Low lying placenta

[Sundance123]

Hello I got told I had a low lying placenta at 20 week scan.. Next week at 37 weeks I have a scan to see if it has moved... How far will it need to have moved to have a natural birth? and will I get to choose csection or natural if it has moved? As I heard even of it moves it still could cause trouble during the birth

Hi there
Similar I had low lying at 20 weeks and by 34 weeks it had barely moved. I'm back next week at 37+6 for final scan to check (which I feel is very late 😳) and was told it needed to move by 15mm. I believe it has to be 20mm away from opening of cervix? That may be wrong though! . I am not sure about being able to still choose section if it has moved, I've not heard about any issues if they feel it's ok for natural birth
Just dying to find out now so I can mentally prepare 🤯 good luck!

2cm clearance from the cervix is enough.

The lower of my twins placenta was covering the cervix at 20wk but had moved enough by 32wk. Most do move enough but if they don't they will most likely book a cesarean to minimise risks.

It's crazy as everyone seems to get a scan at 32 weeks but I've not and been booked in for next week at 37 weeks... So I've had 17 weeks of not knowing which is annoying... I feel like I've hyped myself up for a csection now 😂

I had a low lying placenta & re scanned at 32 & 36 weeks. It had not moved enough for them to feel it was safe to have a vaginal birth, so I was booked in for a c section 2 weeks later. It was my first child & this was 2 years ago, so I have nothing to compare it to. However it was a positive experience for me. I think if the c section is planned it's much easier on recovery.

@Sundance123

It's crazy as everyone seems to get a scan at 32 weeks but I've not and been booked in for next week at 37 weeks... So I've had 17 weeks of not knowing which is annoying... I feel like I've hyped myself up for a csection now 😂

I think 32 and 36 are the norm but for me I had extra scans already booked (because I'm an ancient mum at 40!) at 34 and nearly 38wks so they just decided not to change them 🙄I wish I'd asked them to now as I do feel it's a bit late!! 37 weeks does seem a bit random!!

@Sundance123

It's crazy as everyone seems to get a scan at 32 weeks but I've not and been booked in for next week at 37 weeks... So I've had 17 weeks of not knowing which is annoying... I feel like I've hyped myself up for a csection now 😂

They might not have scanned me until later if it was a singleton. I had scans every 4 weeks simply because twins are higher risk.

I have similar. Told at 20 weeks my placenta is covering the cervix and booked in for another scan at 32 - two weeks time. The midwife and consultant don't seem very optimistic that it will have moved. Which surprises me when I see that in most cases all is fine by 32 weeks. Not sure if this is because my placenta is posterior or because of the placement, has anyone else had this? They tell me if it hasn't moved enough they'll likely book me in for a c-section between 36-37 weeks.

@Sundance123

It's crazy as everyone seems to get a scan at 32 weeks but I've not and been booked in for next week at 37 weeks... So I've had 17 weeks of not knowing which is annoying... I feel like I've hyped myself up for a csection now 😂

Usually have one at 32 weeks if you're having growth scans anyway. If not they wait til 37 weeks.

90% of them so move up.
Mine was low at my 20 week and was well clear by 32 weeks.

You will just be left for a natural birth if it has moved unless you specifically request a c section

@MWC21

I have similar. Told at 20 weeks my placenta is covering the cervix and booked in for another scan at 32 - two weeks time. The midwife and consultant don't seem very optimistic that it will have moved. Which surprises me when I see that in most cases all is fine by 32 weeks. Not sure if this is because my placenta is posterior or because of the placement, has anyone else had this? They tell me if it hasn't moved enough they'll likely book me in for a c-section between 36-37 weeks.

If it's fully covering, there is a lot lower chance of it moving enough.

36-37 weeks seems quite early. Normally they leave you until at least 38 weeks minimum

One of my twins had a low lying placenta - it Had to be a certain mm away from the cervix but also because I previously had a c section also had to be a certain mm away from that too. In the end the placenta abrupted so they just had to go straight in and get the twins out anyway

Gosh I just feel so much anxiety about it all now .. I kinda hope they just book me in for a csection 😭 I had a pretty awful episiotomy and a stuck baby last time anyway so my natural birth didn't feel very natural 🙄 we will see what happens next week x

@Sundance123

Gosh I just feel so much anxiety about it all now .. I kinda hope they just book me in for a csection 😭 I had a pretty awful episiotomy and a stuck baby last time anyway so my natural birth didn't feel very natural 🙄 we will see what happens next week x

If you request a csection and you're in the UK, they have to allow it. You don't even need a reason. If a doctor/surgeon refuses, they have to find you one that will do it.

I'm having a hard time with mine. I had a 3rd degree tear so wanted to discuss a csection and my consultant flat out said no. So now I've had to go to another consultant

Did you ask your mw at first then? I'm seeing mine tomorrow x

@Sundance123

Did you ask your mw at first then? I'm seeing mine tomorrow x

I'm high risk so see a consultant. But if you only see a midwife, then yes, it would be her you discuss it with ❤️

Aw thank you I will talk to her tomorrow x