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Anterior placenta praevia
Question: I have had my 21-week scan and been told that my placenta is completely covering the os (the outlet of the cervix) and that it is anterior. This is the second time I have had placenta praevia. The last one was posterior for which I had to have a Caesarean. With this one being anterior, what extra problems can it cause? For instance, can they still do a normal Caesarean? After my last experience I don't hold out much hope of it moving.
If the placenta is anterior, it is nearest to the mother's tummy muscles. An anterior, low-lying placenta may require a different surgical approach during your Caesarean, depending on how much placenta is lying above the pubic hairline area where the incision is usually made.
It is good news if the placenta is completely covering the os, as there may be room for a repeat horizontal incision. Try not to worry, it is the obstetrician's job to make sure that your baby is delivered safely - although it will almost definitely be by Caesarean section again. I agree that the placenta is unlikely to move. Wait until you have a scan between 34 and 36 weeks, and then make an appointment to see the obstetrician who is in charge of you. He or she will then be in a better position to decide whether there is room for a repeat horizontal incision, or whether they will need to do the less common vertical one.
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