Placental Attachment Any One Had This?

[glpeppa]

I just had my second ultrasound today (I'm 18 weeks 3 days) and the doctor said there is a piece of my placenta low in the uterus that isn't attached yet. I've had no bleeding, it's my first baby, no miscarriages or uterine scarring that i know of. They said the baby looks good, but I am concerend that the baby isn't getting all of what it needs. The piece that isn't attached all the way had fluid on the other side of it. Should I be concerned (I am)? Has any one heard of this? HELP!
-A concerned first timer

[nydiagonz]

I am not sure if what you have is considered a placental abruption. I had an abruption and it can range from being really serious with bad results (me) to being something that they just watch closely and has no big effect on you or the baby. The abruption is when it detaches, but if yours never attached it may not be the same. I hope it all turns out well. If I may make a recommendation... I would say to get a second opinion if possible. I saw one doctor right when my spotting started who said that I had a placenta previa (when the placenta is out of place and over the cervix I think) which turned out to be TOTALLY WRONG! Luckily she was not my normal OB and I was able to get a better diagnosis, but only after my bleeding really got scary :( Good luck to you.

[mamacatsbaby]

No advice or experience with this, just wanted to offer hugs. :hug I hope things turn out well mama. :hug

[lilsishomemade]

It may be an extra lobe. If you're not bleeding and they don't seem worried, I wouldn't worry either. Pregnancy is tough enough, please don't stress too much over it. The placenta will very likely move out of the way. Earlier in my pregnancy, I showed I had complete previa (placenta all the way over the cervix) and my midwife was concerned I may need a c/section. It's very high now, and I knew it would do that. The placenta "migrates" in a way throughout the pregnancy. :hugs

[KatSG]

I think this sounds more like an abruption than previa (which is not detachment but low placement, still detached). The fluid could be blood. Did you talk to your usual OB/MW? It is something to keep an eye on. Many abruptions do heal. I would expect you'll be monitored closely to make sure this is happening. I know it's hard not to worry, but try to stay calm and rested.

[glpeppa]

thanks for your thoughts. i am trying to chill about it.

[Unreal]

If you can find a copy of Ina May Gaskin's Spiritual Midwifery, she has a section in there on abuptio placenta (pg 411-412)
It doesn't sound like what you are talking about--since she links it with the 3rd trimester and with pain, tenderness, and needing fairly immediate treatment. Doesn't sound like your dr was too worried though.

pg 299 deals with a placenta with lobes--which is fine and just requires the attendant to check the placenta carefully after birth to ensure the lobe isn't still in the mama.

I listed the page numbers in case you can only browse a copy quick at the bookstore or library ;)
It is a good book though...and if you are interested in building a natural childbirth library, I'd say go ahead and pick up a copy :thumb

I didn't see anything else in there about unattached areas of the placenta. You know though, you might get some good responses posting your question in the midwife/doula/CBE forum. I've seen lots of good questions and answers in there :)