With baby number 5, I went to my first prenatal appointment around 13 weeks, after waiting for my referral and then another month for the next available appointment.
I was thrilled to get that first peak at baby on the dating ultrasound, and it was equally exciting to see a much more developed ultrasound image than the typical first ones that look like an abstract bean- a lovely bean, don't get me wrong... Nearing the end, the tech was taking some notes and making some marks. then, I went to see the midwife and do the rest of the appointment. The midwife mentioned the placenta was circumvallate, which was an "irregularity." I left, feeling great, though still nauseous, and went about my day. Later, I remembered that strange word the midwife mentioned and decided to google it to learn more. That was a bad idea... When searching for "circumvallate placenta" across the internet, you'll learn that it's a rare condition where the placenta curls away from the baby, which can lead to poor nutrient transfer, preterm birth, excessive bleeding/hemorrhaging, placental abruption and potential death to mom and baby. I was paralyzed with fear! Was my doctor doing enough? What could actually be done? If something went wrong before 20 weeks, then there was nothing to do to save the baby, but should I be preparing for a preterm baby? Birth defects due to lack of nutrients? I just wanted to scream: SOMEONE TELL ME WHAT TO DO! I decided to not announce my pregnancy until 20 weeks, in case something happened, I didn't want to be bombarded with questions, and I waited in pins and needles for my next appointment. I finally had another ultrasound at 23 weeks, and guess what? Placenta looks great. The tech didn't think it was circumvallate anymore, but the ultrasound needed to be reviewed by a doctor. Baby is doing well, though on the smaller 35th percentile (uncommon for me). The reason for this post is essentially this: if you've been diagnosed with a circumvallate placenta, take a deep breath and let those worries go. I wish I didn't worry so much about something I had no control over. I spent so much time fretting about potential complications that haven't happened, and reading through forums of other moms, it seems most people are diagnosed, read WebMD, totally panic, then eventually realize their worry isn't needed. The midwife's term of "irregularity" sums it up the best. The placenta is different, or appears different in shape. For me, it seems to have adjusted- though medical personnel will say it doesn't do that and was falsely diagnosed. I'm not sure what the actual deal was, I just know that I was totally panicked for months about every little ache or pain, kick, or lack of kick, and it was simply fruitless and ducked the joy out of the beginning of this pregnancy- so my advice is to not do the same but embrace the irregularity, and your precious bundle of joy growing within you! Have you been diagnosed with a circumvallate placenta? I'd love to hear your story in the comment section!
11 Comments
Vanessa
2/20/2023 07:28:03 pm
Hello,
Reply
Ali Bonds
6/11/2023 01:47:38 pm
Thank you for sharing!! I literally JUST went through what you said at my 20 week appt. They wrote down “circumvallate placenta” on a piece of paper and handed it to me. I went home and googled it (as I should not have!) and I FREAKED out. :( Then I got in touch with a friend who knows a great GYNO and that gyno made me feel so much better. She said “That is so boring” and “do not worry AT ALL”. I definitely also feel better knowing that other people have had this experience and then had healthy babies. At 20 weeks, my baby is healthy and developing as he should. My friend’s GYNO said they shouldn’t have even told me about the placenta. I’m going to go with that and enjoy the pregnancy!
Reply
Ashton
7/9/2023 01:01:38 pm
Thank you so much for sharing! I was just diagnosed with this last week at my 20 week anatomy scan. I haven't had any bleeding and my baby measured normal for growth, my maternal fetal medicine doctor said often it will resolve itself by 3rd trimester and not to worry - even if it doesn't I can still have a healthy pregnancy and vaginal delivery (we'd just be monitored a little more closely). I've been lucky to have great doctors who explain things well so hopefully this helps ease the stress for anyone with this diagnosis who was left wondering. Breath easy! Thanks again for sharing your story!
Reply
Grace
9/9/2023 06:46:14 am
Thank you soo much for posting this! I had the same experience. Just did my 20 week appointment and was told I had this. They told me not to worry at all and baby was perfect size. She said she’s never seen it cause any complications other than sometimes the baby can be smaller, but mines growing at a perfect rate! Of course I went home and googled and SHOULDNT HAVE. What I read was terrifying. This post has helped me a lot and I’m just going to trust that my doctors aren’t worried. Thank you for sharing this and all the people who commented too. Such a big relief.
Reply
Alahna Camper
12/2/2023 06:49:41 pm
I just had my anatomy scan a week ago and they told me I had a circumvallate placenta and all they said was the baby could have a smaller birth weight. With them not saying much else I of course googled it and I haven’t had the best luck in finding anything positive. Hopefully they’ll go into more detail or I’ll get the courage to ask questions but until then I’m going insane wondering about what all bad can happen.
Reply
Aj lea
2/1/2024 09:40:09 pm
I recently got told I had this and I will say I'm definitely freaking out about everything and on top of that she said she thinks I might have to take the 3hr glucose test which almost definitely means I failed the first one... This is my 4th baby and I've tried and tried to be so positive but my mind honestly just thinks the worse because of everything that I've read online, reading all of these definitely made me feel a little better but I still can't help but think, if I do have it will me and my baby be okay or not? I seen something about potential death for me and/or baby and that alone I cannot get out of my head. I have 3 other babies at home plus a husband, and I'm so scared right now honestly.
Reply
3/11/2024 07:57:18 pm
Hi Aj lea!
Reply
Katie
3/11/2024 05:16:04 pm
I was just diagnosed after my 20 week ultrasound and of course I googled it as well.
Reply
3/11/2024 07:49:43 pm
Hi Katie!
Reply
Taylor
6/8/2024 08:23:07 am
Thank you so much for sharing your story! My OB told me not to lose sleep over it because he certainly isn’t. I work in a level 3 NICU and see everything. Google has been freaking me out but your story and everyone’s comments made me feel so much better. Will keep this post in my back pocket when I feel all the anxiety.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
Alexandrais a writer & tired homeschooling mom of five. Categories
All
Archives
November 2022
|