Natural Birth and Baby Care.com

Holes in the Placenta

by Confused
(Philippines)

I'm 36 weeks pregnant and the last time I went to see my OB she said that my placenta is already in grade 3, or very mature.

On top of that, she also said that my placenta already has a hole and she even showed it to me.

She did not explain, however, what it meant. She just said that since my baby is in breech position, we would have to deliver earlier than expected.

She wants me to schedule a c-section a week before the actual due date. What does the hole in my placenta mean? Thanks...

Answer:

Hi Confused,

A hole in the placenta is usually an indication of a place where the placenta has lifted up and detached from the uterus.

Sometimes a small hole can be a mistake on the ultrasound, or it may resolve itself. Most moms are advised to go on bed rest and take it very easy until they go into labor.

Placental abruption, where the placenta completely comes away from the wall of the uterus before the baby is born, is dangerous. Your doctor may be worried about this happening.

I recommend you ask your doctor to keep checking on the placenta. It sounds like she feels like it will be OK if she's recommending waiting a few weeks before scheduling the c-section. If things continue to look about the same there is a good chance you will be able to carry your baby to full term. You may also consider seeing if you can get a second opinion from another doctor.