Hi Mkr
There is no research that I know of that stipulates how active you can be when you have placenta praevia. So therefore we need to rely on common sense. Demanding physical exercise such as jogging, gym work, power walking or anything else that may cause you to breath hard should be avoided. Sex is probably best avoided but if you can’t avoid DTD then it should be very gentle and try to find a position that limits the depth of penetration. Cleaning the house should be done slowly, in short bursts with long rests in between. Walking is OK but try to keep your walks short and walk slowly. If you have any unusual cramping then phone your OB, Midwife, Hospital. If you have any bleeding go to the hospital.
This is only a guide and your circumstances may dictate something different that what I have suggested you would be better to contact your OB for a full explanation on what he/she meant by ‘need to be very careful, not doing anything strenuous’.
I cannot think of any reason why your OB said that you would need a general. In most cases an epidural would be the usual way to go.