Placental Calcification

Xath

Went in for my growth scan yesterday. Baby looks good (est 4.5 lbs) and we could see him practice breathing, but the MFM noticed that the placenta seems to be showing signs of early aging and calcification. He said he'd send the results to my OB to discuss at my Monday appointment, but in a fit of infinite wisdom, I decided to consult Dr. Google in an attempt to "educate" myself. Poor choice.

Anyone have experiences with this? I'm looking for good questions to ask my doctor on Monday.

Allibob

I was being monitored for this due to IUGR, but did not have it yet this time. It was found on pathology last time when I had preeclampsia/IUGR. I'm glad baby is growing well, so as long as you're being monitored closely I would hope he can continue to cook for a long while.

FWIW, my placental insufficiency problems that caused the IUGR likely led to my early abruption. Please have a low threshold to go in for cramping or pain. I had no bleeding, and the pain/cramping was very mild for the first few hours (think BH that just won't go away). I'll keep my fingers crossed you make it to term!

Xath

Allibob said:

I was being monitored for this due to IUGR, but did not have it yet this time. It was found on pathology last time when I had preeclampsia/IUGR. I'm glad baby is growing well, so as long as you're being monitored closely I would hope he can continue to cook for a long while.

FWIW, my placental insufficiency problems that caused the IUGR likely led to my early abruption. Please have a low threshold to go in for cramping or pain. I had no bleeding, and the pain/cramping was very mild for the first few hours (think BH that just won't go away). I'll keep my fingers crossed you make it to term!

Thank you. My OB's hopeful estimates of how far he thinks I'll make it keep going down due to my continuing episodes of PTL. As of Wednesday he was saying he'd be happy if we could make it to at least 34. I'm afraid that this will reduce his estimates even further. And after what happened with my daughter, 34 weeks is not a comforting number.

rainydayluck

I'm sorry you are dealing with this
If baby has to come that early, I'm sure the NICU and perinatalologists will be super prepared. Lots of good luck vibes.

Allibob

gertiebarden said:

Thank you. My OB's hopeful estimates of how far he thinks I'll make it keep going down due to my continuing episodes of PTL. As of Wednesday he was saying he'd be happy if we could make it to at least 34. I'm afraid that this will reduce his estimates even further. And after what happened with my daughter, 34 weeks is not a comforting number.

I'm so sorry. I can't imagine how stressful this must be for you. Have they talked about Celestone yet? I was lucky to have gotten it just 4 days prior.

Xath

Allibob said:

gertiebarden said:

Thank you. My OB's hopeful estimates of how far he thinks I'll make it keep going down due to my continuing episodes of PTL. As of Wednesday he was saying he'd be happy if we could make it to at least 34. I'm afraid that this will reduce his estimates even further. And after what happened with my daughter, 34 weeks is not a comforting number.

I'm so sorry. I can't imagine how stressful this must be for you. Have they talked about Celestone yet? I was lucky to have gotten it just 4 days prior.

I don't know what brand I got, but I did get my betamethesone shots last week. I'm also doing P17 shots weekly and I'm up to 120mg of nifedipine. I'll be going on bed rest this week (doc gave me a week to wrap up work), and we're doing fFN tests every 2 weeks. So taking every precaution we can, but it's still nerve wracking.

spacepotatoes

I have zero experience with this but it sounds like it could be worrisome. I'm sorry you're having to deal with that, I hope everything turns out ok.

SMM1986

Sorry you're going through this. I hope baby stays put for a while!

Turn4Cindy

Sorry you're dealing with this. I don't have personal experience, but my close friend had her baby last August and had a c section because her baby was in distress. When the OB opened her up she said "your placenta is old, no wonder!" I couldn't believe they hadnt monitored her. She had to be induced and they kept going in there to give her oxygen because baby was not doing well. Who knows what wasnt found and monitored prior. I'm glad they are keeping a close eye on you. I hope everything turns out well!