Low Lying Placenta - when did you get rescanned?

[OnNaturesCourse]

If you were diagnosed with a low lying placenta at 20 weeks when were you rescanned to see if it had moved out the way? And had it moved by that point?

Background - I am getting rescanned at 37.5 weeks but my first was on their way by that stage so I'm considering booking a private scan around 34 weeks but not sure if that's too early?

36, 37 then 38.

I've been rebooked in for a nhs scan at 32 weeks then will be scanned again at 36 if still not moved to be booked in for c section. X

I wouldn’t be happy with anything later than 36 weeks. Normal policy is 32 weeks and then 36 weeks if still low. If it hasn’t moved by 36 weeks chances are it won’t. Speak to your consultant and explain that you have laboured at 37 weeks previously and the risk of you labouring and suffering a placental abruption or emergency Caesarean section (which is riskier than an elective so should be avoided where possible) is too high. They should move the scan.

I’ve been diagnosed with this too and initially was booked in for 32 weeks to be rescanned, but due to Covid and a change in hospital policy it has been pushed back to 36 weeks, I’m feeling a bit anxious also as my waters went in my first pregnancy at 37 weeks. I did query it at my last appointment with consultant but the 36 week scan stays.

I had a growth scan at 28 weeks and they checked then and placenta is still covering cervix. I’ll ask again at my next appointment as it’s creeping up fast x

Scan was booked for 36+2 when at my 20 week appointment. Ended up in hospital after a bleed at 36+1 and was scanned several times to pinpoint the exact location of placenta and cervix (not sure why but it seemed confusing to them!) Placenta was still partially covering so c section booked for 37+5. Have a discussion with your midwife/consultant with your concerns. They should at least explain the chosen date to you and address your concerns

Last pregnancy I had a scan at 36 weeks for low lying placenta but it had shifted by then

I've been booked in for a scan at 32w to check on this (only recently happened so no idea if the placenta will move or not)

I was scanned at 32 weeks it hadn't moved so being re scanned at 36 weeks.

Also booked at 32 weeks to have mine checked again x

I was booked to be scanned at 32 weeks to check mine but had a growth scan at 28 weeks and it had already moved by then x

I have spoken with the consultant, and it was then that confirmed that 37.5 weeks is fine and should I go into labour early again they will scan me on arrival to the hospital. I expressed my concerns about this given my history, and the fact I live a hour away from the hospital plus I have a DC1 at home so will need to get her into childcare etc firstly but they are point blank refusing to scan me earlier. I mentioned the private scan to them and they said I can do that "if it'll put my mind at rest" and they consider the findings from that but will still scan me at 37.5 weeks.

That really doesn't sound right!! I just had a private scan at 26 weeks and I mentioned my placenta, she said she could see it was low but the baby's head was stopping her seeing fully and she told me it really needs internal scan (which she doesn't do as private) it was an internal I had last time at 20 weeks too.
Seems unfair you would need to pay for this privately when most others seem to be getting at around 32 weeks! And can you definitely get internal scan privately?

I got rescanned at 32 then again at 35, and thankfully it's now moved to a position they're happy with. Both times NHS, not private.

34 weeks

34 weeks

I went for my routine scan at 20 weeks but baby was in awkward position so had to go back two weeks later and that is when they identified low lying placenta which is a bit worrying they didn't see it at 20 weeks! Anyway I still went back at 32 weeks so ten weeks after they identified the placenta. It was completely fine at 32 weeks and moved by 5 cm! I was worried as well for those ten weeks in between but it was lovely to see baby at 32 weeks as many people last see their baby at 20 weeks.

@HungryHippo20

That really doesn't sound right!! I just had a private scan at 26 weeks and I mentioned my placenta, she said she could see it was low but the baby's head was stopping her seeing fully and she told me it really needs internal scan (which she doesn't do as private) it was an internal I had last time at 20 weeks too. Seems unfair you would need to pay for this privately when most others seem to be getting at around 32 weeks! And can you definitely get internal scan privately?

No, not internal.

I never got it checked internally at 20 weeks either.

Would it normally be internal to check?

Unfortunately covid has caused a massive backlog apparently so they are "doing what they can"

I've booked a private scan at 32+2 so hopefully it's moved and I can provide the documents to the midwife. If it's not moved I'll need to just "wait and see" as advised by the consultant.

Where in the UK are you? Im 22wks getting rescanned by NHS at 32 weeks.. As that is Ukraine wide NHS policy. I'd kick up a fuss OP

Uk not Ukraine

Ask to speak to the head of midwifery. Scanning you in labour isn’t acceptable. If the placenta is still low this could waste time when a placental abruption could be imminent. This is not your first baby and so you could labour fast. The risks of leaving you are too high. Raise your concern higher.

@OnNaturesCourse maybe not always internal needed but certainly the private sonography advised they don't assess that as standard (assume it's not really a medical scan but an opportunity to see your baby and have reassurance etc)
Either way I agree with PP you should take this further, you deserve these answers from NHS without paying privately

I had a low lying placenta at 20 weeks scan & had a recheck booked in for 36 weeks. I had private scan done at 34 weeks (for other reasons just to reassure me). They said placenta had moved up out of way but NHS scan (no internal scan for me) at 36 weeks identified that one lobe of the placenta had actually stayed low. I wouldn’t rely on a private scan’s accuracy after my personal experience.
I second asking to speaking to head of midwifery. Be very polite but repeat your history and request for a scan earlier at 32 weeks. All the best.

I honestly wouldn't know how to raise it higher.

I have mentioned it to the consultant and senior midwife, it was the consultant who said about the private scan.

The scan I have booked is specifically to check the location and health of baby and placenta so I am hopeful they will be able to locate it clearly, or what am I paying for?!