When you go for your 20 week ultrasound scan, one of the checks that the sonographer will be looking at is the location of your placenta. Your placenta can attach to your uterus in any location – the top, the back, the front, or down by your cervix.
If your placenta is low-down, either next to your cervix or covering your cervix, you may be told that you have a low-lying placenta. This can come as a bit of a nasty surprise to expectant parents as they’re often then told that they may need to have a c-section. But how likely is it that you'll need that c-section?
If you are in this boat, firstly take a deep breath! A c-section will only be necessary if the placenta remains down at the base of the uterus and is covering the opening to the cervix. Statistically, it’s really unlikely to be an issue for you! In fact, in 95% of cases the placenta moves up and away from the cervix (imagine a small sticker on a balloon, then imagine that balloon inflating – the sticker will move upwards as the balloon inflates). This means that you can go on to have a vaginal birth without the position of the placenta presenting any risk.
As with many diagnoses in pregnancy, a diagnosis of a low-lying placenta is incredibly common. I would argue that it causes a whole load of unnecessary stress when for the vast majority of people it is no problem at all.
My advice is to take comfort in the fact that it is really unlikely to be an issue for you when it comes to giving birth!
My next tip is….don’t want until that follow-up scan in late pregnancy to start planning your birth! You will be left with very little time to learn about birth, make decisions around your care and plan for the type of birth that you’d like. Instead, prepare for both a vaginal birth and a caesarean birth. Only then can you start stacking the odds in your favour for a really positive experience.
Even if you had not received a diagnosis of a low-lying placenta, I would be giving you this advice! Because none of us can be sure that we won’t need to have a c-section. But however you are actually giving birth, it can still be a beautiful, calm, empowering experience!
My online hypnobirthing & antenatal course will prepare you for birth – whether that’s a vaginal birth or a c-section! Either way, you will have the tools to stay calm and more comfortable, the information you need to make decisions, and the support of a brilliant birth partner! Sign up for just £69 and get going from the comfort of your sofa!
Rachel x
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