Expiring Placenta??

amyc78741 · June 2011

I'm 36 weeks and my at my growth ultrasound my doctor told me that I'm low on amniotic fluid and that my placenta looks like it is about to expire. Then she basically said it was safe to say that I'm not having my baby on my due date and that I will have to be induced. Ummmmm expiring placenta? I have never heard of that and now I'm all worried. She scheduled me to have another U/S next week to check the amniotic levels again. He is weighing 5 lbs. 10 oz. and is in the 35%. I know my blood pressure probably just went up and I'm going to be a basket case all week!

Janimal · June 2011

I personally am at high risk for exactly that, and later in my pregnancy I will have weekly ultrasounds to monitor my fluid and the placenta.

I know it's scary, but PHEW for you making it to 36 weeks already! It's great that you are so far along. I know none of us want to give birth early, but thankfully you are far enough along now that everything should be ok.

My best wishes to you for a smooth delivery and a healthy baby.

jgilesslp · June 2011

At 31 weeks with DS #1 was told my placenta looked "oldish" (that was the doctor's exact word!) I had to go for a follow-up ultrasound just as you and then had twice weekly ones towards the end because it was still aging faster than it should. DS #1 was going to be induced if he didn't come by a certain date and 4 days before that he came naturally and was a healthy 7 lbs. 13.5 oz and 22 inches long. He is still a big kid too! Good luck to you!

P0upette · June 2011

Just a few more days and you will be at 37 weeks which is no longer considered pre-term so do not worry if you have to be induced. and it sounds like maybe you'll even be able to go for a few more days. Do not worry, you are being well monitored and the only thing it means is just that baby will be getting here a bit earlier. GL

lololoco · June 2011

I have low amniotic fluid too, and my doctor told me most likely I will delivery by 36 weeks, so it's great you are that far along.

Don't be afraid to ask your doctor a TON of questions.

Here are some I'd recommend asking if you haven't already-

1. What is your AFI? (what was it when they noticed it was low and what is it currently)

2. Does your doctor have a hard and fast rule on if your AFI is < 5, they induce.

3. Did they measure the placental function by doing a doppler ultrasound? What percentage do they think it's operating at? Is baby at any risk based on what they found?

4. How is baby's growth? Were there any signs of growth restriction due to your placenta not functioning at 100%

5. How much water should you be drinking daily? (My doctor recommends 1-2 gallons... fluid intake GREATLY impacts your AFI).

6. Should you be on bed rest until they check you again?

7. What are the limits from results from questions 2-4 that would cause them to induce you immediately.

8. Should you be doing kick counts more frequently with a reduced # per 2 hour (I'm supposed to monitor this frequently and call if I get only 8 or under in 2 hours).

Hope that helps! I think you should be well informed of your situation in this scenario. If you don't know some of these answers, and it were me, I would call and find out!

katezta · June 2011

I had this with my DD. My OB/MFM called it an aging placenta. It shows signs of calcification. I was monitored for the placenta and low fluid from about 33-34 weeks on. My DD was born via csection (she was breech) at 37w4d and was 6lbs on the dot. They monitored me by u/s 2x/week.

VTPurity · June 2011

I delivered DD early (35 weeks) due to a failing placenta. Although she weighed in at only 4lbs 13ozs she actually had no signs of any problems. She came out screaming so we knew her lungs were fully working. Now, she is a healthy 16 month old (small but very healthy). Unfortunately things like this happen but I wouldn't worry too much, it sounds like they are keeping an eye on it and you are almost full term. They had been doing weekly ultrasounds on me and finally decided it was time to get her out because they felt she could gain more nutrition on the outside. Good Luck and thoughts and prayers for a healthy LO.

amyc78741 · June 2011

Thanks ladies for your comments! I feel better. I'm just a worrier and if I could go to the doctor everyday to get checked out, I would. My doctor said she wasn't really worried and being overly cautious. My fluid levels were at an 8? Wilth the U/S it showed his bladder really full and that is what concerned her. His weight has dropped from being in the 69% to 35% and that was alarming, meaning his growth has been restricted. I think she may have changed my due date earlier from July 12 to July 7th. (I think, I think I freaked out and everything is a blur what was said). That would put me at week 37 now. Wow- I might be having a baby next week!

curlyq625 · June 2011

Im curious as to how everyone knows their fluid levels, and whether or not your placenta is aging. I have not had an ultra sound since 19 weeks and my doctor said I will not get another one because the baby is head down. Im just wondering if I should ask about this at my next appointment. I am currently 31 weeks. TIA

jgilesslp · June 2011

curlyq625:

Im curious as to how everyone knows their fluid levels, and whether or not your placenta is aging. I have not had an ultra sound since 19 weeks and my doctor said I will not get another one because the baby is head down. Im just wondering if I should ask about this at my next appointment. I am currently 31 weeks. TIA

I had an ultrasound at 31 weeks to check for hydrocephaly because my father had it. That is when the found the placenta aging. Probably would not have found it otherwise as you said.

katezta · June 2011

At my anatomy scan with DD, they couldn't get a few measurements because of her position. I went to a MFM for better equipment. It was during one of those scans that they noticed the fluid and placenta. DD was frank breech (essentially folded in half) and her feet covered some things that they needed to see.

AshNichole23 · June 2011

A little diversion from this topic, but this subject got me a bit worried. I'm 34wks into my first pregnancy, so this is all new to me, although I feel comfortable with the medical aspect because I'm an RN student.

My last ultrasound was my 2nd trimester ultrasound to do all the organ measurements and everything looked fine. My doctor doesn't plan on doing any more ultrasounds and doesn't perform internal exams until 39 weeks. How would he know if I were low on amniotic fluid or to have an "expiring placenta" if he doesn't do any more ultrasounds?

Worried/curious new mommy here!! THANKS!

lololoco · June 2011

AshNichole23:
A little diversion from this topic, but this subject got me a bit worried. I'm 34wks into my first pregnancy, so this is all new to me, although I feel comfortable with the medical aspect because I'm an RN student.
My last ultrasound was my 2nd trimester ultrasound to do all the organ measurements and everything looked fine. My doctor doesn't plan on doing any more ultrasounds and doesn't perform internal exams until 39 weeks. How would he know if I were low on amniotic fluid or to have an "expiring placenta" if he doesn't do any more ultrasounds?
Worried/curious new mommy here!! THANKS!

I wouldn't worry! Those of us with these complications are typically pretty rare. Most people will find out about these problems if their fundal height is measuring behind or ahead (3+ weeks typically), have decreased fetal movement and a bad NST or BPP or some other issue.

If you aren't having any issues, then things are probably fine, so try not to stress!

cmw&tdm · June 2011

I haven't had any experience with this, but I have growth scans every 4 weeks and I do know that they grade the placenta when they do one. I think if there are a lot of calcifications it's a sign or the placenta expiring. My doctor said that a placenta grade of 4 is common with women 39 wks+ and means that it's time to deliver.

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