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

[belle75]

I've just had my 20wk scan today. Everything else was normal (yay! ). Bub measured in at exactly 20wks (19wks 6 days today). The radiologist mentioned that the placenta was lying low very close to the cervix and if it didn't move by 34wks I would need a caesarean! I'm absolutely terrified now!! Has anyone else had this happen and did the placenta 'move'??
Should I be taking any extra precautions? I'm so confused. Will speak to the ob soon, but just wanted your opinions. Thanks so much in advance.

[feeb]

Hi there it is more common that you realise, But generally most placentas move by 34 weeks.

I had this and mine moved by repeat scan time.

If you get any bleeding get it checked straight away (i had a bleed at 24 weeks no problems all ok)

good luck and congratulations on scan

[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.

[SugarDust]

I had a low lying placenta at my 20 week scan was admitted at 28weeks with cord presentation and when the did a scan to check the cord again i was told the placenta had moved!

It will most likely move hun! Don't stress it will be fine!

[belle75]

Thanks girls. I hope you are right and the placenta "moves". I am just so scared

[Laranna]

I had a low lying placenta at my 20 weeks and I was one of the rare ones where it didn't move.

Did they tell you how many cms away from the internal os the placenta is? It really depends on your ob but generally I think if it is more than 3cm you will be good to have a vaginal birth. Mine was 1.5cm at the 20 week scan and just under 3cm at 32 weeks and so I had a c/s.

Like everyone else has said, don't worry too much. You don't need to take any major precautions, just head straight to hossie if you start bleeding. Your ob will send you for another scan at around 32-34 weeks to check the position of the placenta again. If it still low and they are leaning towards a c/s, ask for another scan at 37 weeks, because it can still move slightly even then, just another half a cm could make a difference, you never know.

[belle75]

Thanks Laranna. They didn't say how close it was and I was too upset to ask Do I need to worry about DTD etc? (not that that's really happening now!)

[AliBaby]

You can do everything that you normally would do even if you didnt have a low lying placenta. YOu just need to call them if you have any bleeding. A low lying placenta isnt as bad as placnta praevia (which is what you might be worried about).

You still have a great chance of it moving out of they way. At your next appointemnt just ask them how far away was the placenta from the cervix and tell them that you are really concerned about it as they may be able to ease your concerns.

I am sure all will be okay for you Belle and I really hope that you can enjoy the rest of your pregnancy. Just think how wonderful and healthy your little baby is in there.

[Mummy2Lilly]

hi there,
I had the same as you. But they found mine being low at the 30 week scan, I was so worried but then they told me to go back in 6 weeks and i did and it was up so i could have a normal birth. Dont panic to much as bubs is fine. it will come back up if you dont do to much and just rest. Im just saying just rest as my midwive told me that i should rest. and i did that. it came back up within 6 weeks..

Wish you all the best for you and bubs

[belle75]

Thanks Mummy2Lilly. Hope you are right. Not getting much rest.