Questions re. low lying placenta (posterior)

[BlueberryPancake]

Hi everyone, I was told a few weeks ago that the placenta is 'a bit low' (not covering the cervix completely) and posterior. I've already had an emergency C section 15 months ago so was told that if placenta doesn't move up (I am 25 weeks) I will have a second C section, but if moves up I can have a trial of labour and go for natural birth.

Questions: consultant told me not to have sexual intercourse. I've searched this on the web but can't find any info. Anyone in same situation? Can sex cause late misscariage in case of placenta previa? Also, are the risks increased for late misscariage, bleeding, even hemorrhage before birth/during c section, risks of complications leading to histerectomy, etc.

Any other pregnant mumsnetter in same situation? info/source of info welcome! Thanks!!

I was told in my 2nd pregnancy that the placenta was lying low but it moved up late into the pregnacy & I was able to give birth naturally. Apparently this is quite common so don't worry too much - you have plenty of time yet for it to move up yet.

Hi there, I had a low lying placenta like you that was not totally covering the cervix. I was told not to have sex, do any heavy lifting or housework (result!) as anything vigorous might cause bleeding. I was told if I had any bleeding at all to call an ambulance. It is taken very seriously as I think it is very difficult to stop the bleeding once it has started and as the placenta is attached to your blood supply it would be sort of like pulling the plug.

Not meaning to be alarmist here and there is a tiny risk of this happening, but think its important to take it seriously.

I had a csection at 39 weeks and all was fine, no bleeding before/during/after. But I was glad I had the info and made sure I took care of myself.

Sure it will be the same for you!!

here!

a bit low....well, there are 4 grades of placenta previa , with 1 & 2 you can have a vaginal delivery, but not with grades 3 and 4. and a lot of the time, as the uterus grows, the placenta 'moves' out of the way

you will be having another scan ? to check the position before birth?

there are increased risks of bleeding and with the severe grades, hemorrhage,..which is why , while it is low, you are being asked to avoid anything that might cause bleeding.

all the risks , with the position and grade of placenta previa will be taken into account when you are further along , to decide the safest mode of delivery...x

Thanks for all that! Yes I have another scan booked at 32 weeks to see if it has moved out of the way. It's just that I'm under a lot of stress right now with work/public transport is a pain and I have to stand most of the way, I've just sold our house and planning to move after the birth, but still quite a stressful situation as we have to keep the house clean all the time for viewers. I'm wondering if I shouldn't ask for anotehr scan (sooner than 32 weeks) and maybe ask to be stopped at work...

Oh yes and another thing, when the doctor said no sexual intercourse my jaw dropped. Hormones work in mysterious ways and I'm a bit despararate. I assume he ment no 'penetration' but I can still have orgasms, right? Even if it's a no, I have them in my dreams at the moment, so can't really prevent that can I!!!

not actually sure!?! interesting question! probably the actual intercourse , the physical action itself , IFYSWIM !

hi, im nearly 34wks pregnant, and was in hospital on monday night, due to slight bleeding, which cleared up. but on my notes, something has been mentioned called, placenta posterior, does anyone know what this means?

Placenta posterior just means that your placenta is on the back wall of your uterus which is where it is found in the majority of women. Totally normal and nothing to worry about