Velamentous cord insertion and possible C-Section

CopperPoppy

Ok, so at our A/S the tech told us about this weird thing that is going on with the way the umbilical cord is attached to the placenta. It's called velamentous insertion. This is what they are attributing my bleeding in 1st tri to.  Image for illustration purposes:

Everything else in the scan was super-dee-duper and our baby boy looks great! I guess it's taken some time for that information to penetrate my brain and I've had a chance now to digest the meaning. I guess what it means is that the baby could eventually not get the proper nutrients and lead to low birth weight and things like that. I'm not really worried about that right now because he was measuring right on schedule and perfectly active. They will re-scan in about a month or so. What they are concerned about would be if the vessels that attach cord to the placenta are located too closely to the cervix. More pictures:

I guess if it's too close the baby will not be able to withstand vaginal labor and will have to be a C/S. I know it is like NBD to have a C/S and I certainly don't think I will be less of a mom because of it. But I gotta admit I'm completely scared shitless. My doctor is also going to start me on blood pressure meds because it's borderline high. I'm just feeling kinda down about having a few medical issues to be concerned about. It makes me feel like I have to be extra careful about everything and I've been trying to behave completely normally unless something is physically uncomfortable.

On the bright side, the doctor hasn't said that I WILL have a C/S, I'm just suspecting that because they have basically told me it's very likely and they just need to confirm it when I'm further along. I'm grateful for everything else looking good. Anyone else ever had this cord issue? Can anyone tell me to just stop freaking out about the possibility of C/S? Sorry this was so long.
ETA: pics not working.

CopperPoppy

Thanks @Kimbus22, I know There are worse things to be worried about. I think that's why it's taken me a week and a half to even let this sink in. I know everything will work out the way it is supposed to and it's all completely out of my hands.

CopperPoppy

Kimbus22 said:

If it makes you feel any better, they had to give me Xanax in labor when I realized I WASN'T going to get a c-section and they actually expected me to push the baby out  

hahha, it's all about expectations! I guess the good news is that as long as the baby is growing there's a way to get him out.

Snikle512

Ahhhh! I'm sorry that you are going through this! I hope everything stays good and you have a great sized squishy!!!

jenb_99

No experience with the cord issue, but seriously, a c-section really is NBD. I was dead set against one -- vehemently and hatefully so, in fact -- but I ended up needing one anyway and was very grateful. Surgery while you're awake is weird and scary, and I can't lie about that, but it's over quickly and painlessly and then you have a gorgeous baby and you forget all about it. Recovery was a breeze. I'm actually looking forward to the repeat.

Keep a good attitude about it and remember that having a CS doesn't make you any less of a woman or a mother, and you'll do great no matter what.

CopperPoppy

jenb_99 said:

No experience with the cord issue, but seriously, a c-section really is NBD. I was dead set against one -- vehemently and hatefully so, in fact -- but I ended up needing one anyway and was very grateful. Surgery while you're awake is weird and scary, and I can't lie about that, but it's over quickly and painlessly and then you have a gorgeous baby and you forget all about it. Recovery was a breeze. I'm actually looking forward to the repeat.

Keep a good attitude about it and remember that having a CS doesn't make you any less of a woman or a mother, and you'll do great no matter what. :)

but but but, one time, this BSC flower lady told me so!

but forreals, thanks. the first part of what you said is what I need to hear. I think the idea of having a surgical procedure scares me. DH better be real nice to me.

jenb_99

@CopperPoppy Ha...well...there are a lot of women who think their entire female existence doesn't count without a vaginal birth to show for it. 8-| Sorry, but my vagina isn't interested in winning any medals. lol And people are nice to you after a c-section! You have a 2-week restriction, so they HAVE to be.

But you're right...surgery is scary. No way around that. It's also kinda cool, though. The whole process was really pretty fascinating to me.

Shell+Bell

Sorry can't relate to the cord issue, but like the others I can relate to csections, had 2 of them , and going for third. There's people on both ends of the spectrum, great experience and terrible/horrifying experience. I'd say with my first I was on the good side, and my second was a little sketchier, but I came out of both with a happy baby. And I recovered faster then some moms I talked to who had a baby at the same time "normally." I'm not going to lie, I wish I had a chance of a vaginal birth. I feel I'm missing out on the womanly experience of pushing out a baby, but I'm not BSC, and if its safer for me and baby, then a csection will be done.

I hope that everything clears up for you and your baby boy so that you can have a vaginal birth, but if it doesn't work out that way, the csection isn't so bad. Yes, scary surgical procedure, but the outcome is the same. good luck!!!

