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

I've just had my 20wk scan today. Everything else was normal (yay!:dance: ). 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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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. :)

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 ;)

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

Thanks girls. It is so reassuring to hear your comments :grouphug: 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.

Belle, there's no reason to do anything any differently. A low lying placenta won't cause pain. Obviously, if you have pain that distresses you, you should see your health care provider, and if you start to bleed, you should do the same.

I'm having a scan on Friday to check whether my placenta is moved and I'm quite sure that it will have.

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!

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

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.

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

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.

Thanks AliBaby. It was quite special to see bub :) Bub turned toward us as if he/she knew that we were watching. Can't get the image out of my mind! :lol:

That's great!! Such a special moment. Just try and keep those images in your head and try and look forward to your next scan where you get to see how much your little one has grown and developed those unique facial features. Such special times.

My friend just had an u/s today and found out that she had the same thign she is worried about it being the cause of her having to have a c/s....I have attended several births now where at the earlier u/s they had a low lying placenta but by the time they went into labour the placenta had moved and they had a vb