Placenta function after 40 weeks

[OldieButGoldie]

Am currently 40+9 and have twice been for monitoring since I reached term (going back again tomorrow). I was scanned both times for amniotic fluid levels but there was no mention of the blood flow to/from the placenta being checked. I thought this was an important factor in deciding whether to induce (which I am keen to avoid). Should I ask them to check this tomorrow? How quickly is the placenta likely to fail once it starts to deteriorate, do you still have a few days, or can it be quite rapid?

Does it fail? I have never heard of that happening, that's not to say it doesn't but I went to 42 + 2 and nobody mentioned anything about deterioration although I did have one scan that showed up blood flowing across the placenta in different colours depending on the oxygen content. Why don't you ask for one, it may ease your concerns.

They tried to scare me into induction by saying I had low amniotic fluid levels which they think might increase the risk of infant death (although there is no evidence of such happening). I was rather when my waters broke in buckets all over the floor.

Hoefully you are feeling well and calm. Baby will be here soon, put your feet up .

Have they switched the u/s into the mode where you get coloured patches of red and blue dancing around? If so then they have been checking blood flow and just not mentioning it.

Didn't see any red and blue. Had a read of my notes on the way back from scan to daycare and there was only the amniotic fluid level and estimated weight of baby, no mention of placenta function

i cant answer your Op but just wanted to say good luck

i had 2 large healthy babies at 40+17 and 40+19

like you was under pressure to be induced

ended up giving it at 40+17 , induction didnt go well and ended up with unpleasant instrumental delivery

held out until 19 days next time, then consultant " insisted" on "unplanned" CS

this was especially annoying as I'd had ECV to turn my breech baby in the hope of a vaginal delivery

So far I have refused induction and they have been ok about it but I know from Monday when I'm 42 weeks, if not tomorrow depending on how things are looking, I will get more pressure. I thought I was ready for them but can already feel myself starting to crumble!

My midwife was prepared to let me go to 43 weeks with my 2nd. (Midwife-led unit with no consultants). First birth had been 2 days early and very straight-forward - although they commented that my placenta had been completely ravaged and resembled a string vest?! But clearly it was still functioning and didn't seem to affect her decision for 2nd birth.

Fortunately DS1 arrived at 40 + 10 about 12 hours after a sweep (uncomfortable but preferable to other interventions).

I've been googling placentas and all I can find about the end of pregnancy is that it starts to deteriorate from 38 weeks - which I think suggests that it takes weeks rather than being a very rapid process.

I would ask your consultant about it tomorrow. Best of luck. You never know, you might go into labour tonight...

Thanks Duchess, I have googled too but didnt find much.

I have only ever seen my consultant once, very briefly, at booking in. Maybe I should ask to speak to her directly, and ask for the blood flow scan.

I am 46, and some midwives seem unperturbed while others have warned about failing placental function and increased stillbirth risk. Mostly I feel calm and confident that everything is ok, but opinion seems to differ, and obviously i dont want to take any risks.

My placenta was failing for the whole of the last trimester with DS1.It came out looking like an old grey sponge. The placenta was monitored twice weekly from about 32 weeks until 36 weeks when he was delivered. DS1 suffered from IUGR, he was small but perfectly formed when delivered and needed no extra help. So in my experience the placenta was failing for a long time.

Good evening girls,

I am 40 weeks + 1 with my second baby and am 40 years old. I went to see my consultant today and (as usual) saw yet another registrar. I too was inder massive pressure to have an induction and it was assumed that I would consent to a sweep today. My first baby is only 17 months old but was born when I was 38. It must be the age thing.

I refused a sweep or induction at this point and tonight googled "Indications for Induction of Labour" It brought up a very user friendly, evidence based guideline issued by the Royal College of Obstetricians. Check it out - I thought the summaries on the chapers relating to indications for inducement and care in inducement were so much more helpful than the registrar today.

I have decided to have a sweep at 40 weeks + 10 and consider induction again after that if necessary.

I hope this helps and good luck old gal!!

J

Thanks Jayne, had a look and it was very informative.

I am going to have a sweep tomorrow when I will be 40+10 too. That is if it can be done, at my last examination my cervix was so unfavourable that she couldn't do one

Do let us know how you get on,...after the sooty & sweep , but also (if you can face it) how you get on with your arrival.

How exciting ... is this your first?

Yes its my first, and last I would think!

Ach, away with you! Have another staight away, you will be in the groove, have all the kit, and kids are like dogs/horses/sheep..they are pack animals and it is easier to manage a herd than a stray!!

You will need plenty Red Bull mind you...!

Let us know how tomorrow goes.

Cervix was still unfavourable today. I have started another thread about what happened today, but on the lines of placenta function, I did ask the sonographer if she would check the blood and oxygen flow from the placenta and she said she didn't need to, she could tell from the amount of amniotic fluid and the baby's activity that all was well

Good on the placenta. Off to find your other thread...