Low lying placenta - Have been given no advice at all

[loopylouu]

I had my 20 week scan yesterday and was told again that I have a low lying placenta (posterior).

Anyway, she explained nothing to me, despite me asking her. This is what my notes say:"The placenta is posterior and and low reaches/covers the OS".

I have had bleeds and pain at 11 and 17 weeks and each time told that my placenta was probably the cause.

So, yesterday the sonographer gave me no info at all. She said they would re scan me at 36 week, but seeing as I went into labour with my ds at 36 weeks, I said could they do it earlier please, just incase. After much umming and ahhring she said ok, make an appointment for 32 weeks.

She gave me no info, didn't answer any of my questions, I asked if I would see a consultant, she laughed and said "well, they are busy so I don't think so!" and I was sent on my way.

One concern have is that I had ds by c section and I am worried that the placenta has adhered to the scar.

My mother and two sisters all had placenta accreta with their second babies (none of them had had sections perviously) and my mum and one sister had hysterectomies as a result. They all had natural birthd and a horrendous time of it, my mother was ill with infections for months after I was born.

I am scared that it will happen to me now too. I actually want another section, I have already been told by the midwife I will have a fight on my hands for a repeat section seeing as my ds was born 11 years ago, and I want one even more now with this worry (that would be a fight with the magical, mystical consultant that they won't even tell me the name of, let alone let me see (hmm))

Any advice would be great.

I have booked to see a private consultant for a scan at 24 weeks, I need some kind of reassurance or some advice and to talk about the possibility of checking if the placenta has adhered to my scar. I am pissed off I have had to do this just to try and get some answers/reassurance.

Oh, I forgot, placenta acreta is more likely if you have an anterior placenta (at the front), but it depends on the positioning. Mine was grade 4, so completely covered and started behind, coming up high at the front. I had an ultrasound and an MRI as part of a study into placenta acreta and the best way to diagnose it. I didn't have it, despite my placenta covering my old scar (which is necessary for acreta to occur).

I think you need to see the consultant. Can you ask for that?

I have asked to see a consultant a few times after my last two bleeds and to see if I could get the ball rolling with regards to getting my ELCS booked if i decide to go on NHS for it (private will obliterate all our savings, I will literally have nothing left).

Its always been a no.

I still don't know what to do.

The consultant that I am booking in with privately (which I think I will have to do) at 36 weeks is totally unable to see me under the NHS - the hospital refused to put me on her team due to conflicts of interest. She said to come to the labour ward she was on duty, that I would get through a midwife first but then if I waited, she could see me. So, off I went on friday when she said she was working, but even the midwives wouldn't see me! I was actually having some pain and I was sent away and told to call the helpline as I could only go there for help from 24 weeks.

I called he helpline and was told by a very bored sounding midwife just to have a bath and go to A and E if I bleed. Which is what I was told at 11 and 17 weeks before I started bleeding.

I have cracked and booked a scan with a private consultant at the Birth Comapany in Harley Street. He is brilliant. I saw him when I was going though a MMC, he was so much more compassionate and helpful than anything I had experienced and told me exactly what was happening n my body. I have booked it for 24 weeks, he should be able to tell me properly what is going on and give me advice. I may go sooner if my pains come back. Thats the joke, I can pay to see a private consultant at anytime as long as they don't work out of an NHS hospital (he works out of the Portland, can't afford that though!).

I hate the fact that I have to pay to bypass things just to seen and given some advice.

Hi loupylouu, how rubbish that you have to pay to see anyone about it, especially after bleeds. Called the hospital today and told by midwife to carry on as normal until 32 week scan. Trying not to worry but normal for me is pretty busy, going to try my best to be as careful as possible, not carry anything heavy, rest lots etc.

I'll be very interested to hear what your private consultant has to say. Harley street is near work for me so may be making a visit there myself if the placenta doesnt move - want a consultant opinion not just sonographer!

Blackberry It's just frustrating and I am anxious that I will have more bleeds. Have PM'd you the drs details incase you decide you need a second opinion on anything.

Hi Loopyloo, bit late to this thread as have been admitted with bleeding due to grade 4 complete praevia.

I was diagnosed with a placenta completely covering the internal OS at my 20 week scan. The sonographer referred me for an appointment at 32 weeks with a consultant sonographer due to my history of 2 previous C sections.

I was already under consultant led care due to my previous cs history (even though I was wanting a VBAC), this is the standard policy for my hospital and I was under consultant care for my last VBAC attempt too. I am surprised you are not considering the risks for VBAC (I know you want an elcs anyway).

I did not make it to the 32 week appt as I had a large bleed at 26 weeks and was admitted. I have since had a colour Doppler ultrasound and an MRI to check for placenta accreta because of my previous c section history. These are not conclusive, but in my case suggest both accreta and percreta into my bladder. For planning purposes my consultant is treating me as if I do have accreta and percreta.

I would request to see a consultant by contacting them either directly (look on the hospital's website under Maternity, most have a list there) or by going through the Supervisor of Midwives ( there should be one on duty at all times. Given your previous cs history and family history they should be taking this seriously.

It is likely with a low lying placenta that it will move as the lower uterine segment expands in the third trimester, so try to think positively. Mine is attached posteriorly and has moved a little, but not enough as it was equidistant from the OS both anteriorly and posteriorly by 10cm. It can still move right up to full term.

Good luck.

Hi Another (I'm AuditAngel above but have name changed) when I was scanned as part of a study at Queen Charlottes (I was an inpatient at West Md at the time) I was told that an MRI has a tendency to give false positive results for Acreta. I really hope this applies to you.

I was also admitted at 26 weeks, it's scary isn't it.

Good luck.

I had the same thing with my first ( now pregnant with my second). Low lying placentas can move in pregnancy, if not then you will have to have a c section. I was told that mine hadn't moved ... after the c section I was told that it had moved so there had been no need for the op!!

You're hospital sounds awful, if you're not happy then move. Good Luck xxx