low lying placenta - 32 weeks

[haylady]

Hi, hoping to hear from others who have had/are having the same experience as me. I was told from 20 weeks that my placenta was low-lying, partially covering my cervix, and was at the front. I had another scan at 30 weeks which showed little movement - it is still partially covering my cervix. I am 32 weeks today and just had an appointment with a consultant. He advised that I will have another scan at 36 weeks and the placenta could still move enough for a natural birth but that I would likely still be at high risk of heavy bleeding. He said if it doesn’t move and I need a section this would happen at 28 weeks and they’d need to cut through the placenta to get the baby out which means I would bleed heavily. He said it could be that I will need a blood transfusion and that in the worst case scenario, to save my life, I might need a hysterectomy. I am absolutely terrified. I know I need to wait until the 36 week scan to see what the plan will be but I feel like whatever happens I’m going to be really anxious about heavy bleeding. I’m a worrier anyway and a naturally negative thinker so my mind is already going to some dark places, wondering if this is going to be life-threatening. Sorry to be a downer, just feeling very frightened.

[Hidden]

I wish I could help advise more....but all I can say for my first pregnancy I had an anterior low lying placenta that moved up at quite a late stage.

I think most move...but I know you need the reassurance of that 36 week scan.

Fingers crossed for you xxx

[haylady in reply to Hidden]

Thanks so much for your kind reply. You don’t remember at what stage yours moved do you? I know there’s still growing to do but I just hate the uncertainty and the idea of them cutting through my placenta literally horrifies me! Xx

[Hidden in reply to haylady]

I only know that by 36 week scan it had moved - sorry I can't remember more details. Really hope this works out for you xxx

[Weareback2]

This happened to me. I had a planned section and it was a really positive experience. I lost alot of blood but it was very controlled. The only reason i new was because a additional doctor came in. Didn't need a blood tranfusion. I was home within 24 hours of the section. I am pregnant again and asked for a section again.If it is a planned section tgey have the blood etc waiting just incase. It is a really scary time. They also have to tell you worse case scenario just incase. All the best of luck.

[Savvy_teapot in reply to Weareback2]

Did you have the csection because of your placenta being in the way?

[Weareback2 in reply to Savvy_teapot]

Yea, i had to have a section as physically could not give birth naturally due to the position of my placenta. It was covering most of my cervix.

[haylady in reply to Weareback2]

Thanks so much for this. I’m so glad you were able to have a good experience. I know they do have to tell you the worst and I appreciate their honesty, I just felt so scared and upset after yesterday. I really want to enjoy the rest of my pregnancy and not dread the birth xx

[Savvy_teapot]

It sounds to me like you need another chat with the consultant or/and midwife. Sometimes it feels rushed and you need time to formulate questions. My placenta has moved now at 32 weeks but I had read about what they might have to do if it hasn't moved and was very worried! I think it might be good to ask about the risks and what the chances of them happening like the risk/chance of having to have a hysterectomy. That is something they should know. If you think it will help you of course. I really hope it does move but also if you do have a planned C-section although I am sure it will be worrying it will be planned by everyone and they will be ready to look after you. Keep us up to date with what is going on!

[haylady in reply to Savvy_teapot]

Thank you. Will speak to the midwife at my appointment tomorrow and tell her my concerns. I don’t want to be anxious for the remainder of my pregnancy and I don’t want to dread the birth either. Really happy for you that yours has moved - maybe if I really grow in the next 4 weeks there’s a chance…fingers crossed xx

[Leebee03]

sorry to hear you have this worry. I had a low lying placenta was still too low at 36 weeks. I was very lucky and they did additional scans at 37 and 38 weeks and it had moved enough by 38 weeks. I ended up with a landed section anyway due to other factors and, although feeling strange, it was a very positive experience. They have to tell you about all the risks but as someone above said they are prepared for everything when it’s planned. Although I was terrified in advance I actually felt very safe once things got started. Wishing you all the best xx

[haylady in reply to Leebee03]

Thanks so much for your kind reply. That’s amazing it moved just in the nick of time for you! That’s great. Guess there’s still hope it could move enough for me. Really glad you had a positive experience. These comments are really helpful xx

[Hidden]

Sounds like your consultant doesn't have the best bedside manner! I think what he has basically spelt out to you is the very, very worst case scenario and its highly unlikely it will happen because they know all about it and so can be prepared.

I have quite a serious problem with my placenta (different to what you have said) and have to give birth in the High Dependency Unit as I am at high risk of blood transfusion and hysterectomy. They are taking it really seriously and there is a large team that will be there to avoid any problems. In all honesty if they thought there was a really high chance of you bleeding heavily or having a hysterectomy then your care would likely have been transferred to a specialist unit (mine has been). I think he has basically listed out all the worst case scenarios as that is what they have to do, but without really thinking about the impact on you. A lot of women have low lying front situated placentas and have c-sections every day without problems- there is only a small percentage who have problems and thats normally due to the consultants NOT knowing where the placenta is and so cutting it accidentally. Obviously there are risks but there are with everything, and even better there is still time for your placenta to move, will keep my fingers crossed it does.

Definitely speak to your midwife but try not to panic, I think its a case of a consultant with a really bad bedside manner - so sorry he has worried you so much xx

[haylady]

Hi Daisy. Thanks for your kind reply. I’m sorry to hear you’re having to give birth in a specialist unit - how are you feeling about it all? Is this your first baby?

I guess I really just need to see what they say at the 36 week scan and take it from there. But you’re right, it must happen all the time.

My midwife is really lovely so I’m looking forward to speaking to her tomorrow and hopefully getting some reassurance, but meanwhile everyone on here has been amazing - thank you all ♥️ xx

[ZiggyandBC]

hey! I had my little boy 4 days ago at 37 weeks because my placenta was completely covering my cervix. I was so scared hearing all the risks just like you are but they just have to make you aware of it, even though it’s very unlikely to happen. I did lose a lot of blood but didn’t need a transfusion and I was discharged after 1 night. I had to wait until my 36 scan to find out if mine had moved too so I know how worrying it is. Hopefully it’ll have moved but if not you can still have a really positive experience. Remember that the doctors know about it so they can plan everything and make sure they’re giving you and your little one the best care. Any questions feel free to message me xxx

[haylady in reply to ZiggyandBC]

Aww thanks so much and congratulations! Seen your name pop up a lot while I was having my IVF and throughout my pregnancy so really happy you’ve got your happy ending 🥰 Thanks for the kind advice. Did you have a section then? If so did they have to cut your placenta? xx