When should I be re-scanned for low-lying placenta?

[Truffy18]

I am currently 22 weeks pregnant. Was told at 20 week scan I had a low-lying placenta and have been booked in for another scan at 36 weeks. My sister however (who lives in a different area) has the same problem and has been told to be re-scanned at 32 weeks. When do most people book their re-scan? I'd like mine done as early as possible so I can relax and stop worrying about it (hopefully!) but obviously too early may give a 'false' result.

I am in teh same position - I have to go back at 36 weeks too.

hth.

I'm going back at 34 weeks I believe.

I was re-scanned at 32weeks, but it hadn't moved, so was scaned again at 36 weeks. That time the placenta had moved.

So really, I think the 32 week scan was a waste of time really, as quite often the placenta doesn't move until later on.

HTH

36 weeks is prob the best time. By now baby has grown enough and hopefully moved that stubborn placenta out of the way!

GOOD LUCK

Hi Truffy, I have same problem too, mine is at the front also. I have been asked to go back at 36 weeks. I guess that they think if its not moved by then its not going to, whereas as someone has pointed out it hadnt moved by 32 weeks but had at 36.
I scared myself silly about it, but even if it doesnt move it doesnt always mean you can't have a normal delivery, or at least thats what i was told Good Luck!

it depends on how low lying. if it is across the cervix a scan at 32 weeks is best, if just near then 36 should be fine. the reason for early if across is that early labour is life threatening with grade III or IV and you would need urgent medical attention. you need to know this in advance so you can be prepared and always have a mobile on you and never far from a hospital in the advanced stages (32 weeks +).

placentas that are just near the cervix should move up in about 80% of cases.

they should have told you where or how close it was at the 20 week scan.

i was not told at my 20 week scan so went private to find out the details and was very glad i did as it was grade IV and stayed that way. 36 would have been to late as i started labour then.

next midwives/gyno visit ask them for the details. you really should have had an appointment with the consultant to discuss low lying placenta.

the questions to ask are how low lying (is it across or near) and what is the chance it will not move.

moo is right, it depends on teh degree. I have grade 4 anterior low lying placenta and will be rescanned at 32 weeks. My placenta was complately covering the opening to the cervix at 20 week scan and from that it looks like it won't have moved enough for me to be allowed to labour naturally.

if you purely have a placenta that is lying low then the risks are very few compared to a grade 4 which is scary indeed!

I should point out that usual practise for placenta praevia at my hospital is 34-36 week scan but because of the associated risks of mine being at front i am being scanned earlier.

NICE guidelines state 36 weeks is the best time to look. However, particularly if your placenta is posterior, it can be hard to see as baby's head is in the way- which is why many places look at other stages. I prefer to look at 34 weeks, and then rescan at around 37 weeks. Generally placenta checks are on top of your tummy but with a full bladder (can be even harder that bit further on) but, again, particularly for posterior placenta, a TV scan may be helpful.
Anterior placentas that are a bit low at 20 weeks are much less likely to be a worry later, HTH. Its only when its completely covering the os (not 'reaching', 'in the lower segment',just 'completely covering'!)that's where a c-section is quite likely. Its actually quite rare, but because its something that can be picked up and therefore easily avoid scary birth, that's why most people have heard something about it.
Good luck,
mumofk

Hi - i was scanned at 20 weeks and had a low lying placenta -was rescanned last week at 36+2 and it had "moved".

xx

Hi L1980 Thats encouraging news for us all

The technician said very little other than a passing comment of "oh you have a low-lying placenta". I've just looked at my notes and it says, under the placenta box, post covering OS - scan at 36 weeks. I've assumed it's not a serious grade (as someone mentioned earlier) as nothing more was said and she gave no advice about what I should do if I went into labour early. Anyone tell anything about the severity of it from my notes?

What happens if it is covering the cervix? Do you have to have a c-section? What are all the options...

Hi Truffy, No expert here at all but like you i have a low lying placenta. Mine is anterior ( at the front)and has a good chance of moving out of the way by the 36 weeks scan.
Some super mumsnetter i think ' mumofk' told me that imagine putting an X by the mouth piece of a balloon, then blow up the balloon and see how high up the X has moved. Thats what should happen with your low lying placenta.
I assume no advice was given because its not relevant ? hopefully !
Best to ask your MW at your next antenatal to put your mind at rest.