20 weeks pregnant and have a low placenta?

Question

I just had my 20 week U/S and she said she's concerned about my placenta being too low to the cervix. Unfortanately I am not sure what this means or if I need to be concerned. Does anyone know anything about this?

Answer 1

please call ur doctor and get more info about it.

here is some i collected for you

Placenta praevia (placenta previa AE) is an obstetric complication that can occur in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. It can some times occur in the latter part of the first trimester. It is a leading cause of antepartum haemorrhage (vaginal bleeding) and is characterised by the implantation of the placenta over or near the top of the cervix. It affects approximately 0.5% of all labours.

Answer 2

I also had a low lying placenta when I was pregnant but it fixed itself. I had to have several ultrasounds to watch it.

Low Lying?

A low-lying placenta is not an uncommon finding on second trimester ultrasound scan. As many as 15% to 20% (one in five to six) of pregnancies have a low lying placenta. Fortunately, only 5% (one in 20) of these remain low lying at 32 weeks and only one third of those are low lying at term (37 weeks). After 28 weeks, a low lying placenta is known as placenta praevia.

The vast majority of pregnant women will have their placenta issues resolved by the time labour starts and will not have any problems.


How Does the Placenta Move?

It doesn't actually 'move' but the growth of the womb and placenta relative to each other mean that it appears to do this.

The lower part of the womb - the lower segment - grows a great deal in mid to late pregnancy. After 28 weeks, its size increases by more than ten-fold. In addition, the placenta grows most toward the top of the womb, where the blood supply is best.

It is because of these two events that most women with a low lying placenta have no problems.


How Will I Know if it Has Moved or Not?

You will be asked to come back for another scan, probably around 32 weeks, by which time most women will be reassured that all is well and the placenta is now postioned toward the top of the womb.


What do I Need to do Now?

If you're placenta remains near the bottom of your uterus, then there is nothing you can do to try and encourage the placenta to move.
Unfortunately, because of the placenta's position over the cervix, there is an increased risk of early labour and bleeding. Very rarely the bleeding can be quite heavy.

If you notice any fresh blood or regular pains, it is important to contact your doctor or delivery suite right away. This is not something that is common.

I hope this helps you. If you have any pain contact your doc immediatly.

Answer 3

This condition is called placenta previa. It occurs when the placenta is attached in the lower half of the uterus. In early pregnancy, this is very common. Usually the placenta moves upward as the uterus grows. Occassionally the placenta remains low lying and depending on its position may increase the risk of hemorrhage or make vaginal delivery impossible. Most docs do not worry about a low lying placenta this early, though some will suggest a modified activity schedule with increased bed rest to avoid potential problems.
SO, I would not let yourself worry about it at this point. Your doctor will keep an eye on it. If you have any bleeding (particularly after the 28th week), this is an indicator of placenta previa and (obviously) you should call your doctor immediately.

Answer 4

Placenta previa ( low placenta) is more common than people think! It basically means that your placenta is lower than your baby. It can move up though. Chances are you will be rescannned nearer to your due date to check the position. If it has moved up,everything will be fine. If it's covering the cervix, you will probably be booked for a c section. If the placenta comes out before the baby, it's cuts off all baby's food, air supply etc! Try doing a web search for placenta previa. There are loads of web sites that can tell you the facts you need to know.

Answer 5

I had placenta previa w/ my 2nd pregnancy and the placenta can move out of the way but from personal experience I had an ultrasound 3 weeks before I went into labor w/ my daughter and they said the placenta was high enough that I didn't have to worry but it must have shifted again because when my water broke my placenta tore from my uterus and they didn't know untill after I gave birth. If they had known the placenta ruptured they would have done a c-section and as a result my daughter swallowed a lot of blood that was in the uterus and was kept in the NICU on oxygen for 24 hrs. PLEASE ASK QUESTIONS NO MATTER HOW DUMB THEY MAY SEEM! I wish I would have known more.

Answer 6

Hi

I had this in my first pregnancy. Nothing to worry about yet. Usually the placenta will raise up and go into the correct position. Worst case, you may have to have a ceasarian.

Generally it moves itself. If you child is born while you have a low placenta, then there is a risk that the cord may be wrapped around the neck of your baby. Thats why they don't take chances, they just do a c-section delivery.

Good luck, should be all fine

Carla

Answer 7

did u ask the dr?