Marginal cord insertion

[mikaleen]

I have posted this in a couple other forums, but it seems pretty rare, so I am hoping more exposure will help find someone who has experienced this!

I was just diagnosed yesterday at my 20 week scan with what's called a marginal cord insertion, or a battledore placenta.  Instead of the cord attaching to the center of the placenta, it is off to the side.  The possible implications are IUGR, preterm labor, and low levels of amniotic fluid so every 4 weeks I have an u/s to measure growth and fluid levels because it is in a leaner part of the placenta that may not pass on as many nutrients or as much oxygen.  I understand it is pretty rare, but I was wondering if anyone had any experience with it, and how it turned out.  I have small babies to begin with, both were barely 6 pounds, and this little girl is already measuring a week behind.  I have been induced before and I had every intention of going through to the end with this one, but if I have to be induced for the baby, obviously that is the path I will take.

[crystalbalderas]

How did everything go? I see this is old post but im dealing with the same problem now..I am 22 weeks

[mikaleen]

Hi Antionette,

Congrats on your pregnancy.  I am sorry to hear you have worries already with your first!
On my last scan it actually showed the placenta grew out a bit on the side of the cord insertion so that it brought the cord a little farther in from the edge.  

It is still a worry and it could continue to grow out that way and improve itself a bit more, or just grow out the other side.  When they do your growth scans they will check the blood flow to and from the placenta and check how it is growing and whether the cord insertion sees improvement or not.  I hope yours does as mine did so far!

[Antoniette]

Hi mikaleen... congratulations on your pregnancy. :) .this is my first pregnancy..My baby is 22 weeks old.. today i did the scan and the doctor was saying about the same issue you are facing now. so me too having the fear that this is not a common one though doctor told me not to worry except for that they need to check for the baby growth often. hey.. but my question is whether the cord insertion into the placenta which is at the side now can move to the center on the following days else this is considered as the position till the end ?

[mikaleen]

So far my growth scans have all come back in the 30th percentile consistently, so that's good news.  Both of my previous babies were small, so we don't feel this one is smaller because of the cord, just that I have small babies.  I go back in 2 weeks at 30 weeks and then they will have me start my bi-weekly visits.  2 scans ago the cord had some improvement, but last checkup the Dr. said it is still pretty off.  

I guess if our Dr.s are confident all will be well all we can do is have faith in them!  I hope everything works out for you!

[rachmel]

I just found out I also have this condition at my 20 week ultrasound with my first baby. The doctor did not seem concerned at all just told me "don't wait until you are 9 cm before going to the hospital" what the heck is that supposed to mean? lol. I asked if my chances of needing a c section would be increased and she said no. No sure what to believe. I wish I could get some details on the exact placement of the cord into my placenta. I will meet with my OB in a couple of weeks and he has already replied to my email and reassured me that usually all goes well with these types of cord connections. He said we would monitor growth and make sure it did not evolve into a velamentous insertion, which is a little worse, with more possible complications unless you are aware ahead of time. I feel so grateful to know about it early, but man it is hard not to worry about the baby. I'm also feeling bummed because I don't want to get too attached. Wish I could be more confident about a good result. Chances are everything will be fine, even if I end up with a c section at 35 weeks to avoid going into labor. I feel ya sister...hugs!

[mikaleen]

Update:  I had a growth scan at 24 weeks and growth has stayed consistent...approximately 1 week behind.  The good news is that the placenta has grown out on the side the cord is inserted so it has fixed itself a bit.  I am still having the scans every 4 weeks, next one is Monday, I hope we continue to hear good news and the cord position is improved each time!

[mikaleen]

Thank you for sharing your experience.  I am so sorry to hear about your loss of Dierk.  Congratulations on your pregnancy now!  I will be 22 weeks on Tuesday.
I am not being sent to a perinatologist, just seeing my regular OB, who really did not give me any info at all, other than we will monitor growth, but it probably won't be a problem.  I only saw her for maybe 30 seconds after the u/s.  I didn't know what to ask, or what I should expect her to tell me, but I will be better prepared when I go back in 3 weeks.
I did read that this is often not found until after birth, so I am thankful we know and can be proactive.  Ironically, I spent the first half of this pregnancy more relaxed than in any of my previous ones.  I never expected to have to worry about the final outcome.  I am sad to admit I am a little afraid to let myself to get to attached, though it is inevitable, I feel like trying to fight it.

I wish the best for you for the rest of your pregnancy!

[hbatten77]

I did have this with my first and unfortunately, the doctors did not know this until after delivery.  I am glad your doctor caught this, since it is so rare and can cause problems if not closely monitored.  I unfortunately lost my son.  I went into labor at 37.4 weeks with a low grade fever after 2 days.  I was in labor for 15 hours and couldn't push him out, so they opted for an emergrncy cesarean.  The effects of not havind adequate blood flow and the ability for him to get rid of waste, has negatively impacted him.  He died from hypoxia and cepsis.  His name was Dierk and he would have been 6.  I am 22 weeks pregnant with our fourth and it is a little boy!  You are very lucky to have the doctors watching you so closely and you also know what signs to look for.  Medical technology has come a long way!  You and your baby are in good hands.  

[adgal]

Oh, I see your concern.  Yes, two active kids while recovering from a c section would be challenging.  They will monitor you and work with you to make the best decisions possible.  The primary reason they took my son by c section is that his heart rate was dropping during contractions, and it turned out (we found out via u/s the day I had him) that my water must have broken some time ago and I just trickled, so I was pretty much out of amniotic fluid.  Those things can happen without IUGR..they aren't necessarily related.  So it is very possible that induction may work just fine for you.  You know, I would start talking to your Dr. now.  Now that you know what is going on, they can probably let you know what the likely scenario is.  That way, you can plan if you need to, to get help in after you deliver if you have c section.  Please keep us updated.  Your situation is not all that common, and now I'm going to wonder about you if you disappear.  Thinking of you, and regardless, I am confident all is going to work out just fine!!

[mikaleen]

I worry about taking care of a 2 year old and 7 year old while recovering.  I was induced with my oldest due to growth restriction at 39 weeks, so if I do need to deliver early I hope I can try vaginally through induction.  Like you said, the biggest thing is she makes it here healthy.  Just the thought of being cut open while I'm conscious though....

I am glad it went as easy and well as it could for you and your son is safe and healthy.  

[adgal]

Well, I did deliver via c section which is not uncommon with IUGR.  But honestly, it was seriously not horrible at all. It's wasn't my perfect scenario, but I healed with no probs, my scar is good (and discreet, could still wear a bikini if I dared..lol), and most importantly, he is here safe and sound.  So no worries, regardless of what is decided, it will be just fine!  It sounds scarier then it is.

[mikaleen]

Thank you!  So far so good, hoping it stays that way.  I am seeing a lot of woman who are being told to have c-sections...that's one my biggest irrational fears, I know it's silly, but I could pass out just thinking about it.

[adgal]

Hi there and I'm sorry I can't be of any help here.  I really know nothing about this issue.  I can tell you that I had a full term IUGR baby who was born at 38 weeks at 4lbs 14oz.  He did spend 5 days in NICU for blood sugar issues and jaundice, but never anything awful.  He is now 2 years old and completely healthy and happy.  So while IUGR is not what we want, it usually turns out just fine.  Hope that helps put your mind at ease a little bit.  Congrats to you!