34 wks -ultrasound good!

[akemt]

Yep, it was me. From what I understand, the placenta ages (or gets spots of calcification that show up as white spots on ultrasound, btw) as you get farther along in pregnancy (kind of like how we all will get wrinkles if we live long enough - well, maybe not ME [;)] ) but, mine was a bit ahead of the norm (like getting wrinkles a few years early?) of what was expected for my gestation. I don't remember what grade mine was or even if I knew that, but I was having weekly ultrasounds and NST's so I knew my doctor was watching it closely. I was induced for various reasons at 38 weeks and did have an 8lb 6oz Lara. As long as the BPP's and NST's are showing that your placenta is still functioning well and the baby is getting the nutrients he needs, it isn't too much of a worry, though obviously something your doctor should keep an eye on. And, it does happen in pregnancies not affected by hypertension since my friend had some early aging in her 6th pregnancy. I would bet it is fairly common, atleast at non-severe levels.


Catherine (23), Moderator
DH Britton (28)
Emma Margaret (03/02/03) 37 wks PIH & Oligo
Lara Julianne (07/31/04) 38 wks PIH & gallbladder fun

[mada]

Hey Madeleine,
I am so happy to hear that your u/s went so well!! You are in the home stretch!!! I hope you have had a chance to enjoy some of the unusually warm weather in chicago!!!

Mada Harpster-moderator
Colorado co-coordinator
Sam 6-29-00 36weeks P.E.
Ben 11-03-01 No P.E.

[madeleine]

Thanks, girls, it's so nice to have cheerleaders [:)] I am actually beginning to feel a bit optimistic lately!

April, I did not get that specific information about at what grade my placenta currently is functioning so I'm not sure I can help ... three weeks ago the peri said the u/s showed some calcification and looked more mature than 31 weeks. I was worried because they said the same thing right before my emergency C-section with Benjamin. But with Benjamin there was also evidence of his heart having to work harder to get the blood flowing in and out & my bps were 170/115 and up...

So obviously there is a range of placental function, but I don't know what the grading system is or when it becomes a factor in developing P/E ... I did read your post earlier and someone (Catherine?) who had the same thing who went on to deliver a big 8 lb.!! baby, so that's great to hear. Sorry I am not very much help on this.....hopefully with frequent ultrasounds, you'll be right on top of the situation.

In the meantime, here's to getting as much out of our "mature" placentas as possible!! [:p]

Madeleine

Miles 9/13/90
Graham 1/6/92
Benjamin 5/22/02, severe preeclampsia, 33 weeks

[april]

Madeline-

I am glad that your ultrasound appt went good, and that baby is doing well also.

I have a question for you though- At my 31wk appt yesterday they did a ultrasound and my dr. said that my placenta was aged more than it should be, she said that it was a grade 3 and should be a grade 2 at this point. What was/is your situation with your aging placenta?

april(24)
dh-billy(29)
dd-Natalie 3/10/04(pasted away after 1 hr.) induced labor at 23wks and 5 days due to severe PE/HELLP


PREGNANT AGAIN DUE MAY 31, 2005

[akemt]

Fabulous Madeleine!

Catherine (23), Moderator
DH Britton (28)
Emma Margaret (03/02/03) 37 wks PIH & Oligo
Lara Julianne (07/31/04) 38 wks PIH & gallbladder fun

[mom2tori]

WooHoo! Sounds like a great ultrasound and that you have a good size girl swimming around in there.

Alissa mommy to:
Dominic 9/10/97-9/11/97 @ 28 weeks
Victoria 1/8/02 @ 30 weeks

[fiona]

Great news Madeleine - good to hear everything is going well.

Fiona
dh Tom
ds Nate 12/8/97 - 14/8/97 26 weeks severe pre-e IUGR 1lb
ds Jay 4/11/98 30 weeks pre-e 3lbs 11 oz
no 3 due 15/6/05

[madeleine]

I am ecstatic -- went for the first ultrasound in three weeks since I was in the hospital and my little girl is doing fine -- phew! She's weighing in at 4 pounds, 7 oz. (she's passed up her big brother's birthweight!) and amniotic fluid & blood flows look good.

He said that's a little on the small side but still within the range of normal so I'll take it. Also said my "aging" placenta didn't look any worse than last time so that was the other thing I was concerned about.

So now weekly NSTs and another us in two weeks.... I am so relieved!

Madeleine

Miles 9/13/90
Graham 1/6/92
Benjamin 5/22/02, severe preeclampsia, 33 weeks