MWAJ

My second son had velamentous cord insertion. I had a vbac with him, but the VCI wasn't discovered until after he was born. My labor was mostly uneventful. I almost had an emergency c-section, and they kept a close eye on his heart rate. During labor, they thought he was squeezing the cord because of the way his heart rate would drop during a contraction/pushing, and they had me push every other contraction to give him time to recover between pushes. It wasn't until after I delivered the placenta that they realized he had VCI. 

He was perfect and healthy. He was 1.5 lbs lighter than his older brother at birth (both 38 weekers), but he was still a decent size (6lbs 7oz).  

Google is kind of scary, so I wouldn't google too much. From what I have read VCI doesn't automatically mean a c-section, but there is a greater risk for something to go wrong the lower the cord is to the cervix. C-sections aren't all that bad. I had one with my first, and I think I would have chosen to have another if I knew about the VCI before hand. I'm still trying to decide between a rcs and vbac for my third. 

CopperPoppy

@MWAJ said:

My second son had velamentous cord insertion. I had a vbac with him, but the VCI wasn't discovered until after he was born. My labor was mostly uneventful. I almost had an emergency c-section, and they kept a close eye on his heart rate. During labor, they thought he was squeezing the cord because of the way his heart rate would drop during a contraction/pushing, and they had me push every other contraction to give him time to recover between pushes. It wasn't until after I delivered the placenta that they realized he had VCI. 

He was perfect and healthy. He was 1.5 lbs lighter than his older brother at birth (both 38 weekers), but he was still a decent size (6lbs 7oz).  

Google is kind of scary, so I wouldn't google too much. From what I have read VCI doesn't automatically mean a c-section, but there is a greater risk for something to go wrong the lower the cord is to the cervix. C-sections aren't all that bad. I had one with my first, and I think I would have chosen to have another if I knew about the VCI before hand. I'm still trying to decide between a rcs and vbac for my third. 

Thanks! Yea, I luckily was able to contain myself to Google very little about it. But it is scarier sounding than I think it has to be. I'm glad you had a positive experience despite VCI. Sounds like your team really knew what was up.

and @shell+bell, I know you're not BSC! On some level that's why this is hard, I just assumed I would be able to have the vag birth experience and everything that goes with that. But if not, so be it.

CamrynnsMommy

I have no experience with either, but I just wanted to say any sort of diagnosis minor or major is tough to handle. I'm thinking of you and hoping all goes off without a hitch.

hnhcampbell

@CopperPoppy have you ever had surgery before? I've had 2, and while they are scary, it's also quite manageable. My preference is also to have a vaginal birth but I recently found out that that might not be an option. When we did my a/s, the tech found that I had a low lying placenta. I'm a FTM so everything freaks me out. I immediate thought about how this would impact baby. When the doc said that the worst case is a CS, I was honestly so relieved. I know that it's not ideal, but if you do have to have the surgery, you and baby can "heal" together (from the cord cutting, possible circumcision,etc.). On another note, I've talked to many people that have experienced both kinds of birth and almost always, a CS is preferred. Keep your head up! At least we know baby is safe and we just might be a little uncomfortable afterward. We'll get through it. The reward at the end is unimaginable!

spinsoffresonance

I have no experience with the cord issue, but I did have a scheduled csection. Like others have said it was no big deal. Yes it's major abdominal surgery and that's scary. But it all went very smoothly, I felt weird from the drugs but didn't feel any pain and it was all done in 30min. I got to do skin to skin with DD right in the OR and I breastfed as soon as we got to recovery, 30min after she was born. In a way I think it's less stressful to know exactly when it's going to happen rather than having to wait for labor, then not knowing how long it's going to last and how hard it is going to be (I've never been in labor though, so I don't know what I'm talking about!). Then you get to stay 5 days in the hospital and have nurses help you care for your LO. Seriously, I don't know how they send women home after only 2 days with a new baby, I would have been a basket case, I was incredibly happy we got to stay 5 days. I was off pain meds 2 days after I got home. Yes you have to take it easy and are moving slowly, but I was still out and about, going up and down stairs and going out for 2 walks every day.

mmanosh

I have no expereince with this but as PP said, C/S is not what it used to be! So many of my friends have had them and recovered easy peasy. I know it must be stressful. The best thing to do now is focus on the fact that you have a healthy baby! And you have time to slowly prepare yourself  (mentally) about the possibility of C/S. 

katesy21

Also no experience with the cord issue but they found a low lying placenta at our AS that we will recheck at 28 weeks to see if it has moved. I've had 2 easy vaginal deliveries so the thought of a possible csection scares the crap out of me! I'm just trying not to stress about it until I know for sure if I need to, and praying that my placenta will shift as my uterus continues to grow. Keep us updated on what they find at your next scan!

