20 week scan, low-lying placenta/placenta previa

mommaShortcake

I had my 20 week scan today. I felt great leaving the OB office this morning with everything looking perfect.  I then got a call from home from my OB at 7:30 pm. saying that I have a low-lying placenta that is partially covering my cervix. She said she wanted to call me herself to tell me. This alarmed me greatly. She is going to schedule me for another scan in 2 weeks and hopes it will resolve itself. Does anyone have any insight in this…I feel blindsided and terrified. 

egraves4

I wouldn't be too worried.  A lot of times, especially when it is not fully covering the placenta, the problem works itself out.  Doctors also know how to deal with this where you will have literally no issues when giving birth.  At the very worst, you may have to get a c-section.  I have a low-lying placenta that isn't covering my cervix and I will get a repeat ultrasound at 28 weeks to make sure there isn't an issue for my delivery!  I wouldn't be too worried, a LOT of people have this same issue. 

alexandrakhall

I have the same issue. It's nothing to be concerned about for the time being. 90% of cases resolve themselves toward the end of pregnancy.

There isn't likely to be a major difference after just 2 weeks, most of the time they'll ask to repeat an ultrasound around 28 weeks and then as needed to monitor the progress. Worst case? It doesn't move out of the way and you may need a cesarean. But it's not likely, and there's really nothing you can do about it anyway. Try not to worry!

AnnaP331

I also found out that I have marginal placenta previa. The biggest bummer is being on pelvic rest and limited exercise.  I'm most worried about missing out on my baby moon and holiday travel plans because I'm restricted from flying. Hoping it resolves itself by the next scan!

I'm still a bit worried because even if it resolvves itself there is still an increased risk of bleeding after delivery. Not fun. 

Latina211508

I had an anatomy scan at 19weeks. I had a dr (not mine specifically) call me 3 days later and tell me she thinks I have my cervix covering my placenta. I was put on pelvic rest (no sex, heavy lifting) and she said I will be scheduled an ultrasound in 4-6 weeks for high risk. I'm 22weeks 3days and my regular ob visit will be on Tuesday. So I'll ask my dr about it then and maybe be scheduled my next US or get the apt. I heard from many women that most of the time it moves and if it doesn't you just end up with a c-section.

Shatzegirl

With my first pregnancy, my placenta was covering almost all of my cervix. Thankfully, it moved at the very end and I didn't have any bleeding. I'm wishing you the best! There's still a lot of time for things to change.

PS: I totally understand how you feel. I was so worried and scared. Hang in there and try to remain hopeful.

Karen249

I had placenta previa with my first. But as I grew throughout the pregnancy, luckily the placenta moved away from the cervix. I am no expert but the fact that you are only half way through and it's only partially covering I think there is a good chance it will move naturally as you grow too. I know it's scary to hear something like that ( been there) but it doesn't affect the baby at all. I do remember my dr wanted me to take it a little more easy than normal. No heavy lifting and unfortunately (the worst part) no sex just in case of bleeding (until it moved). So until you see her in two weeks just take it easy and ask her about any restrictions. I am sure all will be fine though. All the best!

hsteph0426

I, too, have placenta previa this pregnancy.. It's pretty common, and it's also very common for the placenta to move before birth. The chances of it moving (especially with a partial) are much greater than the chances of it staying there. Basically, just try not to borrow worry from tomorrow.. I know it's easier said than done.. But it won't help baby if we worry and stress.. So try to enjoy your pregnancy and wait to look into all that could go wrong until they actually tell you for sure that it isn't moving and won't move before birth. Best wishes to you!!!

Aussiechicka

I currently have complete placenta previa and was told not to worry yet, that they normally move up as the pregnancy progresses. I've had no spotting or bleeding and it's interesting to see some people are on full pelvic rest and my dr hasn't suggested that to me yet.

Don't Google it, just wait til your next Drs visit and let the expert talk you through what will happen next.

Shatzegirl

Aussiechicka said:

I currently have complete placenta previa and was told not to worry yet, that they normally move up as the pregnancy progresses. I've had no spotting or bleeding and it's interesting to see some people are on full pelvic rest and my dr hasn't suggested that to me yet.

Don't Google it, just wait til your next Drs visit and let the expert talk you through what will happen next.

I agree about not Googling it. I did that and it made me worry even more. People are more likely to post their horror stories than good outcomes.

tsigecg

I dont know exactly about ur situation but i wouldnt really worry to much. Doctors always find a way to tell u bad news. U just have to pray about it and try not to stress. Sith my first pregnancy the doc told me i could have cervical cancer which scared the hell out of me and the result was so negative, now im on my fourth pregnancy and the doc told me that the baby has a two vessel cord instead of three which can result in heart problems, kidney problems or low birth weight. Again im sure me and my baby will be fine but ur first reaction is to worry, dont do that. Everything will work out.

E3A7AGGIE

I don't think the scan in 2 weeks is going to tell you much. I have a low placenta (at 20 weeks) that is 1 cm from my cervix. Dr said if it didn't move up by 32 weeks, then we would probably be looking into a c-section. However, I have heard from many, many women that it moved up as the belly/uterus grew with pregnancy. 

kateryna72

I had this with my first pregnancy and was put on complete pelvic rest for part of my pregnancy. My biggest piece of advice is that you should push your doctor for a transvaginal ultrasound if the doctor thinks that the previa has resolved itself. My doctor told me that mine had resolved, but only confirmed it by regular ultrasound. Two days before my due date he did an internal check and I started bleeding profusely. I had to be transferred by ambulance for an emergency c section immediately. This time the high risk doc told me that they only use transvaginal ultrasounds to confirm previa results, because it can be hard to see on the regular one.

Shatzegirl

kateryna72 said:

I had this with my first pregnancy and was put on complete pelvic rest for part of my pregnancy. My biggest piece of advice is that you should push your doctor for a transvaginal ultrasound if the doctor thinks that the previa has resolved itself. My doctor told me that mine had resolved, but only confirmed it by regular ultrasound. Two days before my due date he did an internal check and I started bleeding profusely. I had to be transferred by ambulance for an emergency c section immediately. This time the high risk doc told me that they only use transvaginal ultrasounds to confirm previa results, because it can be hard to see on the regular one.

I second the transvaginal ultrasound. That's how they confirmed mine had moved, too.