Low anterior placenta and previous c-section

[LilacSloth]

I had my first scan at the end of last week. Everything looking fine with baby but I was told I have a low anterior placenta and that because I needed a c-section last time I now need an extra scan to look more closely at the placenta as there's a risk it can attach to the scarring from my c-section and be problematic.

Has anyone else been in this situation?

Anyone? Would be so good to hear from someone. I'm really anxious this is going to mean having the baby early and having severe blood loss...

@LilacSloth As you have been told, there is a need to recheck the placenta in a few weeks. At this stage it is really hard to be certain exactly where it is in relation to the c/section scar. Have you got another appointment for that check?
If the placenta has embedded where the scar is then it needs very careful evaluation and discussion because that can mean that at birth this time it wouldn’t separate normally. That can lead to extra bleeding. The important thing is that it is recognised so that the right plans are made. This is one of the things that scans are very, very useful for. Knowing about a placenta embedded on a scar means that it can be managed safely.
It may well turn out not to be on the scar anyway, but that won’t become clear for some weeks. No reason to expect an early birth though.
Hope all goes well.

Thanks so much, @Sussexmidwife. Really appreciate you taking the time to reply. They wanted to see me again in 3 weeks but didn't have an appointment until 5th May. Reassuring to know there's a chance it won't have attached to the scar, I thought it was a foregone conclusion.

How many weeks are you? At 13 weeks I was told my placenta is anterior and low, but they weren’t worried at all and said they’d see where it was at my 20 week scan.

I’ve had previous c sections too. If by my next scan the placenta is still on the lower side then I’ll be given extra scans to check the progress and see if it ends up moving. There’s every chance it will move up by the next scan.

But try not to worry, as a pp said, the most important thing is that it’s being looked into so they will adjust your care accordingly.

Xx

Thanks, @Moominmiss. I'm 13 weeks. Next scan will be at 18 weeks. Think the only thing I can do at the moment is keep my fingers crossed it moves up! Hope yours does too.

I had exactly that at my 12 week scan and the senographer made me really worried about it growing over the c-section scar. When I spoke to my midwife she said that it's not worth looking at the placenta position so early because it moves. At my 20 week scan it was sitting well above my scar and a had a vbac with no problems. I still feel annoyed with the senographer for giving me 8 weeks of worry! Good luck!

Thank you, @LBTM - that's really good to hear

It's called placenta accreta. There was suspicion of this in my last pregnancy and they prepared well for delivery, lots of blood on stand by, consented for emergency hysterectomy, etc.

It was all fine on the day