If i have placenta previa, will i be put on bed rest?

No: Placenta previa includes partial or complete coverage of the cervix by the placenta. Bedrest is not necessary unless there is vaginal bleeding or persistent preterm labor. If vaginal bleeding is experienced, you will often be evaluated in the hospital with ultrasound and eventually released home to bedrest for awhile.

If it has bled, yes: Walking can lead to uterine activity. Contractions can lead to bleeding from a low placenta. Many OB providers insist that women with a bleeding placenta previa remain at bedrest. Some allow them to walk to the bathroom or commode. Even remaining at strict bedrest cannot prevent all bleeding, but it is important for women to do their best to follow instructions and report any spotting or cramps.

Yes: Often a placenta previa diagnosed early in the pregnancy will resolve as the uterus grows. However, if it does not resolve your chances of being put on bed rest are greater, especially if you experience episodes of bleeding. In some instances, a woman with placenta prevue and bleeding will be hospitalized as well, in order to be able to deliver her quickly if needed.

Not necessarily.: Your OB may recommend abstinence from sex, exercise, heavy lifting and all nsaids/ssris. Bed rest has no proven benefit but is commonly recommended in cases of preterm labor, bleeding previa or both.