Worried and Scared..... placenta on cervix.?

Question

I had my 20 week ultrasound the other day: found out I was having a boy!!!-deep down I knew it was! But today I had my OBGYN appointment. The doc said my placenta was setting right on my cervix. Has anyone else had this happen to them? He wouldnt go into details. He said he would check me in 8 weeks to see if it fixed itself. What is this? Why does it happen? What was your experience? Did you get to have a natural birth or did you have to have a c-section? Thanks so much!!!!

Answer 1

Placenta Previa

figure 1


Placenta previa is a condition that occurs during pregnancy when the placenta implants itself in the lower part of the uterus, obstructing the cervical opening to the vagina (fig. 1).

During pregnancy, your placenta repositions itself as your uterus stretches and grows. By your third trimester, the placenta should be near the top of your uterus, leaving the cervical opening clear for the delivery. Sometimes, though, the placenta remains in the lower portion of the uterus, partly or completely covering the cervical opening. This condition, called placenta previa, makes a vaginal delivery virtually impossible and, in some cases, causes severe bleeding or hemorrhage.

There are three types of placenta previa:

Marginal: The placenta is located near the margin of the cervix but does not block it.
Partial: The placenta covers part of the cervical opening.
Complete: The placenta completely covers the cervical opening.
Placenta previa occurs in one out of 200 pregnancies. It is more common in women who have uterine fibroids, an abnormally developed uterus, or scarring of the uterine wall caused by previous pregnancies, cesareans, uterine surgery, or abortions. Women who smoke or have their children at an older age may also have an increased risk.

How Do I Know I Have It?

The main symptom of placenta previa is painless vaginal bleeding that often occurs near the end of the second trimester or beginning of the third trimester. There is no abdominal pain or tenderness associated with the bleeding. The flow may be light or heavy, and the color may be bright red. The bleeding may stop on its own but can start again days or weeks later.

Your health-care provider will diagnose your symptoms and detect the location of your placenta with an ultrasound exam.

About 7% to 30% of women with placenta previa do not experience vaginal bleeding as a symptom before delivery. In these cases, diagnosis may result from a routine ultrasound exam. Sometimes the condition remains undiscovered until delivery.

How Can I Treat It?

If the placenta is near the cervix or is covering a portion of it, you may be placed on a modified schedule with bed rest. If there is bleeding, however, you will most likely be admitted to a hospital for careful monitoring. Sometimes blood transfusions are administered to replace maternal blood loss and prolong the pregnancy to at least 36 weeks. Once you reach a healthy delivery date, your health-care provider will most likely deliver your baby by cesarean section. An emergency cesarean may be induced earlier if the placenta actually covers the cervix and the bleeding is heavy or life threatening. Even if your baby is delivered prematurely, he is better off in the hands of skilled medical professionals than attached to a placenta that is no longer able to support him.

Vaginal delivery may be attempted if placenta previa is not discovered until labor has begun, bleeding is light, and the placenta is not blocking the cervix. Usually, though, three out of four women who have placenta previa deliver their babies by cesarean section.

Since in most cases placenta previa can be detected accurately before the fetus is in significant danger, it no longer poses as much of a threat to babies and mothers as it once did. Women with placenta previa have successful deliveries 99% of the time.

How Can I Prevent It?

While placenta previa cannot actually be prevented, it's best to be aware of conditions that may cause it. If you have a history of uterine fibroids, cesarean section, an abnormally developed uterus, or scarring of the uterine wall caused by several pregnancies, abortions, or uterine surgery, make this known to your health-care provider as soon as you know you're pregnant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I am two months pregnant and have a low-lying placenta. Should I be worried that I have placenta previa?

A: In early pregnancy, a low-lying placenta is very common. But as your pregnancy progresses, the enlarging uterus should "pull" the placenta toward the top of your uterus. Your health-care provider will monitor the progression of your placenta throughout your pregnancy. If your placenta is still lying low in your third trimester, your doctor may suspect placenta previa.

Q: I've had placenta previa before. What are my chances of getting it again during my next pregnancy?

A: The incidence of placenta previa increases with each pregnancy. Most likely your next baby will be delivered by cesarean section to avoid any unnecessary risk, such as hemorrhaging.

