Placenta Close to Cervix - reassurance?

[Fififiesta]

I recently had my 20w scan and thankfully baby is fine. However the sonographer said that they couldn't "sign me off" because the placenta was close to my cervix. They said from the scan they could see that it wasn't covering it but the edge of the placenta was touching the cervix and that the placenta was low lying. They did an internal scan then and said that it's a bit away from the cervix but too close to not check again. They said it would "probably" move as the uterus grows.

I understand that the concern is placenta previa in late pregnancy and know that this is dangerous so a c-section would be necessary if it doesn't move. I am TERRIFIED of a c-section (and I also feel incredibly guilty for worrying about myself when this is a much wanted baby who is healthy so far and that is all I ever wanted). I know that a c-section is a possibility in any pregnancy but now feel like I'm going to spend the rest of the pregnancy worrying about it (and feeling guilty for worrying).

Can anyone offer me any reassurance place? Have you experienced this? What was the outcome for you?

Only about 5% of placentas that are classed as low lying on the 20 week scan are still low enough to be a problem at term so you have a 95% chance it’ll be fine - probably even higher than that as it’s not covering the cervix but just close to it.

Everything Darkstar said. I had complete coverage grade 4 and whilst I ultimately had to have no emergency section at 37 weeks, mine still moved up considerably. I am sure you will be fine x

Mine was low at 20w.
Very high and clear at 32w x

I was like this with my first. All fine by delivery.

Thank you. The sonographer didn't seem concerned, they they see this "all the time". I know that a c-section is always a possibility even right toward the end of labour - oddly I am not scared of labour in the slightest but the idea of being in hospital and having surgery terrifies me, as does the recovery (DH works full time and I already have one child so it'll just be me at home with a baby and busy toddler, there is no one else)

Further reassurance welcome, however!

Midwife sonographer here. Like PP said the vast majority of placentas that are low lying at 20 weeks will move later in pregnancy and not cause any issue at all. They’ll probably want to check if it is still low lying at about 34-36 weeks but chances are it won’t be so try not to worry for now and cross that bridge if it comes

Thanks Madame. Can I ask if what the sonographer said seems favourable for it moving or not in your opinion? I know you cant give medical advice, just looking for some wisdom and experience!

Hopefully you've been really reassured by the above posts. But if the placenta doesn't move then you will likely need a CS so is there anything you can do to mentally prepare yourself for that eventuality?

I did a hypnobirthing course, and had my heart set on a water birth with no pain relief. I ended up with an emergency section and honestly it was fine. The recovery wasn't bad at all and if I needed one again I'd be totally happy with it, even though it really wasn't in my plan,

Got this t- shirt. Got signed off work at 6 maths (yeah! Just left all the emails) took Myself off to Starbucks with the paper and chilled out. C - section was a day doddle. All good

I had this with both my pregnancies and placenta moved both times. With DC1 placenta was anterior and low but moved far enough way (just) by the 30+ week scan. With DC2 placenta was posterior but partially covering my cervix - again it had moved by the next scan.

Fingers crossed the same is true for you x

Had this with my first, it moved up a few weeks later x

Thanks to everyone who has offered reassurance. It does seem likely that it will move but I feel like the worry is hanging over me.

MyDarling I think you've raised a very good point - if the thought of a c-section scares me this much I clearly need to think about practical steps that I can take to "get my head around it" and make it the best possible experience possible - after all, this could resolve itself and I could wind up with an emergency c-section anyway. I've asked DH if we can have a talk about those steps (will do some research online about the hospital stay etc) particularly about managing at home after ward (the practicalities of having a baby and a toddler post-surgery, plus concerns about visitors/helpers - too many or not enough?! - etc.)

Daffodil I'm at home with DC1 and there is definitely no lounging around in coffee shops I am very envious

I had this, resolved itself but had c-section anyway as DC was breech. I’d take a c-section again any day over the vaginal birth I had - tearing, surgery, still have problems! Just have a little scar from the c-section and was pushing a double pram uphill ten days later. They’re not too bad at all!

Hey @Fififiesta I had EXACTLY this result at my 20 weeks last week. I felt really down about it for a few days (mostly because I don’t like the random uncertainty of it rather than any strong feelings about c sections) but I found talking to the people about it definitely helped. Let me know how you get on! X

Whyohsky that's good to know, I have heard horror stories from friends who have had csections. Not being able to carry either of my DC is my biggest worry, especially DC1 as I will be alone at home whilst DH is at work. I don't know how I could recover from a csection whilst having to lift a toddler (I guess about 13-5kg??)

AGirlinLondon glad to know I'm not alone. The uncertainty and waiting are definitely bothering me along with the lack of advice on what it is safe to continue doing.

My anomaly scan was 2 weeks ago and I, too, have a low-lying placenta (posterior).
I can’t say I’m terrified of having a Csection, as my mum and MiL both coped okay with theirs. I don’t particularly want one though!

I have another scan in early October to see if it’s moved at all. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for both of us x

My placenta was exactly the same as yours. I went for a scan at 34 weeks and it had moved up. Don't worry too much about it as it will move as bump grows.

fififiesta its difficult to predict really and only time will tell but the fact that it is only reaching and not covering the cervix bodes well for it moving in the third trimester