38 weeks with mature placenta

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Hi lovely ladies

I'm 38 weeks today and had a scan as my midwife thought the baby had shot up in size. The baby hadn't but was advised by the consultant that my placenta appeared to be mature and I should get induced tomorrow!!

I had a sweep yday (1cm dilated) and will be offered one today. I've had a look online and most sites state the placenta would have matured and its normal? I always wanted the baby to come when it was ready.

I'm so scared and confused. Thoughts? X

I'm sorry you're going through this. Can you contact your consultant and ask for more information? Your consultant may be using a medical definition of 'mature placenta', which may differ from how people are using it when you're reading online.

It seems unlikely that a consultant would recommend induction two weeks early without good reason - they normally want to keep those babies in to let lungs etc mature. The consultant may be concerned that your placenta is going to start failing early, and so wants your baby out before there is a risk of that happening.

Best wishes

I don't think 38 weeks is considered early @mumofmunchkin - babies are considered to be full term at 37 weeks so I'm not sure there'd be any concern over the lungs being under-developed. More than prepared to be corrected though.

No, there would be no concern about maturation following a vaginal birth at 38 weeks. From 37 weeks there are no extra concerns attending vaginal birth, just C-section, as it doesn't stimulate the lungs in the same way.

That said, it sounds like the consultant believes the placenta is at higher risk of failing. The question would be why, and how much higher. OP's age is also relevant; if over 40 the risk of the placenta failing early will be higher.

@dorothygaleandtoto it is considered full term, yes, but I know someone who was advised they wouldn't be given an elective section before 39 weeks to give the baby max time to develop (incl lungs), so I was going off that. As with you, happy for someone with more knowledge to step up and correct me!

I see that stalkersaga has just answered my point - c section is different!

Yep, elective C won't be scheduled before 39 weeks as before this date there is an enhanced risk of baby having breathing issues. This is because labour stimulates the baby's lungs in a way ELCS birth doesn't. So babies can be induced without additional risks of breathing issues from 37 weeks.

Thanks @stalkersaga . I learn something new every day!

Thanks all for your response.

I'm 35 and this is my 1st child after numerous losses. So I'm already on edge.
Really don't want to have the baby until its ready. I'll ask the consultant further questions today.

If you don’t want induction etc, OP say no. Have confidence your baby will come when it’s ready. Agree to monitoring of placenta to check blood flow etc is okay and then relax and get into your labour flow!