placenta site

[taffy101]

Hi
I'm 36 weeks pregnant and had a scan on wednesday to check placenta site but some of it is still extending very low and I've got another scan in 2 weeks time. Has anyone ever had it 'move out of the way' at this late stage? Really don't want a C-section!!

mine didn't move out of the way. and i had to have a csection at about 38 weeks. what else have they told you?

They haven't really told me anything I think its just a case of wait and see. I think the main problem is that they just can't tell too clearly on ultrasound whether it is a big problem or not so I suppose if there is any doubt we'll go ahead with a C-section which is fair enough if this is the safest option. I'm just hoping it will magically move within the next fortnight!
Why did they do your section at 38 weeks? Is this usual? God if I have my baby in 2 weeks time I'd better get organised!!

I think they do the section early to try and avoid you going into labour because if your placenta extends over the cervix then going into labour isn't a good idea.

taffy101 I had this with dd2 (placenta praevia). At this stage it is unlikely to move. They do the section early as it can be dangerous (excessive bleeding) if you go in to labour. I was very reluctant to have a section as dd1 birth had been so easy. However, the most important thing is to have a healthy mum and baby. How the baby arrives isn't important in the grand scheme of things. HTH

I maybe been a bit naive (sp?) but how do they know the position of the placenta? Is a scan or internal examination done as routine? x

Mine was picked up at 20 week scan because it was at the front eg behind my belly button, instead of back wall of uterus, and covering the 'exit', hence the need for c section. I suppose it is picked up because it obscured other stuff during the scan?

I've got to be honest I was (needlessly) in such a flap about it that I can't remember the details. All I do know is that I didn't have any other signs (eg bleeding) so am very thankful it was picked up.

ok, now I'm confused! I was told my placenta was anterior, 21 week scan says so and bubs kicks aren't always noticeable but they didn't have any problems checking everything at the scan. Will my placenta always be anterior? Do they check again by internal later on?

If it is at the front but not covering the os (?) (the internal bit of the cervix I think), then that is no problem I think. It is just when it is so low that it covers the 'exit' that it is a problem.

I hope a midwife or someone with better skills of explanation comes along soon, that reads like a load of garble!

Thanks anniediv

they did mine early because i was bleeding on and off during the last weeks and had to stay in hospital.it was a pain but as annidiv says the most important thing is to have a healthy happy baby

Thanks for all comments
I had anterior placenta with last pregnancy, picked up on 20 wk scan, but by the 36 week scan it had moved away as the uterus had grown, so I just thought same would happen this time.
I guess there must be a chance of a normal delivery due to the fact that I'm having another scan at 38 weeks. They could see the placenta on the scan last week and its very big mostly on the left hand side but a bit is extending downwards and they couldn't clearly tell how far down. I've got used to the idea of a csection now, was just a bit miffed to begin with as I was hoping to not stay in hosp for a long time. Ho hum, no point worrying about it as I can't do anything about it, is good to hear from people with similar experiences though
BTW have had no bleeding or other symptoms...

Just an update if anyone was following this thread. I had another scan today and the baby's head is engaged and has gone past the sneaky bit of placenta so all is ok for a natural birth. Got all those contractions to look forward to after all