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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Low placenta?

12 replies

ZenGardener · 11/08/2013 01:20

This is my fourth baby and with the others everything went very smoothly so I was hoping for a home birth.

I live abroad so I get a lot of scans. At 18 weeks I had a scan and the midwife mentioned that my placenta looked low and we would keep an eye on it.

I'm 20 weeks now and while everything is fine, the baby does feel very low. I have another scan in a few weeks time.

I have googled (of course) and it seems the placenta can lift but if it doesn't then I might need a C section.

I'm so nervous about the idea of a C section. My husband works away and I don't live near any family or friends so I have no idea how I would cope. We live in the middle of nowhere so I drive every day.

I could really use some reassurance. I haven't had any bleeding but the midwife warned me this may occur.

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LouiseD29 · 11/08/2013 04:01

Hi Zen, try not to worry too much. I think in something like 95% of cases the placenta lifts by the time you get to term (well, it doesn't lift, but the uterus stretches so it's no longer low lying). This is what happened to me. I didn't get any bleeding in later pregnancy either. It's very unlikely that you'll need a C section because of this. Good luck.

TWavre · 11/08/2013 11:31

Hiya,
I've been told I had a very low placenta at 20 weeks so I'm going back for another scan at 34 weeks. But I've read that low placentas only happen to about 15% of women at 20 weeks, and only 1% of those remain so low as to require a C-section, so I wouldn't worry to much, the odds are very against you needing one :)

tinkerbell666 · 11/08/2013 11:35

I have tis, i started a post this morning, was told at 20 weeks, had massive bleed at 32 weeks, and 2 more at 34 and 35 weeks, now 36 and on bed rest hoping for no more till a section at 37/38. Mine is a grade 3 placenta previa, baby is also transverse.

browneyesblue · 11/08/2013 11:55

I was told my placenta was low at about 20 weeks (after lots of bleeding). The consultant used a balloon to describe it - the balloon's opening is the cervix, and if you draw a mark on the balloon near the 'cervix' that represents the placenta's position in relation to the cervix.

As the uterus grows (or the balloon inflates) the placenta should become further from the cervix. Likewise, the mark on the balloon should become further away from the balloon's opening. That is why most placentas end up in the right position.

In my case, it turned out after numerous scans that my placenta wasn't low at all - it ran along one side. Because of this, depending on the angle that the sonographer was looking at, my placenta appeared low, high, completely covering my cervix, etc. It was high.

Don't be afraid to ask the doctors lots of questions if you are worried.

tinkerbell666 · 11/08/2013 12:22

Oh, and be aware of potential for bleeding, i had a scan booked at 32 weeks to check position, but my first big bleed was at 31 weeks, was a bit of a shock tbh, and they can be massive, i passed fist sized clots :( all ok with baby though :) if you do bleed, please call 999 xx

Original poster

ZenGardener · 11/08/2013 14:01

Thank you all for the reassurance. I will keep an eye open for bleeding.

Even though it is my fourth, I can't help but worry.

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tinkerbell666 · 11/08/2013 14:46

This is my 5th, all have been straightforward till now !

PeriodFeatures · 11/08/2013 15:15

Ah poor you. It's horrible worrying about it. I was told I had grade 4 PP at 20 weeks and bed rest and c section was definite. at 32 weeks, it had completely moved. Hopefully you will be o.k.

Shellywelly1973 · 11/08/2013 15:45

No experience but wanted to wish you well...

2Labradors · 11/08/2013 22:32

I've just had this. This is 3rd baby for me and a 19 weeks scan was told I had a low lying placenta & c section was discussed with my consultant. I had a scan at 23 weeks (last week) and my placenta has already moved up.

I do have another scan at 34 weeks to check the position of my placenta.

Original poster

ZenGardener · 13/08/2013 22:13

Thanks! I've been feeling a lot of activity in my lower abdomen so I'm sure the baby is fine. I wonder if it will be harder at the end though?

My parents offered to come and stay while the baby is born but I'd rather they didn't as we don't really have the space and its stressful having them over. They will be annoyed if I turn around at the last minute and ask them to come. They live abroad so last minute flights will be expensive.

I could ask my in-laws but they drive me crazy. So fingers crossed for an easy time!!

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kitkatsz23 · 13/08/2013 22:44

I had a c-section with my first baby due to placenta preavia 16weeks ago.Don't worry it will be all fine even if you'll need a section.I was very anxious and the whole pregnancy was about checking for bleeds and taking it very easy (didn't have bleeds thank God). I did feel a bit betrayed as I couldn't enjoy my pregnancy. My parents and my DH's parents live abroad so I asked my mum to come over and help me.It was a last minute expensive trip as the section date was agreed at 36weeks,op was at 38+3.Without her I would have been in trouble,she helped me a lot.She did drive me crazy occasionally but it was managable.So don't worry,just take care of yourself-no gym,no sex

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