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Original poster

Elective section and low lying placenta

26 replies

MyloC · 15/08/2022 11:48

My 20 week scan showed a low lying placenta and we were booked in to be rescanned.
The 32 week scan showed it was still low lying but had moved slightly away from cervix.
The consultant booked a section in for 36+5 after this scan

She said we will double check before the section to see if it has moved although she didn't sound very convinced.
I now have the scan on Wednesday to see where the placenta is.

This is my 2nd baby and I have now decided that regardless of the placenta moving or not I still want to choose an elective section. Has anyone been in a similar position and the placenta has moved but still requested the section?

I am aware it may not move and this will be a non issue. The placenta is posterior if anyone has any experience of a similar low lying position too!

OP posts:
Goodnewsday · 15/08/2022 13:46

yes but I was kind of the other way round. I wanted a c-section from get go, extremely anxious about birth and was a nervous wreck the whole way through about going into labour early. Same as you found out I had a low lying placenta at 20 weeks. Ended up with an extra scan at 28 weeks and it still hadn’t moved so they were going to do another at 32 but said I’d need a section. I’d already gone down the consultant route to request one due to my anxiety so I said I want one regardless. At 32 or 36 weeks, can’t remember which, it had moved a few mm so was technically enough to go for a vaginal birth but I’d already spoken to the consultant and the section was booked.

If you want one due to anxiety 100% just tell your midwife and push for a consultant appointment as soon as you can. It was the best experience ever! Such a lovely day ☺️

Original poster
MyloC · 15/08/2022 15:09

@Goodnewsday Thanks so much for your message. I will say to consultant on Wednesday I would like to stick with a section regardless of whether it moves or not.

Did your placenta move enough to be safe enough for a vaginal birth? Just wondering when your section was booked for.

OP posts:
flowergarden16 · 15/08/2022 15:14

Hi @MyloC

Just to say I'm in the same boat - have total placenta previa and am looking likely to have a c section. I had an emergency one with my first but it was totally fine and very quick.

Can I ask, have you had any bleeding? I'm feeling really anxious (26 weeks) and don't know anyone else who has had the condition.

Original poster
MyloC · 15/08/2022 15:16

Hi @flowergarden16 no I haven't had any bleeding except for before my 20 week scan. My mum also had placenta previa which she had no idea about until a small bleed at 35 weeks. I am on high alert for it as I am now 35 weeks. I think there are plenty of people who don't bleed though

Have you been offered an additional scan at 32 weeks? Are you keen to have a section regardless of whether the placenta moves? I can totally relate to the anxiety it causes!

OP posts:
flowergarden16 · 15/08/2022 15:19

Thanks for replying @MyloC !

Very anxious and worried but know that it will likely be fine. I think because mine is so low the risk of bleeding is higher although seemingly still random.

Glad you've been ok so far!

I had planned a c section regardless as I failed to progress despite induction with my son, and I also had a missed miscarriage a few months ago so it seems my body doesn't really know how to exit babies! My consultant was happy with that decision.

I think it's very personal but whatever is safest for you and baby is best. I found mine very simple and quick to recover from x

Original poster
MyloC · 15/08/2022 15:21

@flowergarden16 I've read every thread I can find on placenta previa and it does seem to be very random whether it moves or not. Fingers crossed you have no bleeding and make it to your section date with no problems. Have they said when they will be booking your section for?

OP posts:
Goodnewsday · 15/08/2022 15:33

@MyloC yes but I think even if I wasn’t scared of a vaginal birth from the start I don’t think I’d have fancied attempting it when it sounds like the risk is losing a lot of blood. It was just booked as a low risk one at 39 weeks

flowergarden16 · 15/08/2022 15:37

@MyloC me too! It seems like most people are fine but the bleeding seems to happen later generally.

I have a scan at 32 weeks (end of Sept) and tbc on what happens then, and before, they plan to do a section at 37 weeks. Obviously if there is bleeding before would be earlier and if it has moved I think they push back to 39 weeks. They have told me mine is v Unlikely to move.

Is yours at 39?

Soonberaining · 15/08/2022 15:37

I had this and had several scans between 32 and 38 weeks. It was decided that the placenta had moved just enough to allow a vaginal birth.

My first two babies were born in two hours, start to finish.

