Placenta previa discussion

ahoneycutt12

I looked and didn't see a discussion on the topic already.  They didn't actually use that term at my 2nd trimester ultrasound but she said it is low lying and now I'm just paranoid!  It was 1.7 cm above my cervix and she said they like to see 2 cm at least.  This is my second and I did have a c-section with my first so I figure that is probably the contributing factor.  I also have to go back because she couldn't get all of the measurements due to scar tissue blocking her view.  I haven't had any spotting or anything, but I am just curious on some other ladies experience with it.  I am still breastfeeding DD1 (we found out we are having another girl) who will be 2 Friday but now I'm paranoid about still breastfeeding too.  I've been so non paranoid thus far versus me being a nervous wreck with my first, but now I'm starting to revert to worry wart hot mess and Google is not my friend!  Also, the tech asked if everything was good with our daughter which really freaked me out the way she asked it... like something could be wrong.  But again I am so far in my own head that I feel like I need to be talked off the ledge

gymmonkey95

I just found out today that I also have a low lying placenta. They are having me do at least 1 additional scan at 24 weeks and then depending on how it looks I will do another at 28 weeks. I was put on pelvic rest but that's it so far. I don't think Google is anyone's friend in these situations! I was reading however that the placenta can still move up. My only "risk" is that I've had one kid before. 

psm2462

I too was just diagnosed with low lying placenta, and was also diagnosed with it in my first pregnancy. Last time I had a recheck at 28 weeks and it had moved. I have a recheck scheduled for the same time this pregnancy. I have been told that in the overwhelming majority of cases of low lying placenta -- over 95% -- the placenta will move and not be an issue. My understanding is that unless the placenta is attached at the cervix there is usually not a need for pelvic rest or concern at this point.

If you're feeling overwhelming paranoia or anxiety, I would put in a call to your provider to discuss your concerns and next steps. I agree that Google isn't your friend right now! 

sabriel1

Everything @psm2462 said. I had a low lying placenta with my fourth baby, it was not covering the cervix at all, just low. My midwife explained that in the vast majority of cases like that the placenta doesn't end up so low later in the pregnancy. She said to imagine your uterus as a balloon. Blow up the balloon a little bit and put a sticker on the outside close to the opening. Then blow up the balloon to it's full capacity. You will see as the balloon stretches the sticker (placenta) gets further from the opening (cervix). This comparison helped put my mind at ease.

gymmonkey95

I think part of my worry is just the way she sounded about it. She was almost conflicted because the report said one thing and she was hesitant as to whether she wanted to keep that or put low lying placenta. I'll be talking to my husband about it and I'm sure depending on how he reacts to it it may make it to where I don't worry as much.

hms1219

The way it was explained to me, is that they see more low placentas now that anatomy scans are routinely done at around 18-20 weeks. When anatomy scans are done past 22 weeks they see less.  Imagine your uterus as a balloon and your placenta is adhered to the uterine wall.  As the balloon inflates, the placenta is pulled away from the cervix.  As long as it's not adhered to the cervix it should move.  

MrsJ2410

I was told at my 20 week AS that I had a complete previa and I will have another scan at 28 weeks to check. She said that only .5% stay complete by then and not to worry. I then read online that they usually don't even tell you about it then because of the high chance of it resolving. BUT I am still worried about it. 

momma6angels11

I also have a complete placenta previa with baby A and i have been praying it moves. Since im pregnant with twins they will be monitoring it more often as i will get ultrasounds every month. I have also been told most cases move as the uterus grows.

gymmonkey95

@hms1219 I'm waiting for a call from the doctor because my doula said to check how close it is since I'm 21 weeks. Hopefully I get the call today and am able to get the specifics. As selfish as it sounds I don't want it to stay and then end up on bed rest or having to have a c section. I don't know if mentally I could handle that.

psm2462

@gymmonkey95 it doesn't sound selfish at all, but you have plenty of time for it to move

ahoneycutt12

I think part of my problem at my ultra sound was my tech was a little socially awkward and small talk was really weird and seemed forced so she didn't really go in to any detail.  I had my appt with the Dr before and not after which I wish it would have been reversed!  I ended up asking my bump group from my daughter (Sept 15) and they definitely made me feel a lot better and like you ladies said just stay away from Google

Mekimchiie

I also was told I had a low lying placenta at 18 week US. My doc told me there was nothing I needed to take precaution for or avoid. I just have to have a repeat scan at 28 weeks. I'm hoping it moves too and don't want to be on bed rest or have a c-section too. Very common feelings. 

LydRussell

Ditto to all of the feedback that it is likely to move!! Mine is also low and I am being monitored for placenta accreta (which I have learnt that you definitely should never google). My consultant said it will almost certainly move up - the odds are overwhelmingly in your favour that all will be well. That is what I tell myself when I feel anxious. As for the question about your daughter... I don't think doctors are always aware of the impact their (often flippant) words may have. I have had myself worked up into an absolute state about throwaway comments only to learn that they are standard questions / things they need to say. 

Mekimchiie

LydRussell said:

Ditto to all of the feedback that it is likely to move!! Mine is also low and I am being monitored for placenta accreta (which I have learnt that you definitely should never google). My consultant said it will almost certainly move up - the odds are overwhelmingly in your favour that all will be well. That is what I tell myself when I feel anxious. As for the question about your daughter... I don't think doctors are always aware of the impact their (often flippant) words may have. I have had myself worked up into an absolute state about throwaway comments only to learn that they are standard questions / things they need to say. 

I'm a medical student who is almost done. Being pregnant and having all the knowledge I have is sooo scary. And if they ever say anything, I immediately know and I'm like hold up. You said what?!?!? 

LydRussell

@Mekimchiie They say knowledge is power... but I have to concur that sometimes it is better not to know! 

mpp06

I had partial placenta previa with baby #5 (previous pregnancy) and she assured me that it almost always corrects itself and it did! I know that anytime they say something isn’t right or could be wrong it is unnerving, but try to relax as best you can and know that many times this problem fixes itself! ❤️

mpp06

And don’t check google! Lol! I don’t ever look things up anymore bc I’ve scared myself so many times. 

gymmonkey95

Thanks for the personal experience @mpp06! I know for me personal experiences always help me understand/feel better about it. 

mpp06

Yes me too! No problem! It is so disheartening because we want everything to be exactly how it should be. My doctor is great though at explaining things to me, but making sure I know how serious it is and not freaking me out. I’m a major worrier (and pregnancy makes it that much worse for me!). I’m sure all will be well and will be praying for you! ❤️

atalante

Thanks for sharing on this ladies! I got the lid lying heads up too, but neither the MFM specialist nor my OB practice seemed concerned, so I stepped away from the google. It's hard not to find things to worry about though.

ahoneycutt12

@atalante For real!  I have been a lot less stressed with my second pregnancy than with my first, but as soon as low lying placenta came out of her mouth I turned in to my old paranoid hot mess

gymmonkey95

I hope everything is going well for you ladies! I have my scan today with MFM so I'm hoping to get good news. Ironically enough it is at the same place that my mom had her pregnancies with my brother and sister.

psm2462

At my follow up A/S last week they said my placenta had already moved enough to be cleared of the low lying designation. So even a few weeks can make a difference! Fingers crossed for everybody! 

rachelleck

My sister had full previa with her DD1, was on bed rest, and had a c section due to it not moving. Most instances it does move, especially if it's partial or low lying. Best wishes to all of you that it moves and you're complication free! 

gymmonkey95

I got good news and am in the clear as far as my placenta goes!! Super happy about that but I have to see a pediatric cardiologist at the next appointment... I go from one thing to the next it seems.