New here & placenta question

[*Lindsey*]

Hi Mama's! I'm a frequent lurker, first-time poster on this forum. :)

I'm 18w4d pregnant with baby #2. I had a natural, 7.5 hour labor with my 9lb 10oz, 22.5 inch son who is now 16 months old.

I had an ultrasound today to verify my due-date and check that everything was ok with the baby. The baby looks great! My doctor said that my placenta is anterior, which I assume is a good thing. But he also said that it's a little low-lying, and will do another ultrasound at 28 weeks to make sure it's not in the way. He said that it's probably not a problem and it will probably move.

I'm new to all this, as I had no problems with my first pregnancy. Can anyone help? I'm worried that I'll have to end up having a c-section, which I really don't want.

Thank you!
Lindsey &
Gabriel 11/19/03
Baby #2 8/16/05

[leosmama20]

A low lying anterior placenta is not the "best" thing, but it also doesn't mean it is a bad thing. I guess the placenta should normally be posterior (I never knew this until this pg around when I was told mine was anterior). What is the problem is the low lying aspect. It will most likely move up and not be a problem at all. If it was so low that it covered the cervix, that would indicate placenta previa and a c-section. However, because your placenta is anterior, it would complicate a c-section. So, anyhow, bottom line, probably nothing at all to worry about!

Your baby was the exact same size as my baby!!! And welcome!

Emily

[sarajane]

Welcome! There is a very good chance of your placenta moving up and out of the way. It is embedded in your uterus so as your uterus gets larger it has a great chance of moving up with the growth. My placenta is in the front but it isn't causing any problems. My mid-wife isn't concerned at all. Good luck!

[*Lindsey*]

Thank you both for your responses. :) I'm really hoping it turns out to be no big deal!

Lindsey

[Llyra]

I had a partial placenta previa on a 21 week ultrasound, and by 29 weeks it was no longer a problem. I have heard of or known of many women for whom it has been the same. Chances are it'll be just fine!

[leosmama20]

oh, and be aware that you may not feel the baby kick as much/hard because the placenta is in the way.

[mwherbs]

actually ideal placentas are located near the fundus but any where that the baby can get nutrients is the best. most likely as the uterus enlarges and gets out of the pelvis more the placenta will be higher. anterior placentas make it harder to hear the baby because the placenta will be heard first but placing the fetalscope or doppler to the side should pick up the heartbeat just fine-- might play havoc with the strap on monitor though....
the reason an anterior placenta might be of concern is if you had already had a c-section because there is a greater chance of it imbedding into the scar tissue but this is not a problem you have.

[daekini]

I'm 18 weeks and have placenta previa... This early, it's hard to tell what will happen! :shrug