When I asked her what exactly a grade 3 placenta means she basically gave me the run around on a straight answer and just repeated that it was early and the non stress test would be done and it's protocol and made it like it was nothing for me to be concerned about unless the NST showed a problem with my little guy in the womb.
The stress test went fine but since she didn't give me any straight answers, which I'm very upset by- I came home and googled all I could about Grade 3 placenta and from what I've read I do now know it is a reference to the age and deterioration of the placenta and that it will stop working as good or at all as time goes on.
Also from what I've read most women that have a grade 3 placenta earlier than normal end up being induced or have a c-section prior to or just around the due date of the baby.
I guess what I'm asking here is (since my midwife clearly has no intention of giving me a straight forward answer here) since I'm only 33 weeks along and they have just now discovered I have a grade 3 placenta what should I expect? Is it highly likely I will need to be induced into labor before my due date (October 12) or will need a c-section? How long does a grade 3 placenta typically last? I understand every placenta is different but I'm just asking for an average here.
My final question is, is there anything I can do to prolong the life and ability for my placenta to function properly and help my baby grow and have enough nutrients and oxygen? I read somewhere that vitimins E & C as well as antioxidants might slow down the aging process- is this true?
Thanks in advance to those who reply. I am also interested in hearing personal stories/experiences from other woman who have found out they had a grade 3 placenta and what happened once this was discovered.
Thanks again.
-P.S. I am not a smoker.
Suggestion:
for the average woman the placenta does not start to deteriorate until 36-38 weeks.. so 33 weeks is pretty early.
All you can do is eat as healthy as you can right now, and drink a ton of milk and water … just try get as much nutritian to your little one a you can from now until birth.
I had the same problem with my 2nd child, and had to go to the hospital daily for the last month of pregnancy to see how she was doing ,…..
eventually i got induced.
they will watch your little one, and make sure he/she is still thriving, and is not stressed, AND is still growing…
if she isnt doing any of those, they will either give you a csection or induce vaginal labor
The earliest they will probably want baby to be born though, is 36 weeks, and they will most likely give her/him a steroid before birth to finish maturing the lungs …
good luck, everything will work out and you will be holdig your beautiful healthy bundle before you know it
try not stress, as hard as it seems
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You may be scheduled for an early inducement. I was. Also, when it was descovered that I was High Risk, I was referred to a specialist that I had to go see at least once a week for the final 2 months of my pregnancy (which is where you're at now). Once they determined my baby was matured enough, I went for the early inducement (at 38 weeks). I ended up with a c-section, because the placenta wasn't cooperating and my baby wasn't descending. I don't want to scare you, but start researching about c-sections now to familiarize yourself with the possibility.