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August 2016 Moms
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Placenta Praevia (low lying placenta)

WhitewatermommaWhitewatermomma member
in August 2016 Moms
Hey Everyone, 
I just had a doctors appointment yesterday.  I was told I might need a c-section.  

Back history -
bleeding and clots from week 8 to week 12 (many ultrasound sounds to check for heart beat).  I had my 20 week ultrasound.  Then some blood between week 21 and week 22/4.  I had a stress test, put on pelvic rest (no sex).  I had a more veteran doctor for my appointment between ultrasound and stress test.  He mentioned that my placenta was lying low (close to my cervix) roughly 1 cm away and I would need another ultrasound between 28-32 weeks.  Then at yesterday's appointment my doctor (less experienced) said that I would have another ultrasound at 28 or so weeks and if the placenta has not moved I would need a c-section.  I asked if I would have a second utlrasound (after week 32) to make sure it did move and the doctor said no.  

The more I read about it the chances of the placenta moving is high.  Also, I have read that many women have an ultrasound closer to their due dates to make sure the placenta has not moved.  

Thoughts??  Has anyone else experienced this?  If so how many ultrasounds did you have or did you request a second one?
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Re: Placenta Praevia (low lying placenta)

  • jacmkelleyjacmkelley member
    If you want another sono ask again. Placenta Previa does mean C-Section. And if you are wanting to make sure it hasn't moved up I can understand that. I would double check with your Dr. Office. Mention to them what the other Dr. had said previously about week 32sh. That would bother me too, my OB is very understanding and if I had asked for another sono they would say yes. You need to do what is best for your peace of mind. 
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  • StarLiteKissStarLiteKiss member
    I would think you can ask for another ultrasound closer to your due date. Hopefully it moves up for you. I have never experienced placenta previa but have found out that I have what appears to be Placenta accreta which is where the placenta is attaching into the uterine lining. I have another ultrasound in 3 weeks to confirm it. I've been a nervous wreck over this as I am sure you are too. Keep us posted!
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  • MrsEWilsonMrsEWilson member
    When I was 7/8 weeks they told me I had placenta previa too and of it didn't go away by 28 weeks than I would need a c section. I was on pelvic rest (no sex), but I did slip up with my husband and have intercourse anyway (only from the side). My next check up still had it and I felt horrible thinking it was my fault for giving in. Then my 22nd week checkup it was gone. My doctor wanted to see me twice a month until it cleared up and was dead set on a c section and I told her I'm a FTM and I refuse to believe that it won't resolve its self. Thankfully it did. But yes you can request a second ultrasound, they cannot deny you that and of they do there are places that only do ultrasounds. You may have to pay out of pocket for that but it'll be worth it 
      
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  • tinkerbell11210tinkerbell11210 member
    I am having my follow up US at 33 weeks for marginal previa that was seen at 20 weeks. I was not placed on pelvic rest though and have not had any bleeding.  
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  • WhitewatermommaWhitewatermomma member
    Thank you for all your replies!


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  • WhitewatermommaWhitewatermomma member
    edited May 2016
    Starlitekiss -
    Keep us posted on your u/s and how things are going!!
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  • WhitewatermommaWhitewatermomma member
    tinkerbell11210 - keep us posted
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  • WhitewatermommaWhitewatermomma member
    How do you reply to a person, so their screen name is highlighted?  I do not know why can seem to figure it out!
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  • texasmama2014texasmama2014 member
    @Whitewatermomma  you put the @ sign in front of their name and it will give them a notification.

    Side note- I had partial placenta previa with my first pregnancy and a very close to the cervix placenta this time, and both worked themselves out.  I had a normal, uneventful vaginal birth last time and am expecting the same again.
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  • StarLiteKissStarLiteKiss member
    @Whitewatermomma - will do!
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  • WhitewatermommaWhitewatermomma member

    @texasmama2014 thanks!  

    That is great to read that your body worked things out and were able to have vaginal birth.  I am crossing my fingers for that outcome.

