Previously Low Lying Placenta

[WifeofAnt]

I'm totally chill on this but it seems like its upsetting my doula, lol. I thought it was her job to hold *my* hand?
At 18 weeks my ultrasound showed a 'low lying' placenta. It wasn't a previa but the doc still wanted to have it rechecked. At 28 weeks I pretty much got the thumbs-up. I don't know exactly how far it moved though. Is there still an increased risk if the placenta has moved 'far enough' out of the way at least 12 weeks prior or is she just being cautious?


I'm also finding things that a low lying placenta is a risk factor for premature labor. Do they mean anyone that had a low lying placenta for the whole pregnancy or just the people who currently have a low lying placenta?

[allical1284]

If you got the thumbs-up at 28 weeks, then you are definitely good to go! I researched the heck out of this during my 1st pregnancy; I wasn't cleared for a vaginal birth until about 36 weeks and went on to have a wonderful birth free from intervention and complication. Odds are that your growing uterus will continue to 'move' the placenta even further away from the cervix. I wouldn't worry at all! There are some good published studies citing vaginal birth success rates depending on the actual distance of the placenta from the cervix; if your doula is that concerned maybe showing her those would help
I agree with you though; it isn't really her job to voice her concern over this. You were cleared by your OB/MW, and she should respect that. Just my

[gravida]

I had previa until late in my last pregnancy. Everyone told me the bottom of your uterus makes big changes in the last few months of pregnancy and your placenta moves up quite a bit in that time. If you got the thumbs up from a doc you are more than ok.

As for pre-term labor I've never heard that.

[GreenMamma]

15-20% of women (1 in 6) have a low lying placenta at their second trimsester ultrasound. Only 5% will at 32 weeks and of those 5% only 1 in 3 will actually have a low lying placenta at 37 weeks. If you got the clear at 28 weeks, there is not a problem. As your uterus grows, the placenta moves away from the cervix. While it is her job to help with advocacy and education, it is not her job to be a care provider. In part of assisting in educating clients, she needs to keep herself educated.

And problems related to a low lying placenta tend to be for those who continue to have a low lying placenta. Especially as it is so common before the third trimester.

[karen1968]

IIRC, it's a low-lying placenta at the time of labor that is a concern.

Can you check with your care provider or the radiologist to get the exact distance? Perhaps that will help reassure her (or perhaps you need to get a new doula who isn't afraid?)

[babyjelly]

I have never heard of a previously low-lying placenta causing PTL; however, a placenta implanted in the lower uterine segment at the time of birth does slightly increase the risk of PPH. Either way, not really your doula's job to worry over much about it. It's not even something for you and your care provider to worry about- just to be aware of.
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