Hyper Mature Placenta - 36 weeks

[Hazyhayz]

I had a scan today and they told me my placenta is hypermature and have to go in twice a week to check babys heartbeat and have another scan at 38 weeks. Obvousily im very worried, has anyone had this before? Could it be a sign baby will be early?

No personal experience but I would guess they might decide to induce you earlier if the placenta isn't functioning as well as it should be.

Hi there!

I had something similar in my first two pregnancies where the placenta started to fail towards the end so I was going for regular ultrasounds and CTGs. With DD1 they induced me at 40+5 because of the placenta insufficiency and low amniotic fluid. She was only 5lb5oz but absolutely fine. With DD2 there was talk of delivering her early when I was 33w, again because of the placenta combined with the fact she was falling under the 10th percentile. The consultant advised me to rest - lying down twice a day on my left side for an hour to help blood supply to the placenta. I also decided to go on mat leave at 34w - I was running round too much with a 2yo and doing a 100mile round commute every day. It worked as she had a growth spurt and arrived spontaneously at 38w.

According to the consultant stress is the worst thing for the placenta. So take it easy, get lots of rest and let your other half pick up the rest. Also bear in mind you're in good hands - they can check the blood supply through the placenta in the US and if there are any concerns then they may want you to deliver early. But you're 36w already so it's really nothing to worry about. When I asked my consultant about the viability of a baby at 33w gestation he laughed and said it was virtually a toddler.

I hope that puts your mind at ease - let us know how you get on!

Thank you, that was very helpful! As long as baby is healthy an early arrival would be wonderful!