    Thanks again!
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  • tinkerbell11210tinkerbell11210 member
    @Whitewatermomma will do!  I still have a month before my US. 
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  • WhitewatermommaWhitewatermomma member
    U/S in two days.......
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  • tinkerbell11210tinkerbell11210 member
    @Whitewatermomma FX for you that it has moved!  I still have a little over two weeks until my appointment 
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  • StarLiteKissStarLiteKiss member
    @Whitewatermomma thinking of you and hoping it moved. I go in for my u/s on Friday 
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  • WhitewatermommaWhitewatermomma member
    Well, the tech told us that the placenta was a centimeter or less away from the cervix.  She mentioned that the doctor will have more details for us (on Monday during my appointment).  I can not remember if the first ultrasound showed the placenta closer or further away from the cervix.  I think that will determine what will happen.  I really wanted to stay positive but I am not sure I have it in me right now.  I feel like a deflated balloon!  I will have to wait now until my appointment on Monday (in which I am meeting the other doctor on my services in case the primary one is not available at time of birth) to hear what I can do.....if a c-seation is the only way or if I could have another ultrasound at 36 weeks to see if there is any change.  At this point, it was a month difference between ultrasounds and I am sure there was no (positive) change.  Also, during that appointment I will be alone.  I handled the first mention of a c-section (with the doctors) ok - until I got to the car.  But now, I am not sure I can keep myself together this time around.  UGH!

    My husband is trying but he doesn't understand why I feel so up set.  He just wants the baby and I to be healthy and out of any danger.  I agree but I just NEVER thought a c-section was even something I needed.  Its something you always dream of as you grow up and picture meeting your baby for the first time......an operating table was never in those dreams. 

    My sister and sister-in-law (I only told 3 people) have been trying to be positive and list all the positive things that there is for a c-section.  Its not really helping.  They (and both our mom's) had all natural births.  I feel I am going to a 'robbed' for this experience.  I guess I have to remember I can have a natural birth for the second time around. 

    Sorry for being so depressing.  I just needed to get all that out.  
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  • mmclark10mmclark10 member
    @Whitewatermomma No need to apologize, you are having completely normal feelings!  I know it's hard to think past it right now, but no matter how it happens you are going to be a mom.  I completely understand where you are coming from though.  It's a much longer story, but I ended up having a c-section with my first and thought many of the things you have written here.  I still struggle with it sometimes. I'm hoping for a VBAC this time and just want the experience of labor, it's totally normal to want that. You are right that you can have a vaginal birth with your next child, but just think about this baby right now.  Plus, you never know, your placenta might move still! Thinking of you!
    BabyFruit Ticker


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  • misslissa32misslissa32 member
    My placenta was also a centimeter away at my 28 week check. We are checking again at 32 weeks, dr said it could still move! Hoping for the best for us both! 
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  • Kaylamarie091Kaylamarie091 member
    @Whitewatermomma I don't have a low lying placenta, but I completely get your feelings about labor. My little guy is measuring significantly smaller than he should be. If he continues to not grow at the pace he should I am looking at a csection as well. For months now I have dreamt about the moment the doctor puts him on my chest and I get to look into his little eyes. It hurts to know that my ideal birth may not be a possibility for me.

    I just want you to know you are not alone in your feelings! I just remind myself that his and my health is far more important than my idea of a perfect labor and delivery. 
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  • tinkerbell11210tinkerbell11210 member
    @Whitewatermomma I am so sorry to here what you are going through. You are completely justified in your feelings. I agree with others if you have a c-section this time you may be able to have a vbac with your next LO (my sister in law just had a vbac in March).  

    I am still waiting for my follow up appointment to see if my placenta has moved enough. It is not until 33 weeks. So maybe there is still time for yours to move? I am not sure but am extremely hopeful for you. 
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  • WhitewatermommaWhitewatermomma member
    I am sorry I have not written.  My ultrasound showed that my placenta actually is moving DOWN and very close to the opening of cervix (now only 7 millimeter away - it was over 1 centimeter a month ago).  I am having a difficult time dealing with this news. I was told to schedule an appointment with a specialist (which is next Wendesday).  I had my monthly appointment and the doctor asked me how I was doing and all I could say was I was not ready to discuss it yet.  Now I have a week to get all my emotions out enough so I can have a conversation withe specialist and get all my questions and concerns answered.  BUT at this point my hope is gone and I have to start facing the fact that I will be having a c-section. 

