Circumvallate Placenta

[tillfordburrows]

Dr. Cusick,

I am currently 16 weeks pregnant and have been having frequent ultrasounds at the perinatologist's office to monitor a subchorionic hematoma. I have a history of these in other pregnancies and since my son was stillborn at term last October (unidentified cause), I am being monitored frequently. I have seen 2 MFM specialists, with one saying that the hematoma has resolved and everything looks great, and the very next day, another telling me that the hematoma has resolved, but that my placenta is circumvallate. The folded up edge was easy to see via transvaginal ultrasound. He knows that I am very anxious and worried about this pregnancy since my last was stillborn, so he told me not to worry and that everything should be fine-just that we need to monitor for IUGR and PTL. Needless to say I am very worried because the little information available on the web is very scary. As far as I could tell, only the placental margin affected by the hematoma was curled and bright in appearance, the other was flat. I understand that I am at an increased risk for a bad outcome, but I would love to know if most of the time things turn out fine for the baby. Could the folded edge reattach or flatten or does the detachment just get worse? Any advice given is appreciated. Thank you so much.

-Jill B.

[Bill Cusick MD]

Dr. Cusick,

I am currently 16 weeks pregnant and have been having frequent ultrasounds at the perinatologist's office to monitor a subchorionic hematoma. I have a history of these in other pregnancies and since my son was stillborn at term last October (unidentified cause), I am being monitored frequently. I have seen 2 MFM specialists, with one saying that the hematoma has resolved and everything looks great, and the very next day, another telling me that the hematoma has resolved, but that my placenta is circumvallate. The folded up edge was easy to see via transvaginal ultrasound. He knows that I am very anxious and worried about this pregnancy since my last was stillborn, so he told me not to worry and that everything should be fine-just that we need to monitor for IUGR and PTL. Needless to say I am very worried because the little information available on the web is very scary. As far as I could tell, only the placental margin affected by the hematoma was curled and bright in appearance, the other was flat. I understand that I am at an increased risk for a bad outcome, but I would love to know if most of the time things turn out fine for the baby. Could the folded edge reattach or flatten or does the detachment just get worse? Any advice given is appreciated. Thank you so much.

-Jill B.

Jill

Sorry for your difficulties- despite your problems most times the pregnancy is successful- regular vists, U/S to monitor baby's growth, and fetal movment counts and heart rate monitoring will all hopefully reasuure you through this scary time

best of luck

wc

[tillfordburrows]

Thank you, Dr. Cusick.

Have you seen many of these in your experience? Do you have any statistics of success for me? Would you recommend a C-Section for delivery? Before this diagnosis was made, my doctor and I discussed an early delivery. I am assuming that this would be an especially good idea under these circumstances. What is the earliest you would consider delivering?

[tillfordburrows]

I just wanted to update that my baby boy was born healthy and beautiful at 35 weeks after a non-stress test showed some cause for concern. He had the cord around his neck twice, but loosely, and I did have a small abruption/clot. But he was fine-good apgars and only needed a little oxygen to transition. I did receive steroid shots for his lungs at 30 weeks. The circumvallate placenta was noted at delivery, but he grew perfectly, to 5 lbs. 14 oz. and 19 inches long. Thanks to all for your help. I feel so blessed.

[lvazquez]

Congratulations! Hug and kiss him each and everyday He is a miracle!

Lindsay