Low lying placenta, but what grade?

At my 20wk scan it was determined that I had a low lying placenta. I was told by my ob not to worry as it would likely "move up" over the duration of the pregnancy. Fast forward to today and the scan (35wk 4days) shows the placenta is 2.5cm from the cervix. :wall: :wall: :wall:

Ob had said she'd be happy for me to birth vaginally if placenta was 3.5cm from cervix given I birthed DS easily and within five hours. Am extremely disappointed by today's scan, to say the least, as I'm very, very pro-natural birth (i'm a dedicated hypnobirther, truth be known!) and I know my body is more than capable of birthing vaginally. I'm consoling myself that (obviously) health of bub and I come first. If I have to have a c-section, I'll be requesting another scan the day prior just to see if the placenta hasn't moved further out of the way.

Anyway, for those who have been through this ... any idea what "grade" my low lying placenta would be considered. I understood if it was grade 1 (I don't think it is) or grade 2 (possible) that I might be given the opportunity to birth normally - but if it's grade 3 or 4 - full blown placenta praevia - then there's no chance of birthing naturally. Unfortunately I can't determine what grade a LLP 2.5cm from cervix is.

Am seeing Ob on Friday, so I guess all will be revealed re: natural birth vs c-section. If it's the latter, then I'll wrap my head around it and move onward and forward. At least I'll have a couple of weeks to reconcile with the fact ... and given I'm a practical type of chick, I'm sure I'll be just fine when push comes to shove (hmmm, bad pun in this instance maybe).

Andie, I had the same as you except mine was 2cm from the cervix but nobody gave me a grading either. From what I read, I think it was about a 2, but no doctor actually said.

My ob at the time preferred it to be 5cm away, but I know some obs are happy to let you birth vaginally with it 3cm away. My understanding is that as you dilate, the risk of cord prolapse or haemorraghing is there because the placenta is still in the way.

I was booked in for a c/s at 38.5 weeks and a scan at 37 weeks just to make sure, however I went into spontaneous labour at 36+6 so missed out on the scan and ended up with emergency c/s.

Sorry I don't think my post answered your question much but just wanted to say good luck on Friday and fingers crossed your placenta moves out of the way a bit more so you can have the birth you want! xox

Hi Eluned - thanks for your reply. I think it all depends on the Ob, doesn't it re: at what point they'll let you birth naturally. I took ages to get to sleep last night thinking about all the "what if's" ... but the bottom line is that I am responsible for my baby's health and wellbeing - not to mention mine.
As mentioned, DS's birth was so straightforward and reasonably quick - I just took it for granted I'd have another spontaneous labour that (while possibly different) was equally as satisfying. Not to say a c-section can't be satisfying of course ... it's just that I'd prefer not to if there's any way around it.
Anyway, I'll keep my fingers and toes crossed and maybe even pray for a little divine intervention!! MOVE placenta, MOVE! ;)

hello, i know this post was written ages ago, but i had a scan today at 28wks 4 days and they measured my placenta at 2.6cm and said they were happy with anything past 2.5cm. This made me feel OK but now after reading this post I am all worried again. I would prefer not to have a c-section and it is my first baby, no other problems at all so far.
I can only hope that it moves further away when i have another scan at 34 weeks. They sonographer did say that as the baby's head grows it can push the placenta furter away from the cervix. If anyone else has had any experience with this i would love to hear from you!

My OB said they preferred 3 - 3.5cm but 2.5 was okay (which is where mine was at 19wk u/s). Will get another scan at 30 weeks though.

It's probably timely that I update the thread.

My Ob was/is more than happy to let me have a natural birth based on the information that placenta was 2.5cm from cervix. This decision was based on the fact the baby's head was already engaged, and I had a quick, uncomplicated birth with DS.

However, I had another scan today which indicates that the placenta is definitely more than 4cm from cervix :dance:. Not sure if this is the reason for the substantial move (no one seemed to think it would move much beyond 3cm since last scan), but I've had weekly acupuncture sessions with some moxabustion (won't go into detail but the moxa complements acupuncture).

Anyway, I've got another Ob appt on Friday, and I'm sure she'll welcome the placental move. But, all-in-all, even though I was on track to deliver naturally, this just confirms the fact.

Missem - I can only advise that you don't worry yourself too much at this point (though I know from experience it does play on your mind a bit). There really is plenty of time for the placenta to move and I've discovered every Ob is different in their approach. Maybe talk it over with your Ob at next appt and see where he/she sits on the subject.

Cheers, Andie

hi ladies,

i was diagnosed with a grade 4 placenta previa at 18 week scan - my placenta completely covered the cervix and we had been having regular bleeds since 15 weeks into the pregnancy. I am now 30 weeks and 4 weeks ago my placenta moved 2.6cm which my OB is completely happy with. I was and still am having a c-sec after my placenta tore away with DD, but I do believe that 2.6cm shows that the placenta is clear of the cervix.

I think the OB will just keep monitoring anyone with low lying placentas to make sure and I know they will often scan right up to the last minute if they can.

Hope that anyone with a low lying is doing well ... my post doesnt answer much but i just wanted to share my thoughts as I have been the highest and scariest grade with being told we would have early delivery to it moving and things calming down - just shows pregnancy is never easy is it !!!!

Good Luck Girls !