Does a good diet and/or rest make any difference to placental insufficiency?

[Jackaroo]

I don't know if anyone can answer this. I went for my 12 scan, and everything was fine except my blood results which indicated that I could expect PS at any time and therefore it would need watching.

I realise it's still not very likely, but I found in one of my pregnancy books that they recommend a healthy-as-possible diet and rest as this allows the blood to flow as easily as possible through a placenta that's not a top form. The book is about 5 years old, so I'm wonderinf it this is still common advice.

Does anyone know? Obviously anything I can do to help, i'd like to... (even if it means cutting down on the crisps!)..
THanks

J

[Upwind]

I've been wondering this too since I have been told that placental insufficiency is the most likely cause of my baby's IUGR.

From what I've read, our diets would have to be very bad to have any real effect. Also there is no evidence that resting helps though it probably does not hurt.

How can blood results indicate placental insufficiency? My bloods have always been fine but my baby stopped growing at about 28 weeks.

[Jackaroo]

The test I had is called a PAPP-A. I've just had it here in Oz, but it wasn't available in London 3 years ago when I had DS.

I have now heard back from that hospital (King's in London, with the Fetal Med.Unit) and they give a PAPP-a test to all their mothers now.

It is one of the bloods done as it can show Down Syndrome presence (in conjunction with other things). It just happens to also indicate a likelihood of Pla. Ins problems...

on the one hand I'm relieved that we are forewarned (and can have lots and lots of measuring scans) on the other hand, the spectre of increased risk of stillbirth/m/c, and likely premature delivery is a big concern to bear for so long... but hey, if it helps.

If you didn't have the test at 10/11 weeks I think you've missed the window (and it's a moot point now anyway, given that you're already at 28 weeks I suppose,a nd the problem is now happening, as it only indicates that it might/probably will happen, not what you can do about it, or what stage you will finally have to deliver...)

Pity re: the rest - i was going to milk that one for all it was worth!

[Upwind]

I've just gone through my notes and can find no record of any PAPP-A test. If I am lucky enough to get pregnant again I will insist on one next time.

If it is any consolation, I am 34 weeks now and have been having a lot of monitoring since they realised the baby had stopped growing (little change in fundal height prompted growth scans which confirmed IUGR). The prognosis for my baby still seems to be good. Though obviously there are increased risks. Depending on the results of a growth scan, I may be having a c-section on Monday.

There are lots of positive stories from MNers who have been through similar on my thread here:
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/premature_birth/662935-Preparing-for-a-premature-baby

Don't take my word for it on the rest thing. It is still often recommended and can't do any harm

[Jackaroo]

TBH Uppy - having got this far, sounds as if you're on the home run... what a fantastic Christmas present!

I've been reading those stories today, and I've almost got to a point where having a premmie doens't seem like a horror anymore. Scary, difficult, definitely, but not insurmountable, and usually (it seems) with perfectly sound outcomes.

Thanks, it's been great to talk to you,

J

PS I tried to find a link for you re: the test, but they only refer to it in connection to chromosome issues. Except this one. You might want to leave off reading it till you've had your baby, as there are bad experiences on there, as well as very positive ones... http://www.healthline.com/blogs/pregnancy_childbirth/2007/09/low-pregnancy-associated-plasma-protein .html

[Simplysally]

I don't know if this helps or not but my cousin delivered one of her children in France. She was advised to rest on her left side to maximise flow through the placenta - it was something to do with the side of the body it lies on?

I really don't know much more than that but it might be worth a google.

[lizzytee]

Honestly, I would not trust anything that a mainstream pregnancy book says about high risk or complex pregnancies. It's often inadequate and out of date and can end up scaring you more.