placenta too close to the cervix

jtosh623

Hi ladies,

I had my Level 2 ultrasound anatomy scan yesterday. Everything with the baby looked great. The only issue my doctor found was that my placenta was a tiny bit too close to the cervix. She says it needs to move up at least 4mm. Until then, she said no intercourse and to take it easy. They will check the placenta again at another ultrasound in 3 weeks. I should have asked more questions when it was happening and I didn't. Does anyone know what it means to have your placenta too close to your cervix? What could happen if it doesn't move up??

MrsB*7*21

When the placenta covers the cervix it's called placenta previa. You can google it, but you'll find lots of scary things about it.  In many cases it resolves itself.  I believe doctors are most worried about bleeding...if the cervix would open it would tear the placenta, which would not be good for mom or baby - which is why you're not supposed to have sex.

iris427

90% of placenta previas and low-lying cervix cases in the 2nd trimester will resolve themselves by the time you are full-term.  So I wouldn't worry too much, although I know it's hard not to.  I had a complete placenta previa earlier in this pregnancy--the placenta was completely covering my cervix.  It moved away and is not an issue anymore.

If yours doesn't move away, you will need to have a scheduled c/s and your doctor may want you to continue being on pelvic rest for the rest of your pregnancy.  But hopefully you will be in the 90% where it's not a problem.  GL! 

smseltz80

dont worry at all. I had marginal previa at my 20 week sono when I was pregnant with my son. It resolved itself a few weeks later and had a normal vaginal delivery. 

MidwestTexan

Placenta previa often corrects itself. If not, you will likely have a scheduled c-section since the risks of going into natural labor are high. (I had a family friend who just had this situation with her first baby and he turned out very healthy!)

klibby707

I found out the same.  I went back and talked to a nurse some more about it.  She said that 99% of the time, it will move to where it should and that it's common!!!  I figure...those are pretty good odds!  Nothing you can do, so just don't worry about it because the stress won't be good for the baby.  Good luck with everything!!!

Scout05

I had previa discovered quite early in this pregnancy. I've been on full pelvic rest since week 8, lifting restrictions (no more than 20 lbs) and on orders to stay off my feet as much as possible.

Generally speaking, they resolve on their own; mine was gone by our anatomy scan at almost 21 weeks. But if the previa is still there, it puts you at a higher risk for early labor, and a c-section becomes the safest option for delivery. It's good that the doctors found it, and will be monitoring the condtion.

In the meantime, just follow their instructions regarding pelvic rest, and stay off your feet as much as possible. Chances are very good that everything will be fine, you just want to take their precautions seriously.

Good luck.

Steph1673

There was just a thread about this two days ago with a bunch of us in the same boat if you want to reference it, too : https://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/46706180.aspx

I'm just hoping that I'm in the large percentage that correct itself :-) 

jtosh623

Thanks!! Very helpful!

kg_08

If it doesn't move, you're next in line for a c-section because if the placenta ruptures while you're trying to push a baby out.. there goes the baby's blood supply.

BUT I wouldn't freak out about it if I were you. Mine was low at 18 weeks, and was completely moved by 24 weeks. I think it's only like 2% that don't move.