Low lying placenta

[DisneyGirl2387]

I'm 35 weeks pregnant with my first baby. At my 20 week scan my placenta was low so went back last week to check. Placenta is still lying low it is anterior and is 1.6cm away from my cervix. The sonographer looked at my fundal measurement too and wanted to do a growth scan. My baby's growth has dropped from the 97th percentile to the 50th. So I've got another appointment through at 36 weeks to check growth of baby and an internal scan to check the placenta. Then afterwards I've got a meeting with the consultant (obviously on my own due to restrictions).I had my 34 week midwife appointment over the phone and she told me I had 2 problems and 1 was likely causing the other! She wasn't the most helpful! I just wanted to ask any advice really. Has happened to anyone else? Is a planned c-section likely due to my placenta? Is it even more likely with a drop in growth? How many weeks pregnant would they do it? I guess sooner rather than later so I don't go into natural labour with a low placenta? Sorry for all of the questions, I just feel quite anxious about it all! Xx

Hi @DisneyGirl2387 I’m in the same position as you but waiting for my 34 scan to check on placenta. I’d write all those questions down for your next appointment. I’m lucky partners can now come to scans at my hospital. If I am told my placenta is still low at 34 weeks I will be preparing myself for anc section because I’d assumed it would have moved up if it were going to by now. Have you had any bleeding?

Hi @peachypetite
Thank you for your reply, it is a worrying time isn't it! No, thankfully not had any bleeding at all through this pregnancy. Have you? That is great that your partner can come to scans. Our hospital now lets partners come at 12 and 20 weeks but no others. Sadly we missed out! Yes, I'm going to have a long list of questions for the consultant, I'm planning on putting my husband on speaker phone so he can hear. How long have you got to wait for your scan?

At my 20 week scan the sonographer said the placenta has usually moved up by 34 weeks. So I feel like if it hasn’t between 20-34 it’s probably not going to in the next few. That’s a good idea about speaker phone. I’ve not had any bleeding either. My scan is in two weeks. How do you feel about a potential c-section? If mine is anywhere near borderline I don’t think I’d feel confident trying a baginal.

I didn't want a c-section but the more I read about placenta issues I think it is the safest option! I am scared of bleeding and check every time I go to the toilets! As long as the baby is here safely I guess that is all that matters. My only worry is being alone in hospital without DH and struggling with picking baby up etc. How do you feel about it?

I also had a low lying anterior placenta at my 20 week scan, im waiting g on a scan at 34 weeks to see if its moved. Im not sure if policy differs between trusts but where I am (south Wales) they said it has to be 2cm clear of the cervix for vaginally birth, and if its still low lying at 36 week scan then I will be booked for a section at 38 weeks

Yeh I know, the lack of partners being able to stay is a huge worry. Whereas if I have a low intervention birth at the midwife led unit my husband can stay until discharge. Got my scan next week, 34 weeks.