thread: Posterior Placenta Previa

  1. #1
    Registered User

    Jun 2007
    Collinsvale, Southern Tasmania
    760

    Posterior Placenta Previa

    At 13w4d I had a CVS and had the needle go thru up near my belly button and a funny angle due to the placenta being so high up and so far back. The OB could only access a very small edge of it to get the sample and only just managed to get enough to do the test.

    At 19w2d I had the big scan. After looking at the placenta site and doing measurements she had me go empty my bladder and then redid the placenta site. Then the Dr got called in to go over it for a 3rd time. They told me they would notify my OB I had a low lying posterior placenta and advise for another scan at 30 wks. The measurement they had was 14.9mm from the os. (1.49cm)
    At 20w5d when I saw my OB and he also did a scan it was down to .5cm away from the os.
    When I had my next appt at 24w5d there was no gap to measure as it was on the edge of the cervix. He also did a blood flow check and there are some major blood vessels on the edge which could cause problems.

    I see him again next Thursday Jan 15th at 28w5d and he will also do a vaginal scan to check it more accurately.
    I then go to 2 wkly appts with a normal scan each visit and another vaginal scan at around 35 wks.
    The only thing he has said is that the way things stand right now I WILL need a c sec.
    He has not given me any restrictions or warnings or any other info.

    OK the other problem I have, I tend to go into premature labour between 36-37 wks and by 38 wks I am usually 3cms and get induced. The induction is also because I tend to fall into the placental insufficiency group with IUGR and amniotic fluid reduction.
    So I would hazard a guess he would do the c sec at 36w5d as he only operates of a Thursday morning unless it is an emergency.

    I have read that posterior placenta previa hardly ever 'moves' away, although anterior placenta previa has more stretching room so it is much more likely to resolve safely with a vaginal birth permitted.
    I would be interested in hearing from anyone else who has had placenta previa especially posterior placenta previa.

    My only c sec to date was after my baby had died at 31 wks and after 12 hrs non-progression labour she was an emergency c sec. turns out she was so tight in her cord tangles she never would have made it out vaginally I have bad painful memories of that c sec for the first week and really can't imagine having to look after a baby whilst in that much pain!
    I had a VBAC with Samuel 2 yrs alter which was awesome.
    I would love to be able to VBAC again but I know if I have to have a c sec then it is for the best and all I want is Daniel out safely.

    thanks for any hope and stories you can share
    Jude

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Apr 2008
    4,427

    Hi Judy,
    I didnt have full placenta praevia but my placenta was sitting ont the edge of my cervix and was posterier at the 19wk scan. I was advised that I needed to go for another scan at around 33wks to see if it had moved up as the uterus stretched.
    I went for my scan on Tuesday and they found that it had moved up just enough to have a vag delivery.
    She also had to do a scan from down there to double check that the cervix was clear of the placenta and it came out that I was okay.

    I am surprised to hear that they were doing scans to check earlier than that on you as my midwife and sonographer said that the placenta can still move up with the uterus up until 34weeks.

    Thinking of you and hoping that you get another VBAC.

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Jun 2007
    Collinsvale, Southern Tasmania
    760

    Thanks Ali, great news that yours is now far enough away for a normal delivery
    hugs
    Jude

  4. #4
    Registered User

    Jun 2007
    Collinsvale, Southern Tasmania
    760

    Just in case anyone ever comes across this and wonders if a posterior placenta can move, yes it can
    At 28w5d it had moved away 3cms from the cervix so all is now ok for a natural delivery.

  5. #5
    Registered User

    Apr 2008
    4,427

    Fantastic news Judy!!!! I am so happy for you. I know it was a big relief for me as well.

    Good luck witht he rest of your pregnancy

  6. #6
    Registered User

    Oct 2006
    Sydney
    4,081

    That's great, Judy
    I didn't have any personal experience to share, but just wanted to tell you I'm so pleased that you're able to have the birth you want.
    All the very best to you.