies?
- Am I at risk of placenta accreta?
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Being ready to answer them may reserve time to go over any points you want to talk about in-depth. Your doctor may ask:
- When did you first notice vaginal bleeding?
- Did you bleed only once, or has the bleeding come and gone?
- How heavy is the bleeding?
- Is the bleeding accompanied by any pain or contractions?
- Have you had any previous pregnancies that I'm not aware of?
- Have you had any uterine surgeries that I'm not aware of, including C-section, fibroid removal or dilation and curettage (D and C) after a miscarriage or abortion?
- Do you or did you smoke? How much?
- How far do you live from the hospital?
- How long would it take to get to the hospital in an emergency, including time to arrange child care, transportation, etc.?
- Do you have friends or family nearby who could care for you if you need bed rest?
- Lockwood CJ, et al. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of placenta previa. http://www.uptodate.com/hom. Accessed April 17, 2009.
- Sakornbut E, et al. Late pregnancy bleeding. American Family Physician. 2007;75:1199.
- Zeltzer JS. Vaginal bleeding in late pregnancy. In: Rakel RE, et al. Conn's Current Therapy 2008. 60th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/132444171-3/831220627/1621/508.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-4435-2..50256-9_4080. Accessed April 17, 2009.
- Lockwood CJ, et al. Management of placenta previa. http://www.uptodate.com/hom. Accessed April 17, 2009.
