marginal placenta previa/bicornuate uterus

Hi,
I have been trying to find an answer to my dilemma for a while with no success. I hope you can help me. I have had two caesareans because of fetal position. My first was transverse, my second breach. I learned soon after that I had a heart shaped or bicornuate uterus. I am now pregnant with my third baby. I learned that this time I have marginal placenta previa. So far the placenta is laying quite near the opening or right beside the edge of my cervix. I want very much to be able to birth naturally, but it seems like the odds are weighed against me. Is there any way I can get the baby into a proper postion, and if so, can I deliver naturally with the marginal placenta previa? I have had no bleeding, and I am 34 weeks pregnant.

[Keith Downing, MD]

Hello,

A marginal previa is a contraindication to having a vaginal delivery.  And, with your history of two prior cesarean deliveries (regardless of the fetal position), in the absence of a prior successful vaginal delivery, laboring is contra-indicated.  

You will not, and should not find a responsible obstetric provider who will allow you to labor.  Your fate is to have a third cesarean delivery.

Best regards,

Dr. Downing