    I just don't know how to tell people without being so up set.  And now when people ask me when I am due - it is not the end of August, it will be closer to the first week of August (because they do not want to risk me going into labor at all). SO MANY EMOTIONS!

    @misslissa32- I was going to ask for another check at between 32-36 weeks.  Just to make sure for my mental health that the c-section is the option for my baby and I. But the placenta has moved down (from my last ultrasound)....I will ask the specialist when I meet with her next week.

    @Kaylamarie091 - I am sorry to hear about your LO.  And those dreams you been having --- I know how you are feeling!! I have been google 'gentle cesareans' in which you will have the skin to skin and prepares breastfeeding experiences even with a c-section.  I am going be asking all these questions next week.  I want to experience the skin to skin and breastfeeding right away. 

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  • jacmkelleyjacmkelley member
    @Whitewatermomma so sorry to hear the news, but truly glad that they know and you aren't going to go into labor with major complications. On the bright side you're even closer to meeting your newest additon! Sending positive, happy and calming vibes your way. I truly hope you are able to find some peace in all of this. It's such a crummy situation. 
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  • mmclark10mmclark10 member
    @Whitewatermomma I'm so sorry.  Definitely ask for the skin to skin and breastfeeding right away!  Breastfeeding was still an amazing experience for me with a c-section, so don't lose hope that you will get to have that be what you have been picturing!
    BabyFruit Ticker


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  • misslissa32misslissa32 member
    @Whitewatermomma the same thing actually happened to me, it moved a few mm in the wrong direction. What kind of specialist were you referred to? My dr was not at all concerned and said it could still move and is checking me again next week. The ultrasound tech made it seem like it wasn't going to happen but the dr is optimistic.  I also asked if it didn't move when would my csection be and he said not till 39 weeks! Why is my dr so laid back?! I'll let you know what happens next week. 
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  • heatherskyeheatherskye member
    So I'm mostly a lurker but I wanted to share my experience from my last pregnancy to hopefully make you feel a bit better about your situation. I had placenta previa with my last pregnancy, diagnosed at 20 weeks with ultrasounds here and there to check and see if it moved. My last ultrasound was around 35 weeks as a final check because they had scheduled a c-section for 37 weeks. It hadn't moved at 35 weeks so I mentally prepared then for the c-section. Like you, I was pretty upset but came to terms that that was the only healthy way to get my son out. i didn't end up making it to the scheduled c-section as I started to bleed at 36 weeks. I called L/D and I was told to get there as soon as possible. Didn't expect to have an emergency c-section that night but besides being completely unprepared physically and mentally, everything went fine. My son did have to spend some time in the picu for fluid in his lungs, but he was healthy and we had no issues breastfeeding or bonding. Placenta previa + c-section isn't the end of the world! I was disappointed but the outcome was a healthy baby and this time I'm trying for a vbac. I totally understand exactly how you're feeling right now, but once that baby is in your arms, I promise it won't seem like such a disappointment.
    Be prepared to go to the hospital before your scheduled c-section in case you do start to bleed (because of your cervix possibly dilating)- I literally went into the hospital with no bag packed or anything, that was probably my biggest regret of the whole situation. And try to not let the stupid placenta previa take any joy away from the rest of your pregnancy or your birth experience! A healthy baby is the best outcome! 
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  • No more Miss!No more Miss! member
    I was surprised to hear I have a low lying placenta at 30w. I had an u/s at 28w and they didn't mention it then (they did a cervix check and that was normal both times). Baby was breech at 28w and at 30w is head down. They said he's still high.

    This is my second pg and with my first I had an anterior placenta. It's posterior this time. 

     Definitely still time for it to shift and I have another u/s to check on it at 32w. 

    But, could the placenta be moving in the wrong direction? 
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  • tinkerbell11210tinkerbell11210 member
    @Whitewatermomma I am so sorry that you are going through this as this is not the birth plan that you had wanted. However, the fact that you know now what to expect you can hopefully prepare yourself for what is to come. I am sure that once your little one is in your arms it will all be worth it. 
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  • WhitewatermommaWhitewatermomma member
    Thank you all so much for your support and kind/encouraging words!! So nice and helpful to read.

