Low Lying Placenta at 36 weeks

[Lori225]

Hi, new user and first pregnancy. Long post too, sorry.

I have a low lying posterior placenta, discovered at 20 week scan but haven't had any bleeds or complications otherwise. My placenta was 3cm from cervical os yesterday, I was 36w+3. Was only 0.88cm at my 34 week scan (that was done by a different doctor so I'm not sure if that might explain the significant movement/different interpretation of measurement or whatever). My dr yesterday said he recommended a c section as 3cm is closer than he would like and as cervix has to dilate to 10cm there was a risk of heavy bleeding and possible emergency section. So I've a section booked for when I'm 39 weeks but I would rather not have one if at all possible and obviously safe for baby and me. Wondering if anyone had their placenta move up enough in the final couple of weeks? What even is enough cm's to make it not risky? I have no more scans organised but after sleeping on it I think I should get another scan nearer section date to double check placenta position again. Can I ask my doctor to scan me again and is he likely to do it if section is booked? I didn't ask him much at the appointment yesterday as it went in so quick and I hadn't time to think and the section was booked really quickly then.

Hello, I'm about 2 weeks ahead of you in similar position and can let you known in 2 days. My placenta is 2cm away from cervix at 36 week scan (was covering cervix at 32 week scan so had moved in those few weeks) and c section booked for 39 weeks. I have my pre op check in 2 days and am wondering if they will rescan. Will know if they do or not!

I've heard of people being scanned morning of c section for breach baby to find out baby has moved position so they then sent them on their way home to wait for natural.

Thanks for reply @Alicealicewhothe . Would be grateful if u do get a chance to let me know how u get on please. Hope all goes well for u!

Mine is still abutting at 28 weeks so following with interest.

Part of me would rather just know and have the decision taken out of my hands!

It may still move some more over the coming weeks - you could always ask for a second opinion. I had a low-lying posterior placenta which moved by 32 weeks (and then 4 days later my baby turned breech and is still there ) but at my hospital I was told it needed to be anywhere between 2-4cm away however it was very much down to preference of the consultant.

I did my own research online and it seems like for posterior it's recommended to be 3cm away, 2cm for anterior.

Oh and why not ask for a scan at 38 weeks? With my breech on board I'll be scanned up until the point of c-section which will be cancelled if baby has turned. No reason it can't be the same to see if placenta shifts!

Hi Op- I had grade 4 placenta previa (also posterior), but unfortunately had bleeds at 27 weeks and an abruption at 32 weeks, leading me to be admitted to take us as far as we could go (section was booked for 37 weeks, but another bleed lead to an EMCS at 36).

Even though my placenta was 'complete cover' they were still scanning me every week hoping for the possibility that it might just shift, so you should be offered these right up until your section is due? I'd definitely be asking, especially as your really hoping for a natural delivery (I was too).

I hope everything works out well for you!

Thanks for the replies.

I’ve just rang and made a midwife appointment for a general check up between now and the section date as advised by my doctor. There’s no facility there to re-scan me but the midwife said she didn’t think there was any reason to re-scan anyway as it’s unlikely to move at this stage and if the doctor believed it was too low then a section was the way to go.

I rang the hospital where I’m booked in for the section then to ask if they would be re-scanning me at my pre-assessment appointment two days before the section and they said only if I requested it so I have. She asked how far from the os my placenta was and when I said 3cm she stated that she didn’t consider that low lying and that some other doctors wouldn’t consider it low lying either so now I’m really really confused.

I have to try gear myself up for a surgical birth which will be hard enough as I already feel disappointed about it and I'm worried about it affecting breastfeeding or bonding with my baby too. But I also have a chance that two days before it I could be told that the placenta is far enough away to try a vaginal birth and I'll need to re-adjust back to that way of thinking then.

I’m definitely over-thinking the whole situation but I can’t help it.

Mine was only covering slightly but hadn't moved at 28 week scan but had moved at 32 week one

It's natural to overthink but sounds like you can request a scan to check.

I've just come back from pre op check at 38 weeks and there was no scanning as routine. Having said that, mine hadnt moved much between 32 and 36 weeks. Perhaps it's worth asking for another consultant appointment to discuss further or ask for 2nd opinion considering how much yours moved in 2 weeks.

The thing to remember if doctors say its best to do c sections, its what's safer for you and baby so try to hold onto that. I empathise though, I too really wanted natural birth.

I've been harvesting my collustrium to help with breastfeeding side of things to hope it stimulates my milk but also means baby can get goodness from that whilst milk comes in.

I've written on my birth plan too about skin to skin and ideally if possibly a gentle c section where they try to mimic natural birth and bonding.