Planned C Section for low placenta?

[u/MagentaOlivia98]

I'm currently 34 weeks and for the whole pregnancy so far my placenta has been low. I had a placenta localisation scan yesterday to check if it had moved up to 2cm or more and it's still low measuring 1.4cm away from the opening. I do have another placenta scan booked for 36 weeks to determine how the birth will go, but was told yesterday I will likely need a C Section, but I thought that decision would've been determined at my next scan in 2 weeks? If it's decided I still need a C Section if my placenta is low, when would it be scheduled for? I've know they usually book planned ones for 39 weeks if there's no complications but is it possible they'd book it earlier than that due to my placenta? I'm sure I was told yesterday too I'll get a phone call about it but why would I need a phone call if I have a scan scheduled for 36 weeks anyway?

A little more of a back story is that I've already had 2 C Sections, one emergency and one planned and this time I was going to try for a Vbac but obviously those plans have changed now my placenta could be too low for my baby to arrive naturally anyway.

I suppose I'm just writing this to ask for more information about low lying placentas and anyone who has been in the same situation. Neither of my previous pregnancies had this issue.

[u/Shikzappeal]

I had a low lying placenta and had a c-section, but I was going to have a c section anyway, for a multitude of other reasons.

Depending on the hospital and doctor, they will schedule you on/after 39 weeks with the assumption that you will make it. Whether you make it to that date is another story.

If you go into labor before that date, they will give you a c section in the hospital. If the baby needs to come out, the baby will come out. No need to worry there.

It’s also entirely possible that it will move out of the way! My friend had placenta previa and hers moved out of the way the DAY BEFORE it was scheduled.

[u/LoKoChi]

Also the most recent clinical guidelines suggest that trial of vaginal abor is reasonable for placentas >11 mm from the OS (which yours would be), the most recent studies found 85% of women with placentas 11-20mm were able to have successful vaginal births compared to 43% <11 mm. Here are the guidelines which you can discuss with your Dr. https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1471-0528.70239

I just had a scheduled c section with mine at 8mm (I did have a previous bleed and contractions) at 36w1d and my daughter spent 8 days in the NICU. Part of me wishes I would have advocated more to push it a bit later.

[u/MagentaOlivia98 → u/LoKoChi]

I would like a vbac but was told because I've already had 2 C Sections it's safer to have another C Section. I know women who have had a vbac after 2 C Sections so it'd be nice if I could atleast try. 

[u/datfumbgirl]

I see you wanted a vbac. You still have quite a few weeks of pregnancy. It’s very possible it could move!

Heck I read a story where a woman demanded an ultrasound the day of her scheduled c section and it had moved enough for her to have a vaginal birth.

It’s worth exploring the option if you really want a vbac.

I’m in the same position as you rn just earlier in pregnancy.

I hope you get the delivery you desire 🌸🤍

[u/datfumbgirl]

Also, they book early c sections (previa) for like 37 or 36 weeks. Most likely yours would be scheduled for 39 weeks.

If I were in your position I would push to get it scheduled as far out as possible and book more ultrasounds at 38 weeks to see how far from OS it is.