|
| |
Ultrasound
Shows Partial Placenta Previa
by Anne
Sommers, LM contributed by Baby Corner
Q I'm 18 weeks pregnant
and I just had an ultrasound. The report the technician gave me says
that the ultrasound "shows partial placenta previa." I have read
something about placenta previa, and my question is this: at what
point in my pregancy can they say with certainty that placenta
previa will be a definite problem? I understand that the placenta
can "migrate" away from the cervix as the pregnancy progresses. Is
this likely happen between now (18 weeks) and the end of my
pregnancy? If so, how likely or unlikely is it? I'm scheduled for
another ultrasound in 10 weeks. At that point, will they be able to
say for sure that there's a problem? Naturally, I'm a little
concerned.
|
A It is good that your ultrasound is scheduled in 10 weeks. A lot
can happen during that time. Most likely your placenta will have
grown away from the cervix, where the blood supply will be much
better. The odds for this are in your favor. There are degrees of
placenta previa. The most drastic is when the placental completely
covers the cervical os. When the cervix thins and dilates (later in
pregnancy and during labor) there is much bleeding which is
dangerous for both mother and baby. A cesarean-section would be
required.
However, there are low lying placentas (that go to the cervix but do
not cover it and a vaginal delivery would be safe)
A marginal placenta previa takes a very sophisticated ultrasound and
a good technician to determine. In the case of a marginal or partial
placenta previa, you may be allowed to deliver vaginally and would
be continuously monitored in labor. A any sign of separation or
hemorrhage would require an immediate cesarean-section. |
Article reprinted with permission from
Baby Corner
Anne Sommers, LM is a Licensed Midwife in Southern California and
founder of Agape Perinatal Consultation & Birthing Services. Anne
has attended and personally delivered hundreds of beautiful bouncing
babies in some very wonderful and natural settings -- like in the
water! She has appeared on various Southern California radio and
cable television shows, talked to birth organizations, was editor
for several child birth publications and was the owner, editor and
publisher of "Mom" Magazine, a quarterly publication in circulation
for over seven years. She completed Seattle Midwifery School's
Challenge Process and the NARM exam (supervised by the California
Medical Board) qualifying her for midwifery licensure. Anne actually
made history as noted in the Orange County Register for being one of
Southern California's first Licensed Midwives. She is also the
mother of two children, born at home, with the attendance of
midwives.
| |
|
