Placenta is low, do I need to worry??

[NannyJo]

I've just had my first scan today. I'm 19+ weeks. I was told everything was ok except that the placenta was low and I'd need a further scan at 32 weeks to check it's development. Even though we asked what that meant she wasn't very clear. Can anyone give me any advice???

Mine was low with both boys and it was ok. It can rise up a bit to allow baby's head to get through ok. That's why they scan again. don't worry as it's very common xx

How low? Did they tell you a grade? I suspect from their attitude is isn't very low. The placenta itself cannot move (it is firmly anchored to the wall of the womb) but as the womb gets bigger the placenta 'moves up' with it - imagine you draw a dot towards the bottom of an uninflated balloon - then you blow up the balloon - the dot will 'rise up' as the ballon gets bigger. That's how it usually is with the placenta. If it's not very low, I would say it probably won't interfere with a vaginal birth if that is what you want. You need a caesarian if the placenta blocks the baby's way out, or is very, very close to the neck of the womb. But it doesn't sound that that is the case for you.

A late, low-lying placenta is a risk factor for vasa previa. Make sure you ask about this, although aloha is correct and it may well move up later in pregnancy without causing any problems.

Good luck

It's too early to worry (because it can well move up) and there is Zilch you can do about it anyway.... wait for the 32 weeks scan and forget about it !

Mine was low and was discovered because I started bleeding at 17 weeks. It had moved up a bit at 32 week scan and in the end I produced a 9lb 9 ds. When he was delivered (caesarian) they said my placenta was huge so it didn't do baby or me any harm at all. Try not to worry - I spoke to several people who had it and no-one had any problems except possibly some bleeding and additional worry..

Although it wasn't picked up in my scans with ds, I had what they called, placenta previa, a low lying placenta. I did suffer from light bleeding at about 26 weeks and then a heavier bleed again at 28 weeks. I believe this is about the time when the womb stretches up, pulling the placenta with it.
I had to be monitored after that to see whether I could have a natural birth or had to have a caesarian. Problem with that was ds had moved & couldn't really see the position of the placenta.
In the end I did have a very good, natural labour, but in the back of my mind I did half prepare myself for an EM C-section.

In answer to pupuce, it is not to early to tell about vasa praevia as it can be detected as early as 16 weeks and can be prevented. Something can be done to prevent this happening and early intervention is important. Not thinking about things until the 32 week scan (very late in your health area) could be too late and the risks are not worth taking. Wait a while and see if it "moves up" - if not, then ask questions. Hopefully it will move as most women find they do. To find out more about vasa praevia have a look at this site this Take care and good luck

Mine was low at 21 weeks, I was told not to worry and to have a further scan at 32 weeks. In the meantime to go straight to GP if any bleeding (which I assume most women would do anyway). By 32 weeks everything was fine and I didn't do anything in the meantime.