Low lying placenta 32 weeks

[Cindy974]

Hi everyone

My placenta was low lying at 20 weeks, I was told it would more than likely move up…great, so I returned today for a following up scan, Im 32 weeks and the placenta is only 2cm away from cervix. The lady who scanned me said under 2cm is classed as a problem but because mine is exactly on the cusp she’s referred me for another scan at 36 and a discussion with consultant on options moving forward.

This is my rainbow baby so I’m naturally anxious its all going to go wrong and reading worst case scenarios on google is not helping! Does anyone have any experience with this at a similar stage in pregnancy? What happened etc?

Im also on aspirin due to previous recurrent losses and due to stop at 36 weeks so worried this is also going to increase my risks of bleeding

I had a planned c-section because of low lying placenta. It all went very smoothly. It’s relatively common and I felt safe throughout.

Speak to the sonographer and other clinicians about your concerns and knock the online horror stories on the head.

You might be advised to obstain from sex until after the birth. All the best.

I had the same issue and at my 32 week scan was 6mm away. I was told told it needs to be 2cm so I’m being rescanned at 36 weeks. If you’re already 2cm away you may be okay by 36 weeks

I'm 34 weeks and also right on the cusp (2.04cm away from cervix). Did you end up having a section or did you gve birth naturally? Mine is posterior, so it's unlikely it will move much further. @Cindy974

@TUlip221 congratulations on your pregnancy! My placentsa moved to 2.6cm away in the end. I had a couple of unexplained bleeding episodes after this and due to that they induced me at 39 weeks. I had a perfect complication free vaginal birth in the end so it all worked out fine. Good luck looks like it has moved enough for you x

Thanks! Yeah I've had a lot of bleeding and spotting throughout my pregnancy so I'm very nervous about being on cusp and attempting a normal birth. 😅

@TUlip221 did it move for you? Mine is 1.6cm away from os at 32 weeks. So wondering what to expect

Hey @Coffeemadness ,

My placenta stayed exactly 2 cm from the cervix. I live in the Netherlands, where vaginal birth is strongly preferred, so despite being borderline, my doctors pushed for it and I agreed. I’d had several bleeds during pregnancy and went into labor a few weeks early. Delivery went fine, but six days later I developed a high fever—turned out I had a severe infection at the placenta site that progressed to sepsis. I was hospitalized for 3 weeks. It was a rough recovery and it unfortunately triggered postpartum anxiety.

Looking back, I wish I had pushed for a c-section. With a low-lying placenta, repeated cervical checks during labor raises the infection risk. That said, I know c-sections have their own risks too—this is just what I’d do differently based on my own experience.

My daughter is now 16 months old and thriving. Sending you strength and support while you weigh your options. You know your body and your comfort level best 💛

I had a low lying placenta with my rainbow baby as well. By the time I got to the 36 week scan the placenta had moved up and out of the way x

@TUlip221 sorry to hear that xx

Glad that everything is okay now though. Take care ❤️

My consultant is pushing for a C-section at 39 weeks if it still stays low-lying. I feel that's too late as there is a chance of going to labor before that.

@Coffeemadness Every situation is personal, but it’s always a balance between keeping baby safe and protecting mom. If you’re feeling anxious, definitely share that with your doctor—they may be open to considering a C-section at 37 or 38 weeks. I went into labor just before 38 weeks!

Low lying placenta with first...they didn't call it. Sorry to be graphic but lots and lots of blood. I had to stay on the bed on my back the whole time and was on stand by for emergency cesar. Surely these days they can regularly scan you?