Very worried about placenta praevia - looking for support

[Fagin99]

I'm 30 weeks and was told at my 20-week scan that my placenta was low lying (not completely covering but within the zone, or whatever they say).

I had another scan at 28 weeks to check growth (which was fine) but the placenta was still low. I saw the Ob Gyn afterwards who only had two minutes to talk to me, and basically told me that I need to look out for bleeding that could 'endanger me and the baby' and they'll scan again at 32 weeks. Then, it was out the door. Didn't even get her name.

Of course I went to google (big mistake) for information (as I wasn't given any) but I'm now I'm absolutely terrified by what I've read, especially around bleeding. I'm suddenly feeling very overwhelmed with everything as the due date approaches, and this is just tipping me over the edge. I know 9/10 placentas move, but mine is posterior and I have endometriosis which makes me pessimistic about it moving.

Has anyone had this placenta issue and been ok?

Sorry for the negativity, I don't have any family or friends nearby to offer comfort (other than hubby) and I suddenly feel very alone.

When’s your next midwife or drs appointment OP? It’s normal that you have questions about this. They should be able to walk you through the plan (scan again at X weeks. If it’s moved great, if it hasn’t, scan at X then X weeks, if it’s not moved then plan for C-section at x weeks to avoid going in to labour, what to do if you have any hint of bleeding or contractions).

And yeah, basically the placenta will either move or they will do a planned C-section before labour starts.
Any hint of preterm labour and they will quickly do a C-section.

I have the same thing and was told it’s not uncommon. Not worried though as most move up and have a 36 week scan booked tomorrow to check if it’s moved. Already having an elective section so not concerned about birth options but I was also told to report any bleeding. All well so far

Hi @Diggersaursarethebest thank you for your reply. xx My next scan is in about ten days, and I think the plan is to rescan at 36 weeks if it's still not moved. They said to just go straight in if I start bleeding. I spoke to my midwife but she was also very to-the-point and just said "it's out of your control" and moved on.

I understand the logistics, but it's more the risk/likelihood of bleeding, complications, death (yep, my mind has gone there) that no one has explained. I've not been told anything reassuring if you know what I mean. I just feel like I'm a big bag of wrong placenta that might explode at any minute :-)

Thank you @Minorissue, that's reassuring to know you've not had bleeding. Did they say if there were any additional risks of c-section with a low placenta? xx

I had complete placenta previa last year. As my consultant and midwife said the placenta gives warning signs, bleeds are rarely significant to begin with. I was told to go get checked out for all/any bleeding, and usually if you are going to bleed it'll be small to start with, not scary in terms of volume.

I had the exact same at my 20 week scan, low lying but not completely covering. Was also told to look out for bleeding but thankfully have not had any yet.

I have my 36 week growth scan this week so will find out for definite if it has moved. I think I read that something like 99% of low lying placentas identified at 20 weeks do move so try not to worry too much!

Yes, had complete placenta praevia, bleeding at 32 and 36 weeks. Baby was delievered at 36 weeks after second bleed via c-section. We are both fine (DD is now 4).

My placenta was anterior, so I had additional risks during the c section as the placenta could have been in the way of the incision site, but with a posterior placenta I don't think that will be the case.

Do try not to worry as unfortunatly this is one of those situations where you can do very little about it. Placenta preavia is around a 1 in 200 pregnancies situation, so although unusual the NHS will have seen a lot of cases and they do know what to do.

Just get your self to hospital asap if you do bleed to be checked out. And get a hospital bag packed early just in case. Lots of big pants if you are having a c-section :)

My DD had this and it didn't shift throughout her pregnancy so she had a section at 39 weeks. No bleeding or anything throughout, in fact she had a really easy pregnancy and a smooth section delivery.

Got to admit though, I googled too and was anxious until my GS was here safely - I was scared stiff incase she went into labour and it ruptured or something (god, google is a nightmare sometimes 🤦🏻‍♀️) I thought they were mad leaving her to 39 weeks, but they seemed really unbothered - I suppose they deal with this everyday so it's no big deal to them. Everything was fine though.

I had complete placenta previa with my last pregnancy. I had to have an MRI the day before my ELCS to check for acreta (not sure how I fitted in the tube!). No bleeding at all until I woke up the morning of the section, it was as if my body knew it was 'go time'. Drove myself to hospital, had the section as planned. Try not to worry - you're in good hands.

Thank you so much everyone for your replies. It's so reassuring to hear from actual people about these experiences! (And that you survived!) xx

@lemmein I'm so glad your daughter was ok and things went smoothly. You're right, Google is simply terrifying.

@ButFirstTea - Good luck with your scan. I hope it goes well for you!

@Fagin99 I'm on baby #3 and had my 20 week scan to be told my placenta is low lying and blocking the exit. Which suddenly concerned me. The lady doing the scan down played it and said it usually moves we will scan you again. However doesnt really reassure you!

I have extra growth scans anyway next I'd at 28 weeks (currently 24 weeks). The idea of a c section terrifies me, I've had 2 natural births. They assured me that the placenta usually moves out of the way but still the risk is there isnt it. I always feel heavy down there and baby usually kicks in the opposite side if higher up. So i feel like the placenta is still low. I have a consultant app on Friday so I will discuss it more then with them.

I totally understand your concerns xx