Placental site scan

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What is this information about?

This information is about your placental site pregnancy scan. It explains:

• why you are having this scan
• what we look at in this type of scan
• how your scan is done
• what happens after your scan.

Why I have I been given this information?

You have been given this information because you have been asked to come for a placental site scan. This information will help make sure that you are prepared for your scan and that we get the best information possible about you and your baby. This will help us care for you during your pregnancy, delivery (when your baby is born) and postnatally (after your baby is born).

Why am I having a placental site scan?

You may have been asked to come for a placental site if we found that your placenta is low or covering your cervix at your 20-week anomaly scan.

What is the placenta?

The placenta develops with your baby, in your uterus (womb). It attaches to the wall of your uterus and forms the connection between you and your baby. Oxygen and nutrients move from your blood, through the placenta and to your baby’s blood. The placenta is delivered soon after your baby is born and is sometimes called the ‘afterbirth’.

What is a low-lying placenta?

In some pregnancies, the placenta attaches low down in the uterus and can cover part, or all, of the cervix (opening of the womb). In most pregnancies the placenta moves up and out of the way as the uterus grows during pregnancy. The placenta should be 20mm away from your cervix (opening to your womb) by 36 weeks of pregnancy.

When in my pregnancy will my placental site scan be?

If your placenta is low or covering your cervix at your 20-week anomaly scan your midwife will arrange your placental site scan at 32 weeks. If the placenta is still low-lying or covering at 32 weeks you will have another scan to check at 36 weeks.

How will you check the placenta?

We will always start off the checks of your placenta by scanning over the top of your tummy. Sometimes, we cannot get clear enough pictures from scanning over your tummy. This might mean we will ask you to have an internal (vaginal) scan.

How will the internal scan be done?

• we will ask you to go for a pee before the scan, to make it more comfortable
• you will have a changing area and will be asked to undress from your waist down
• we will give you a gown, towel or sheet to cover yourself with to maintain your dignity
• the scan is usually done with you lying on your back, with your legs apart
• a hand-held scanning device (probe) will be used for your scan
• the probe will be cleaned and covered (with a latex free probe cover) and have gel (sterile lubricating gel) on it
• the probe will be inserted gently into your vagina
• you will feel some movement as the sonographer does their checks.

Do internal scans hurt me or my baby?

No. Most people do not find these scans painful, although they can feel a bit uncomfortable. An internal scan will not cause a miscarriage or harm to your baby.

What happens after my scan?

• For most people, the sonographer will explain the results of your scan to you.
• We may give you a printed copy of the results (scan report) and a copy will also be uploaded to your Badgernotes (your electronic pregnancy notes).
• If you do not understand the results or if you have any questions or concerns, do ask your sonographer at the time of your scan.

What happens if there are findings at my scan which show that there be concerns for the health of me or my baby?

• If there is anything on the scan which does not look as we would expect, your sonographer will tell you.
• Lots of people will be checked in our Antenatal Clinics (ANC), Day Assessment Unit (DAU) or the delivery suite after placental site scans.
• If we are not sure about anything on your scan we may ask for another sonographer to check or your scan will be looked at by a doctor.
• You may be booked in for extra scans to look at your placenta later on in your pregnancy
• If your placenta is still low-lying or covering your cervix at 36 weeks, you will see a doctor who will decide the safest way for you to deliver your baby.

How can I find out more about preparing for my scan?

Who can I contact if I need further information or support after I have read this information?

This leaflet is intended for patients receiving care in Chichester and Worthing.

The information in this leaflet is for guidance purposes only and is in no way intended to replace professional clinical advice by a qualified practitioner.