Low lying anterior & posterior placenta

[Flowers245]

I have just had a scan at 28 weeks as I am high risk and they noticed that some of my placenta was at the front of my cervix and some around at the back. I am going for another scan at 32 weeks to see if it has moved, although they did say unlikely at this stage. I am so worried it’s going to rupture/hurt baby. Has anybody had this and been ok? I can’t seem to find info on part of the placenta being at the front and freaked out! My consultant wasn’t worried but said if I start to bleed go to hospital, I am 40 mins away another reason I am worried, any advice appreciated.

I was told at my scan at 20 weeks that my placenta was low lying and frontal, and any bleeds had to be taken seriously. I did my own research and freaked myself out to be honest. I am going back for a scan at 32 weeks too (next week) but I had a private scan last week and the sonographer said it had moved. It can move between 28 and 32 weeks, but admittedly mine isnt 'partially' at the front.

I was told if it hasnt moved I will have a section, so I just accepted that that will be the safest thing for my baby and me, and its not the end of the world. The main thing is they have spotted it, are monitoring it, and will act if they need to. 40 minutes to a hospital isnt an issue. A bleed would just need to be investigated.

If you are really worried, and need more clarification or information, definitely speak to your midwife and ask some questions. Good luck!

Hi @SqidgeBum thanks for replying, glad yours has moved since and you have had piece of mind from the scan, i am debating wether or not to get a scan in between now and 4 weeks time.

I was told I would need a c section to if it hasn’t moved which I understand is the best option for both me and baby. Just worried I may go into labour before 38 weeks, after googling and reading all the stories I think I’ve just scared myself. I do find it odd how some can be at the front and some at the back, that part worries me as if it’s stretched. Enjoy the rest of your pregnancy, I can’t wait to just having him here now :)

I think it sounds scarier than it is in reality. I think once they know about it, if you do go into labour before a section (if that is what you need) they can manage it well. For me, I have my hospital bag basically packed with essentials in case I need to go in quickly. I have friends on standby to take DD. I have my family ready to come up and help if needed. Are you a FTM? If this is your first, you can worry about being 40 minutes away from a hospital and going into labour, but in reality it usually takes FTMs HOURS to labour. I took 52 hours on my first. So you most likely will have lots of time to get things sorted.

I say talk to the midwife and have her explain things. She will probably put your mind at ease because this is more common than you think. 1 in 200 births have low lying placentas.

I've currently got placenta praevia grade 4, picked up at 20wk scan. My placenta completely covers the cervix / internal os and I think runs front to back, but mainly at front, with a bit of a lean to the left .

I also freaked myself out reading stuff online although, without wanting to scare you further, some of it has proved to be accurate!

I've had 3 big bleeds, the first at 23wks, the largest last Friday and another smaller one in the early hours yesterday, so am currently on the antenatal ward for observation. I'm 28 weeks today.

The bleeds are very scary, but baby had been completely fine after every one. The consultant said it really is us that suffers and baby is none the wiser. I haven't started labour at all during the bleeds so far.

Things I've done to feel more in control / prepared:

• minimise activity (was put on pelvic rest and told no lifting, exercise etc.)
• added shortcuts to call birthing centre and ambulance to phone homescreen
• keep a stock of giant maternity pads and an old towel to hand, and something to throw on to get into ambulance. When it really goes, it's messy.
• pack bag with clothes, toiletries and activities and keep with maternity notes near front door, along with list of last minute things to gather (phone, charger, meds, etc.)

Having an anterior placenta also adds complications to the cesarean, but it means I'll get all the best consultants .

By far the majority of low-lying placentas move out of the way, I've just been very unlucky! Wishing you much better luck with yours.

@SqidgeBum this is my second baby but I seem to be a lot more of a worrier now:) I am doing my bag this weekend, then at least that’s sorted and I take my notes everywhere I go. Thank you for your advice and help, good luck with the rest of your pregnancy 😊

@Relfm hi, thank you for telling me your situation and sorry to hear you’ve had lots of bleeds. I will definitely stock up on the essentials you mentioned just in case and will pack my bag this weekend, I am definitely trying to rest a bit more to. Did you have any signs you were about to bleed before you did? Should I call an ambulance or just drive to the hospital if I start to bleed?

Thank you for your advice and good luck with the rest of your pregnancy 😊

Unfortunately I didn't have any warning at all, no spotting or cramps.

The first time I was walking home from shops, felt a rush (thought I'd wet myself, or maybe waters) and only when it came through leggings I realised it was blood. Second time I just got up from bed and felt the rush, but knew what it was, and third time realised as I turned over in bed. Completely painless and felt fine (although shocked) each time.

I've been told to phone the ambulance immediately, to say its placenta praevia, that it's urgent I get to the hospital and I may need an EMCS. The ambulance will phone the birthing centre.

I live about 35mins normal drive from the hospital and each time it's taken about an hour from calling the ambulance to arriving at the hospital (inc paramedics doing obs). The 2nd time was a large bleed (475ml) but I was still fine on arrival. That time I was given a drip, steroid injection and magnesium sulphate, just in case, but the bleeding subsided and baby was happy so no need to go further.

We were advised not to drive in case of complications en-route, but that was in ref to these big bleeds. If it was more of a regular period-level bleed we would just phone the birthing centre and make our way there.

It's worth stressing again that I'm in the minority and a lot of people, even with full covering, seem to make it through without any significant bleeding at all. But... if it's in the back of your mind, and you have a plan to deal with it, I think it's easier to cope if it does happen.