Movin' On Up

The doctor is moving baby's due date UP to March 21st! The first ultrasound showed that the placenta is close to the cervix, due to where the fertilized egg (embryo) implanted and the uterus is still small. While it is unlikely that I will have some spotting, we will keep an eye on it.

When a low-lying placenta is seen in early or mid pregnancy, chances are that it will be well out of the way by the time of the third trimester, essentially making it a non-issue. Serial and frequent ultrasounds are recommended until the placenta is out of harm's way, usually by about 28 weeks. If a placenta is low-lying, even at the edge of the cervix, one can still deliver vaginally, the baby's head pressing against any part of the placenta that might want to bleed. (Although you can imagine the heightened sense of vigilance needed in such a labor.) When the previa is total, C-section is mandatory.

Placental positioning may be referred to as anterior (front wall of the uterus), posterior (back wall), fundal (top), or previa (low).