Abnormalities of the Placenta

shakespeareaddictrn

Hi all. After having what I thought was a perfect anatomy scan, my OB called to tell me I need to go to a maternal fetal medicine specialist for a more in-depth exam. Everything with the baby looks perfect, but the insertion point of the umbilical chord to my placenta (which is unusual in that mine has two lobes) is abnormal. It could be a marginal insertion which isn’t necessarily scary, or it could be velamentous insertion which could be ok or could be devastating. Has anyone else ever had a placental abnormality? My appointment is Aug 6th, so I have to wait a little bit for answers, and I’m trying not to let the anxiety take over.

cornichonmam

@shakespeareaddict I'm sorry you've got to wait so long to find out. Hopefully the fact that baby is doing well means it's more likely the marginal rather than venementous. X

MrsCaliRN

No experience but hoping for the best. Also, how could they call with info like that but make you wait SO LONG?  
Slight positive I’m seeing is your anatomy scan went well which means baby is growing normally and you’re marching ever closer to viability.
Hoping this waiting game goes by quickly for you and you get great news after your appointment! 

shakespeareaddictrn

Thanks for the positive thoughts and well-wishes. I am definitely struggling with the wait, but the first appointment offered was two weeks later than this one, so I’m trying to feel grateful. 

legally_mom

So sorry you’re dealing with that - post-anatomy scan follow-up is the worst. With my last pregnancy I had a two vessel cord and a slightly off-center/marginal insertion. All of my scans are with MFM since my first pregnancy was diagnosed with clubfoot in utero, so I didn’t have to play the waiting game like you are now. All it wound up meaning was I had extra scans to monitor growth throughout the pregnancy. I ultimately had a totally healthy 9 lb baby boy at 39+5. 

Just a note - I’ve had something hairy pop up on each of my anatomy scans to date (including this one with my 4th, which required follow up with a fetal cardiologist where everything was deemed to be totally fine). The doctor always has to say “it could be nothing, or it could be a sign of something very serious,” and after followup/monitoring/endless anxiety it’s always turned out to be just variations of normal. It drives my husband nuts lol. We live in an age of TMMI (too much medical info), which can be a blessing and a curse. 

Two words of advice: don’t google! I’m sure everything will be fine. Good luck. 

shakespeareaddictrn

@legally_mom thank you so much for sharing your experience and advice. This is the longest ive ever been able to carry a pregnancy, so I am programmed to worry. Thankfully, we hit 22 weeks today, and she seems to have found her feet and hands, because I am feeling her pretty consistently which is a reassuring delight. 

mitchip

@shakespeareaddict I have no advice but I'm sorry you're going through this. Giving you ALL the positive thoughts!!! 

sarinakida11

I’m so sorry to read you are going through this! Like others have said, I know a lot of folks who have had “potential abnormalities” pop up on their scans and it turns out to be nothing. Crossing everything crossable for you! 

I’ve had a lower positioned placenta over my last 2 scans, which has moved up slightly, and they’ve said similarly vaguely terrifying things like “it should move up on it’s own, but just in case abstain from sex or stimulation of any kind until it does or else there’s the risk of it detaching which could cause immediate death for your baby”. Coooooool great great great. Going on month 2 of that fun journey.

So, as others have said, TMMI is real and I think they do that even more so now to cover their bases so you know everything. When I was trying to get pregnant, my endocrinologist went over every possible scenario of badness as a diabetic mom with a thyroid condition. I guess because they’ve seen or known of all types of scenarios they feel compelled to share these possibilities. The good news is your scans seem good so that’s the info I would go off of more than anything, but I really really hope everything works out well for you! Please keep us posted!

shakespeareaddictrn

Just got off a 12hr shift at the hospital and heading out shortly for the long awaited visit with the perinatalogist. Please send good vibes. Exited to see my girl but nervous about what else we might discover 

mitchip

Sending all the good vibes your way!!! 

etnyah

Thinking of you and sending all the good vibes! Hoping for a positive update! 

cornichonmam

@shakespeareaddict Thinking of you. Sending good vibes. X

shakespeareaddictrn

News was as good as it could possibly be. Cord is marginal but not velamentous and isn’t crossing the cervix. Still a slight increase to overall risk, but very moderate. Loved the doctor we saw, and Betty was being stubborn and wouldn’t let us at her heart clearly so we will do her echocardiogram next visit, but there is nothing concerning from what he saw. She weighs about 1.5lbs right now 80%, measuring ahead by a few days. Feeling a lot of gratitude and relief, and now…for some sleep!

nken20

I'm sorry you're experiencing this situation. Post-anatomy like that can really brings anxiety and uncertainty. Hoping for the best for you and your baby, dear.

etnyah

@shakespeareaddict that’s great news!! Yay!! Sounds like she’s growing really well too which is a great sign. What a relief! 

cornichonmam

@shakespeareaddict That's great news. Hopefully the rest of your pregnancy will go smoothly. X

mitchip

Great news!!