    @jacmkelley -- you are right about meeting my LO so soon.  My husband and I were just thinking HOLY SMOKES we only have 7 weeks left.  WOW.

    @misslissa32 -- I am not sure why your doc is so laid back about your condition.  I am not sure your history and whatnot, but if you are nervous ASK!!  I know that for me I am older and know we know that the placenta is moving downward.  Also, I have had experiences with bleeding and blood clots at 8, 9, 10, and 11 weeks and again at week 24.  

    @heatherskye -- You are completely right.  I am working towards getting through these feelings.  Some days are much better than others.  But I also do not know how to tell people -- our families mostly.  I am going to explain things to my mom this weekend but I am not sure I am ready to share it with anyone else yet.  I am waiting for my next appointment to get all the details and my questions/concerns answered first.  I know how some people are going react and try to 'help' but they really can not -- no one in our families have experiences a c-section. Thank you for your positive words and views.  And I am so happy I know this now instead of an emergency c-section -- being able to plan, get through these emotions and such all before meeting my LO. 

    @No more Miss! -- Yes your placenta can continue to move in the wrong direction.  Good Luck with your next u/s.

    @tinkerbell11210 -- Thank you! I know I just have to get through these feelings and this gives me time to do so before my LO is here!!



    ANYONE:
    How did people share the fact you needed a c-section with your family and friends?
    How do you listen to others' birth stories?  (I had a surprise baby shower at work yesterday and I listen to about 5 of them --- it was very hard!)


    30 Weeks today!  Oh my!  Am I ready?  xo
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  • misslissa32misslissa32 member
    Just had a follow up and it moved to 2.5cm! Not sure if that is enough yet but so happy it's moving. I'm 31 weeks and at 28 weeks it was touchcing my cervix. So ladies there is still time, most growing is in the last few weeks! Good luck to everyone prayers for us all :)
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  • tinkerbell11210tinkerbell11210 member
    My appointment is this Friday at 33 weeks. I just really want to know either way so I can try to prepare myself. 

    @misslissa32. I will keep my FX for you that it continues to move in the right direction. 
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  • StarLiteKissStarLiteKiss member
    Hey sorry I haven't posted recently. 

    @Whitewatermomma I'm sorry to hear that you didn't get the news you were hoping for.  Please keep us updated and still hoping for better results for you.  Take this time and write down all of your questions for the dr. Keep your head up. With my last csection I was able to breast feed along with skin to skin contact after delivery in the recovery room, my husband and I were able to bond with our daughter before we were taken to our room where family was waiting for us. My experience was better compared to the unexpected emergency csection I had with  my second child. I would also suggest into looking into a class regarding csection.


    As for my update....I just had my 3rd u/s today and the dr finally ruled out placenta accreta. I still have to go back in for another scan in 4 weeks to make sure everything is still in the clear. Baby girl is doing well and even though I will be having a csection still I am just happy she is getting to stay put a little longer. Now to continue passing these NST'S I go in for 2x a week due to my history of hypertension. So far good.
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  • ebilbaoebilbao member
    I ended up having a c-section with DS, and felt like OP, that it wasn't what I had planned or had imagined for myself. However, once I had my son, I realized that the birth was not about me. It was about delivering a healthy baby. I think we often convince ourselves we are owed some kind of magical labor and delivery experience, and if that doesn't happen, we feel we failed or were robbed. No matter how you deliver, you will never forget the moment that really is magic, which is when they plop that baby down on your chest and you can feel your child on the outside for the first time. Try not to worry-a c-section isn't the worst thing in the world. If you have doctors you trust, just do what they say and you will be fine. 
    BabyFruit Ticker
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  • tinkerbell11210tinkerbell11210 member
    Update:  I finally had my US last Friday at 33 weeks to check the placenta. I am excited to say that it has moved, the right direction. baby girl is head down everything looks good. It has moved enough that I don't have to have another US. 

    FX for everyone that your placenta still has time to move. 

    --Sorry this is so late. For some reason this never posted. 
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