Placenta Praevia Post Reply

[LoobeyLu]

Hi everyone

My sister is pregnant with her first and has been told her placenta is lying low and that she'll need another scan at 32 weeks to see if it has moved. If it hasn't she's likely to need a c-section.

Understandably she is getting her knickers in a right royal twist about it (she has read stories about bleeding, blood transfusions and other such positive things!!!!) and I was just wondering if anyone has any experiences, good, bad or ugly, which they would be so kind as to share.

Many thanks

[kiwimummy]

Hi, you don't mention how far along she is but it sounds like she isn't experiencing symptoms.

Usually these are fine and resolve themselves before birth. In a small number of cases a section is required as you can't deliver with the placenta in the way!

Certainly, she should be aware of possible symptoms that show problems, especially bleeding. I did have a bleeding placenta praevia from 14 weeks (unusually early) but went on to deliver a healthy little boy. Actually, my placenta had moved out of the way by the time I delivered.

She should talk to her midwife/consultant and check if there are any precautions she should take. I had quite a few - no sex, no lifting, no standing for long periods, but mine was already a high risk as it was bleeding.

[LoobeyLu]

Thanks for your reply kiwimummy.

She is about 24 or 25 weeks and no symptoms as yet.

I'll make sure she's checked precautions with her midwife.

Thanks

[CornishMummyinLondon]

Hi there

I too had placenta praevia at my 20 week scan with my most recent baby but it had moved by the time I was scanned again at 36 weeks. I am not sure what the statistics are but I think most placentas move so I'd suggest your sister had a chat to her midwife who I imagine will put her mind at rest.

[newmum83]

I was told the same thing at my 20 week scan and worried about it for weeks, but then at my 35 week scan I was told it had moved up and I could have a natural birth. All was fine. I think it's quite common to have a low placenta and it usually moves.

So I'm sure it will be the same for your sister! XX

[balhammummy5]

I had it too and mine also had moved out of the way by the 36 scan, so I had a normal vaginal delivery. My consultant and various midwives told me 90% move out of the way by the time you're full term, as your bump grows and pulls the placenta upwards.

[klw]

Hi,

I had this with both of my two pregnancies. First time it moved by the 36 week scan, with the second one it didn't and I had to have a c section at 38 weeks.

The consultants told me it is relatively rare for it not to move and i was monitored closely. To give your sister some reassurance, I had amazing care and was told exactly what to do in an emergency. When I started bleeding at 38 weeks, I got taken straight in and my son was born in minutes. The care was outstanding, they don't take any risks at all.

Hope that helps

[LoobeyLu]

Thank you all so much for your replies, really helpful and reassuring for my sis.

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