Low-lying placenta

[Slinky]

Thought I'd just ask a quick question for a friend.

At 20 week scan, it was discovered the placenta was low-lying. Told not to worry, usually moves out of the way (which did for me).

However, went back for another scan today (36 weeks) and it is still low and seems to be blocking the exit.

Does anyone know how likely it is to move out of the way now?

Slinky
at my ante-natal class last night they said there was a small possibility that it could move from 36 to 40 weeks, but this did not happen in all cases and there for a CS was the most likely cause.
However - I am not the expert and to be honest I was not convinced at how informed the teacher was (long story - but if she turns up in my delivery room she ain't staying long!!)
Hopefully someone much more knowledgeable will be along soon...

I would say pretty unlikely if the placenta is actually over the os. The main stretch of the uterus is along the sides, not at the very base, and so from my experience of placenta praevia, I would say it is likely to still be in the wrong place. It's not the end of the world, though. I had a fantastic caesarian for pp three years ago, with a gorgeous son to show for it, and will be having another one at the beginning of Feb even though my placenta is high this time as it was such a good experience.

And if her placenta is over the os but she's got to 36 weeks with no complications, then she's a very lucky woman indeed.

Absolutely. Because if it is over the os it would be very dangerous to go into labour. So if her team aren't worried, then I would guess it is only near the os.

Thanks for the replies.

Talking to her yesterday, she's now expecting to have a C-section, her homebirth has been cancelled and she's booked at the Consultant-led hospital 30 mins away.

Her medical team are concerned and she is being monitored daily by the midwife. She's also been booked for a internal scan (I think this may be for today or Monday, not sure).

Also been told that should she go into labour now to head straight for the hospital, even call an ambulance.

Consultant was talking about taking her in for delivery in the next couple of weeks.

I have just discovered soething similar. At my scan (only 19 weeks preggies) the OB noticed that my placenta is splitting in 2 and it is low lying. He said it is possible that the little bit that has "escaped" will cause no problems and the bit that is covering the cervix now will move over time. There is a risk of placenta praevia. I should know more at my 21 week scan next week. HAs anyone had experience of this?

I had a low-lying placenta at 20 wks so was booked in for another scan at 32 weeks. It hadn't moved by then so was diagnosed with a grade 4 placenta praevia (totally covering the os). However, I had no bleeding at all and so I spose I was very lucky and quite unusual, as the majority of pp incidences have bleeding, which can be potentially very dangerous. I spent the rest of the pregnancy in hospital and at home on complete bedrest (and had to have someone with me all the time in case i started bleeding). It was all quite scary at the time, not to say boring being in bed and in hospital for such a long time, but like aloha, my planned section at 38.5 weeks was a great experience.

I should add that 9 times out of 10 when a low-lying placenta is spotted at the 20 week scan, it moves up and out the way with no further complications. L/L placentas at 20 weeks are very common; placenta praevia is very rare so try not to worry unduly.

Mine was low and never moved up - I had to have a c-section

should add - I had a good pregnancy - no bleeding or problems

Moomin, Snap! It's very boring being in hospital isn't it? I got completely institutionalised. Had two bleeds - both dramatic but not serious. But very grateful it happened in my first pregnancy, not my second, as it would be absolutely appalling for me to be in hospital for five weeks without ds and God knows how we'd sort childcare.

Eva 3 I had exactly the same issue as you. My placenta was split into 2 and I had a low lying placenta diagnosed seen at the first two scans. At the final scan it had moved up and was fine. I was paranoid about them leaving the 'extra' bit of placenta inside me and wrote into my birth plan that I wanted my DH to see both bits (i knew I wouldn't be able to face seeing it! Each bit of placenta has it's own bloody supply he said it looked hideous but he counted 2 so we were happy!

Thanks cocococo for reassurance. I am worried as this is baby no 3 - how would I care for the other 2....and had retained placenta with both previous births. Hopefully all will be well.