Low lying placenta @ 20wk scan?? Scared!!!

[ubba82]

My SIL also had a low lying placenta that moved out of the way in time for the birth. 34 weeks is a long time off so please stop stressing, its no good for you or the bubs! Very happy that everything else was fine.

[AliBaby]

I had a very low lying placenta as well at the 20wk scan. I was scared as well when they mentioned the c word! Mine moved up out of the way and in most cases it does. I had my repeat scan at 33weeks and all is clear.

Feeb's is right it is quite common. Try and enjoy your pregnancy and just think you will get to have that extra scan at around 34weeks to check in on your little bundle!

[SweetPea]

I had a low lying placenta with my first pregnancy and it moved up and I had a natural delivery. In most cases it will move up as the uterus expands. Try not to stress over it yet (easier said than done, I know!) only a small percentage of placentas will stay low lying by term. I think there may be an article on it on the main site.

[Patooties]

I had a low lying placenta with my first pregnancy, and it moved up, and my sister also had the same, and everything was fine for her as well.
I know it is so hard not to worry, but i'm sure everything will be fine.

[Tobily]

This is so incredibly common. They only bother checking for it at the 20 week scan because for some women this will be the only scan they have...but it's such an inconsequential finding at 20 weeks that they really shouldn't bother.

For the vast majority of women by 34 weeks it will not be an issue.

Imagine your uterus as a blown up balloon, with the tie at the bottom being your cervix. Draw an "x" down near the bottom of the balloon, which is the edge of your placenta. As the balloon is blown up more (ie as your baby grows), the "x" moves further away from where the tie is. This is what happens to your placenta as your uterus gets bigger. The stretching pulls it further away from the opening of your cervix.

Don't stress, I'd nearly bet my first born that it won't be a problem for you later

[diva det]

Yep had low lying placenta a 20 weeks and it was well and truly out of the way by 34 week scan
very common and it moved in most cases
HTH

[belle75]

Thanks girls. It is so reassuring to hear your comments Are there any precautions I should be taking (like work, exercise etc.?) I've had some pelvic pain on and off. Could this be causing it? I know I should talk to my ob. Thanks again.