Worried about low lying placenta and open forum if needed

[Gillian XXX]

Hi guys, I was told at my last scan at 20 wks that there may be a possiblity of my having to have a C-Section because my placenta was lying real low.  Apparently if it does not "move" out the way by the time they scan me again (at 34 weeks am currently 26 weeks)they will book me in for a C-Section.  This the doc only told me after I'd questioned him about what would happen if it didn't move.  Is this quite normal? has anyone else experienced moving plancentas? and I know it probably sounds daft, but is there anything I can do to help it along or is the movement a growing thing, the Dr was kind of stroppy so didn't want to really elaborate as he made me feel like I was putting him out  When I asked him could he see the sex of the baby he just said "yes", I waited for him to let me know and when after a minute or so he didn't, I asked and with a huff he say "its a girl", which kind of deflated the moment for me, like I was putting him out or something!!!!  Anyway, thanks guys, I really don't want a C-Section unless out of necessity, would rather be up and about ASAP after the birth.

XX

[firsttimearound]

Sounds like your doctor is a jerk! The placenta can move up and away from the cervix as your uterus grows (they usually do), and no , there is nothing you can really do to help it along. I had the same problem earlier in my pregnancy, but it was out of the way by 20 weeks. Good luck!

[cinnamonheart]

Quite a few girls have mentioned this same question, Yes it is possible for it to move out of the way when the uterus grows so hopefully that will happen in your case when you are further along, If not c-section  will be done(I have had 3 and survived)
You will get along just fine, a little more time recovering but for yours and baby sake its worth it.

[niņa]

I was in the same boat ...20 weeks I had a low lying placenta.  Too early to tell if you even have previa because it has such a good chance of moving from 20 weeks to 34 weeks.  If it is low lying at 34 weeks, they will do c-section.

Gina

[Christie2004]

Its not really like moving, but that is probably the best way to put it.

The uterus is small in the early weeks, and the placenta covers a large portion of it at that time.  So relatively speaking, it frequently encroaches on the lower part of the uterus.  Say it is attached fairly low--as the uterus grows, the lower part of the uterus becomes the middle or upper part and the placenta doesn't "move", but the place where it is attached (and thus the placenta) becomes located in the middle or upper area of the uterus just by virtue of growth.

Sometimes it is attached so low that even with the growth of the uterus, and edge remains covering or partially covering the cervix.  That's when you can have problems.

I know I explained it badly and it is a hard thing to visualize.

[Maddumz87]

I also have a low lying placenta, I am only 16 weeks so far and am scheduled for another scan at 18 weeks.
From what I understand it is pretty common, especially during the first half of pregnancy for a womans placenta to remain low, but once the baby starts growing faster it will most likely cause the placenta to move upward.
I too was told that I might have to have a C-section if it doesnt move, but I have heard of many people's placenta's remaining low for the duration of the pregnancy, and correcting themselves around 30 weeks.
I wouldnt worry too much ( i know how you feel though, I dont WANT to havea c- section either :( )
But either way, you will end up with a beautiful baby :)
Congrats!