This baby couldn't get into the right position. I was two days in labour and eventually she was born having moved into a back to back position. My midwife only let me have gas and air. It was the most hideously painful experience. If only I could have been offered an elective c section, but no, it was apparently better for me to give birth naturally in a midwife led unit. I never had another baby after that experience.

OP don't hesitate to have a c section, even if the placenta has moved "enough" as mine did in the final week.

Passmeaplacard · 15/08/2022 16:00

I had this but it was missed on all my scans, only found out due to a bleed at 31 weeks.

The bleed was terrifying as I thought the worst but my daughter was absolutely fine.

I was booked in for my section at 37+2, it was the very latest they would let me go. On the morning they did another scan and my placenta had finally moved enough but it looked like there could be an issue with the cord so we went ahead anyway.

I was gutted when I found out that I had to have a c section as it wasn’t what I wanted at all but it was all fine in the end.

Original poster
MyloC · 15/08/2022 16:24

@flowergarden16 No mine is booked for 37 weeks but would be happy to move it to 39 if placenta has moved.
Consultant didn't seem hopeful that it will but I'm now starting to panic that I don't get the option of a section if it does!

OP posts:
Original poster
MyloC · 15/08/2022 16:26

@Soonberaining Thank you for sharing your experience and sorry you had to go through that.
I will definitely be pushing for a section if it has moved. Just worried there's some push back from the consultant.

OP posts:
flowergarden16 · 15/08/2022 16:33

@MyloC you can absolutely ask for a c section without needing a reason. X

flowergarden16 · 17/08/2022 11:51

How are you getting on @MyloC ? X

Original poster
MyloC · 17/08/2022 14:09

@flowergarden16 I have my scan at 3 will update afterwards. Thanks for checking in!

OP posts:
EllieJai44 · 17/08/2022 14:15

If your placenta has moved you can still opt for a c-section, the date may just be moved to later instead of being so early, the reason the date is early is in case you go into labour naturally but if no risk if the placenta you may be rescheduled to 38-39 weeks! Hope your scan goes well!

flowergarden16 · 17/08/2022 18:25

Hope all went ok @MyloC x

Original poster
MyloC · 17/08/2022 18:27

So placenta seems to have moved to 2.8cm away. Babies head seems to be engaged so I assume that means it's not a danger at all?

I told consultant I still wanted a section and she gave me all the reasons why I shouldn't have one and really was quite forceful that I shouldn't be having one. They booked one anyway but clearly were not happy about it.

I'm now just confused and emotional about the whole thing. I'm not sure what I should do and starting to think I should cancel section.

OP posts:
flowergarden16 · 17/08/2022 20:57

@MyloC great news it's moved!

If you want a section have one. My plan wasn't to have one with my first but that's how it ended up and something like 1 in 4 do (unplanned). You may have a great v birth but if you want a c section that's your choice x

HopefulBeckie · 19/08/2022 11:22

Hi everyone! I found out I have a low placenta at my 20 week scan. They booked me in for a scan to double check if it’s moved at 36 weeks (which I’m a bit worried is a little late to make a decision as I like to be well planned out).
last week at 28 weeks I had some stomach pains so got it checked out. Turns out it was just ligament pain but now have been told the baby is breech. I’m just so anxious about giving birth any advice would be great.

flowergarden16 · 19/08/2022 11:24

Hi @HopefulBeckie

I am 26 weeks (almost 27) and in the same boat. Have total placenta previa and covering my cervix. Baby is transverse (breech I think)

Have a scan at 32 weeks.

Have you had an bleeding yet?

Is this your first baby?

HopefulBeckie · 19/08/2022 11:48

No I haven’t had any bleeding and I’m really hoping I don’t.
and yes it’s my first baby.
how are things going for you?

flowergarden16 · 19/08/2022 12:01

@HopefulBeckie it's my second baby and had an emergency section with my first and a miscarriage (with a resulting d&c following) in between so mine is quite unlikely to move.

No bleeding yet really hope it doesn't happen!

I have a scan at 32 weeks.

Do you have one too?

flowergarden16 · 19/08/2022 12:01

Also are you planning to have a c section ? X

HopefulBeckie · 19/08/2022 13:23

I’m sorry to hear about your miscarriage 😞
and as of yet I’m not too sure what’s going to happen. My next scan is at 36 weeks.