Q: What's the difference between placenta previa and placenta abruptio?

A: With placenta previa, the placenta is located over or near the cervix, in the lower part of the uterus. The placenta usually blocks the cervical opening to the vagina. With placenta abruptio, the placenta partially or completely detaches itself from the uterine wall prematurely, before delivery of the baby takes place.

Answer 2

During pregnancy, your placenta repositions itself as your uterus stretches and grows. By your third trimester, the placenta should be near the top of your uterus, leaving the cervical opening clear for the delivery. Sometimes, though, the placenta remains in the lower portion of the uterus, partly or completely covering the cervical opening. This condition, called placenta previa, makes a vaginal delivery virtually impossible and, in some cases, causes severe bleeding or hemorrhage.

If the placenta is near the cervix or is covering a portion of it, you may be placed on a modified schedule with bed rest. If there is bleeding, however, you will most likely be admitted to a hospital for careful monitoring. Sometimes blood transfusions are administered to replace maternal blood loss and prolong the pregnancy to at least 36 weeks. Once you reach a healthy delivery date, your health-care provider will most likely deliver your baby by cesarean section. An emergency cesarean may be induced earlier if the placenta actually covers the cervix and the bleeding is heavy or life threatening. Even if your baby is delivered prematurely, he is better off in the hands of skilled medical professionals than attached to a placenta that is no longer able to support him.

Vaginal delivery may be attempted if placenta previa is not discovered until labor has begun, bleeding is light, and the placenta is not blocking the cervix. Usually, though, three out of four women who have placenta previa deliver their babies by cesarean section.

Since in most cases placenta previa can be detected accurately before the fetus is in significant danger, it no longer poses as much of a threat to babies and mothers as it once did. Women with placenta previa have successful deliveries 99% of the time.

Don't be stressed out, as long as your baby is fine, this is not such a big problem!

Answer 3

ALL placentas start out covering the cervix...at this stage of pregnancy that is right where the placenta SHOULD be. It WILL move up and away from the cervix...it doesnt actually MOVE but as the uterus grows the placenta moves away from the cervix...if this is your first baby and you have no prior uterine surgeries i GUARANTEE you the placenta will be out of the way by the time you deliver. They will probably check it again (with yet another sonogram) and 'magic!' it will be fine. I see more and more women scared by this story! ( i am a doula) its true that if the placenta does stay covering the cervix, you will need a c-section...its called Placenta Previa but trust me this is rare in a first time mom with no previous uterine scarring...please rest easy!

Answer 4

I too got told this yesterday. Usually (95% of the time) it fixes itself. You see as your uterus grows it (placenta) moves up. I have to go back in 8 weeks also. I was speaking with my sister about it and she too had it. BUT she was able to deliver an 8 pound 14 ounce boy vaginally. I think it happens because the egg implants low. Just my guess though. Don't worry everything will be alright. Good luck

Answer 5

oh my goodness poor thing that tried to happen to me. I think it is called placenta previa. The placenta started to detach from my uterus. I don't think it is possible for a vaginal childbirth. But Cesarean sections have come along way. you don't have to experience the contractions and YOU can choose your baby's birth day. Good luck sweetheart you have my sympathy.

Answer 6

your placenta moves around a lot like your baby does. it should move itself away from the cervix soon. mine did with my daughter and moved the next checkup. Just stay calm but pay attention to any bleeding you might have. good luck@!

Answer 7

well I have this too I'm 24 weeks pregnant and they are rechecking in 2 weeks I hope they told you if you bleed to go to labor and delivery if not you know now condrads on the boy I'm having a boy too it might correct itself when I was pregnant with my previous baby a boy too I had it it supposedly moved but when I was having him the doctor mentioned it almost had to have c-section but it must not of been too serious because I did have him natural so good luck and take it easy.

Answer 8

That happened to my sister. And the placenta got back into its right place when she's into her 7th month. And she had a normal delivery.

Answer 9

That happened to me with my second child. When I went back for a check up it had fixed itself. And I was able to deliver vaginally. Its quite common. Don't worry!
Congratulations on your son!!