Placenta praevia

Normally as your pregnancy progresses the placenta moves upwards, away from your cervix. However, if it stays low in your womb it may cover part or all of your cervix and block the baby’s way out.

Placenta praevia

Most low-lying placentas found at the 20 week scan will change position by the time the baby is born. If your placenta covered the cervix at your 20 week scan, you'll be offered another scan at 36 weeks to check. If it’s still close to the cervix, there could be problems with the birth.

If the placenta is still covering the neck of the womb, your baby will need to be born by caesarean section to prevent you having a serious bleed. If the placenta is close to the cervix but not covering it, your doctor will offer to check its position using ultrasound scans at one to two weekly intervals. If you start to bleed, you will need to go into hospital.  

 

Comments

Submitted by ltina79 on Fri, 03/02/2012 - 09:50.
Hi, I am 35+5 weeks now. Like most of you, I too was told about a low lying placenta at 20 weeks. After a recent scan I was told that it hasn't moved and the chances of it moving the necessary 3cm in the next couple of weeks is slim. I will still be boignin for weekly scans in the hope that it would move. The baby is also measured at being too small for the number of weeks, so that is something else that will be needs to be considered. At next scan some decisions will have to be be made. Would have preferred a normal delivery but at the end of the day my well being and the well-being of my baby comes first. I also have the needs of a 3 year old to consider.
Submitted by amazing2012 on Thu, 02/02/2012 - 11:13.
Hello, i am also facing the same problem of having a low placenta . I have four more weeks to wait for another scan before I know if my placenta is still low or it might have moved up . I am really anxious to know . It worries me too because this my first baby and I will love to have a normal birth.
Submitted by AimeeDK on Thu, 02/02/2012 - 09:54.
Hey Sarah, I also have placenta praevia and was told on my 20 week scan. Im booked for another scan at 36 weeks, time seems to be standing still!! Im really hoping things will have changed, I don't want to have a c-section. I do know this will be the best thing for me and baby though and thats what I keep telling myself :)
Submitted by sarahcook198 on Tue, 31/01/2012 - 21:41.
hi just had my 20 week scan today and was told i have a low laying placenta its just touching my cervix i have to wait for another scan in the third trimester has anyone else had this? im really worried xxxx
Submitted by grotbag13 on Sun, 15/01/2012 - 21:46.
Hi, I have just had my 20wk scan & all is well apart from they said that my placenta is partly grainy. I have to have another scan at 28wks. Has anyone else had or heard of this? x
Submitted by NKUKU7 on Tue, 10/01/2012 - 21:42.
At my 20wk scan It was discovered that I have placenta praevia and was told to come for another scan at 36wk.But I strongly believe that it will move upward by then pls pray for me.
Submitted by sambo2012 on Tue, 03/01/2012 - 22:21.
i had my 31wk+6day placental scan 2day..hosp booked me in 2 early...my placenta is stil low & iv got 2 have a re-scan in 4wks time @36wks wer my fate wil b decided..surgeons knife or natural..realy hope it moves up! bump is hed down&growin wel tho :)
Submitted by mjs15186 on Tue, 15/11/2011 - 21:09.
At my 20 week scan with my first baby I was told that I had a low placenta and might have to have a caesarean. Luckily it had moved enough for me to have a natural birth which I think is what happens with most people so its best not to worry :)
Submitted by rachel12345678 on Sun, 06/11/2011 - 19:07.
hya i am 23 weeks pregnant and on my 20 weeks scan they said i had a low placanta ,which i dont really no wot it means but i am worrryin about it .i go bk at 32 weeks but i feel like it too long to wait to no if everythin is k .x
Submitted by XxXxbumpxXxX on Fri, 04/11/2011 - 22:58.
Hi, I am 36 + 5 weeks and was told I had placenta previa on my 20 week scan. I was scanned again at 34 weeks and the placenta had not moved so I was told I would have to have a caesarean. I was scanned again at 36 weeks and have been booked in for the caesarean at 38 weeks, so I think they must let you go as far as they think is safe for you and the baby.
 

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