mmks

hnhcampbell said:

@CopperPoppy have you ever had surgery before? I've had 2, and while they are scary, it's also quite manageable. My preference is also to have a vaginal birth but I recently found out that that might not be an option. When we did my a/s, the tech found that I had a low lying placenta. I'm a FTM so everything freaks me out. I immediate thought about how this would impact baby. When the doc said that the worst case is a CS, I was honestly so relieved. I know that it's not ideal, but if you do have to have the surgery, you and baby can "heal" together (from the cord cutting, possible circumcision,etc.). On another note, I've talked to many people that have experienced both kinds of birth and almost always, a CS is preferred. Keep your head up! At least we know baby is safe and we just might be a little uncomfortable afterward. We'll get through it. The reward at the end is unimaginable!

WHAT??  There are people who would prefer major abdominal surgery???  I'm going to be the Debbie Downer here and say that my c/s was NOT a NBD sort of thing.  It was a VBD to me!  Though, I suppose it wouldn't have been as much if it was planned.  But I had a pretty rough recovery (and still not as bad as some people).  Took me months before I felt healed enough to return to 'normal' activities.  Plus you're not allowed to drive for weeks or lift anything more than your baby.  Not something I would choose or wish on anyone. 
I hope you get the best birth possible with a healthy baby! 

bcnoelle

My c-section was an emergency after failure to decend and although it wasn't what I anticipated, my recovery wasn't bad. Keep on top of your pain meds, take short frequent walks as soon as you can, and get some help at home. I am happily signing up for a repeat c-section and would be freaked if I needed a vaginal birth. I was back at work within 3 weeks and my main issue was sleep deprivation.

princesscays

I have marginal cord insertion. My dr hasn't told me about it yet but my friend who did my ultrasound did. I'm looking forward to my appt on Tuesday so I can talk to him
More about it later. Pretty much my friend said that we get more ultrasounds to make sure baby is growing... If not they induce at that point. Possibly a c section. I wouldn't worry about the c section.

busterbeagle

I'm sorry you are dealing with this. I hope your next scan shows that everything is looking good for a normal full-term delivery. I just found out that my placenta is still low lying and that a c-section is a possibility, and it has me freaked out as well. I'm trying to comfort myself by remembering that I have plenty of time to mentally prepare for that possibility and it might not even be necessary.

Soupy84

On Dec 24th when they did my a/s they were concerned as it appeared I had a partially inserted cord. They didn't tell me then, but when I went to my follow up u/s 2 weeks later they mentioned it. In the time that had passed, the issue had resolved and was no longer a concern. When you talk to your doctor, ask for another u/s to see if it has changed. A second opinion doesn't hurt and it can help you prepare when you have a definite answer.

princesscays

That's encouraging!

CopperPoppy

princesscays said:

I have marginal cord insertion. My dr hasn't told me about it yet but my friend who did my ultrasound did. I'm looking forward to my appt on Tuesday so I can talk to him More about it later. Pretty much my friend said that we get more ultrasounds to make sure baby is growing... If not they induce at that point. Possibly a c section. I wouldn't worry about the c section.

Thanks, yea. I am looking forward to the idea that I get more ultrasounds. That is a plus. =] At my A/S they said marginal then at my OB appt they said it was velamentous. After letting the initial panic wear off I do see a lot of benefits of possibly having a C section. I just hadn't imagined it before. The only surgery I've ever had was my wisdom teeth being removed and I was kinda a mess after that. haha. BUT the point is I survived. Unfortunately, my wisdom teeth did not.

I will have another scan on Feb 27 to see how baby is growing or if the vessels are too close to the cervix. I think at that point if I need to, they will schedule a CS. I'm just hoping for the best at this point! Thanks for letting me have my freak out! I needed to get that off my chest, it was starting to really bring me down. I feel way better about it all now.

princesscays

I was freaked out the first day my friend told me: in fact she wasn't supposed to tell me as my on was supposed to. He didn't say anything bc he popped his head in and had to run over to the hospital for an emergency so I spoke w the nurse pract. She said all looked great. Then later my friend text me later(which she shouldn't have) and asked me if my dr said anythjng about my placenta. I was like whaaaaattttt?????!!!!!! Then of course googled it which wasn't wise. My appt is on Tuesday so I plan on asking him directly then and will hopefully know more!

JoelleOK

I was surprised with the news that I may have to have a scheduled c-section which is totally not what I was planning. My ideal is natural birth center experience.
I definitely freaked out. And I think I have had some grief and grieving going on the last few weeks. I want you to know that being upset about this sort of news is totally normal. Isn't it nice to have some pregnant chicks to listen to our problems?

