[genoie]

I've been told that I have a marginal low lying placenta, it was first found at week 28 at 1.1 cm away from OS. My OBGYN asked me for a scan at 32 (it was 1.5 cm away) and later at 36 weeks(it moved back to 1.4 cm). The last scan was done on week 36 5 and the placenta was 1.4 cm away from OS. She also told me that the baby's head is in Cephalic postiion but is still floating.

They have asked me to come back in 8 days for a second opinion. Are there any chances for the placenta to move... back.. why did it move further low? Also my OBGYN wants me to wait till my due date and see if there are chances for a vaginal delivery, she said if the head is not fixed by the due date only then we would go for a planned C-section. I read in many forums that usually they don't wait for a normal vaginal delivery if the placenta is less than 2 cm away. Should I wait till my due date... for a C?
My previous 2 pregnancies were normal, had nevr such issues.. also even through this pregnancy, I never had a single incident of bleeding or bloody show.. Perhaps that z what is making my OBGYN to wait for till the due date...
Should I wait until the due date... by which week can they usually plan for a C-section in cases of low lying marginal placenta?
I've packied my bags and I am ready for... anything... I'm worried about the C because never had one.. the more I read its making me scary.

[Curlyben]

Really these are question best directed to your own OBGYN as we do not know any of your history.

[DoulaLC]

Hi genoie... welcome to AMHD,

Often how things proceed will be determined by your care provider's experience and comfort level, and by the facilities available where you will be giving birth.

Some doctors and midwives will take a wait and see approach with a marginal previa. They would prefer to give you the opportunity for a vaginal birth instead of going directly to major surgery when it may not be necessary. Others will prefer to go with the surgery if the placenta remains marginal. This may be a week or two before the due date or closer to the due date. Again, it often depends on their comfort level. Whether you experience any bleeding, and how much, can also play a role in the decision.

[J_9]

To add to what Doula has said, it's not only their comfort level, but also the level of care the facility you are delivering at provides.

You see, some rural hospitals, such as the one I work at, do not have anesthesia or surgery on site 24/7. If something were to go wrong, we would have to call surgery and anesthesia in for the C/S. That usually takes about 30 minutes before they are in house. However, if you are going to deliver at a larger metropolitan facility, they DO have the staff in the hospital 24/7 should an emergency arrive.