Shell+Bell

CopperPoppy said:

princesscays said:

I have marginal cord insertion. My dr hasn't told me about it yet but my friend who did my ultrasound did. I'm looking forward to my appt on Tuesday so I can talk to him More about it later. Pretty much my friend said that we get more ultrasounds to make sure baby is growing... If not they induce at that point. Possibly a c section. I wouldn't worry about the c section.

Thanks, yea. I am looking forward to the idea that I get more ultrasounds. That is a plus. =] At my A/S they said marginal then at my OB appt they said it was velamentous. After letting the initial panic wear off I do see a lot of benefits of possibly having a C section. I just hadn't imagined it before. The only surgery I've ever had was my wisdom teeth being removed and I was kinda a mess after that. haha. BUT the point is I survived. Unfortunately, my wisdom teeth did not.

I will have another scan on Feb 27 to see how baby is growing or if the vessels are too close to the cervix. I think at that point if I need to, they will schedule a CS. I'm just hoping for the best at this point! Thanks for letting me have my freak out! I needed to get that off my chest, it was starting to really bring me down. I feel way better about it all now.

Just had to add in here, I had my wisdom teeth and 2 other teeth pulled, and that was WAY WORSE then my Csection experience. Sounds odd, but I woke up when they were extracting the last 2 teeth, and I just started screaming, and I felt the pain immediately, it was awful. I mean, recovery time was no where similar, that scared the crap out of me, and would be more scared of another big dental procedure over another Csection. My second section wasn't great, but still way better then pulling teeth

CopperPoppy

Shell+Bell said:

CopperPoppy said:

princesscays said:

I have marginal cord insertion. My dr hasn't told me about it yet but my friend who did my ultrasound did. I'm looking forward to my appt on Tuesday so I can talk to him
More about it later. Pretty much my friend said that we get more ultrasounds to make sure baby is growing... If not they induce at that point. Possibly a c section. I wouldn't worry about the c section.

Thanks, yea. I am looking forward to the idea that I get more ultrasounds. That is a plus. =] At my A/S they said marginal then at my OB appt they said it was velamentous. After letting the initial panic wear off I do see a lot of benefits of possibly having a C section. I just hadn't imagined it before. The only surgery I've ever had was my wisdom teeth being removed and I was kinda a mess after that. haha. BUT the point is I survived. Unfortunately, my wisdom teeth did not.

I will have another scan on Feb 27 to see how baby is growing or if the vessels are too close to the cervix. I think at that point if I need to, they will schedule a CS. I'm just hoping for the best at this point! Thanks for letting me have my freak out! I needed to get that off my chest, it was starting to really bring me down. I feel way better about it all now.

Just had to add in here, I had my wisdom teeth and 2 other teeth pulled, and that was WAY WORSE then my Csection experience. Sounds odd, but I woke up when they were extracting the last 2 teeth, and I just started screaming, and I felt the pain immediately, it was awful. I mean, recovery time was no where similar, that scared the crap out of me, and would be more scared of another big dental procedure over another Csection. My second section wasn't great, but still way better then pulling teeth

Ok good because I was miserable after that. After the anesthesia wore off and kinda came to in my moms car I was just sobbing and shaking uncontrollably. All the pain and throbbing hit me. It was weird. It was awful. I'm still not expecting to like it but I'm hoping it's better than that.

becky7683

I have velamentous cord insertion as well!  My dr. hasn't said anything specific about the birth plan, but I have a couple more ultrasounds to monitor birth weight and placenta/vessel location.  Keep us posted on how you're doing - and let me know if you want to chat! 

sweetky_06

I don't have this cord issue, but another one - currently we have a 2-vessel cord instead of the standard 3-vessel cord, meaning there is only 1 artery instead of 2. I'm not facing a c-section because of this, but I do get lots of extra monitoring to make sure the baby is growing well.

Keep us posted!

mrstengallonhat1

I'm a FTM, so I have no experience with a C/S or a velamentous cord - but I also have a two-vessel cord (SUA) as some PPs have mentioned.  I think with a lot of the cord "issues", we tend to just get more monitoring for growth in the 3rd trimester.  I also have a friend who ended up with an emergency C/S (she had pre-e and other issues), and she had a great experience.  Her recovery was minimal, so she lucked out.  It's great that your little guy looked good at your A/S!

princesscays

I'm looking forward to talking to my dr today to get an idea of the plan.

princesscays

Today dr said its super common and nothing to be worried about. He will keep an eye on it and will prob do an ultrasound at 32 weeks. I can handle that!!!