Enlarged Placenta

I read a lot of medical journals when I was on bed rest. Here's what I remember:

An enlarged placenta can be caused by a number of things or it can just be the way the placenta is. Women who smoke sometimes have enlarged placentas. It can also be caused by diabetes or anemia or infection. Sometimes if you don't get enough protein it can cause placental problems. It usually results in the mother being more closely monitored than a 'normal' pregnancy but more often than not everything turns out fine.

Like so many things.... It can be absolutely nothing to worry about, or a big deal.

ALSO depends on HOW enlarged. Most placentas are 3-5 pounds at birth. 6 pound counts as 'enlarged' and is typically no biggie. 26 on the other hand... Big flipping deal.

So talk with your doctor.

(;I grow placentas the size of Vermont. We're talking well over 20 pounds. Which puts me on modified bedrest, since mine start ripping away. Other people are out running half marathons.)

Since you didn't ask him to clarify while you were there I think you should call the office and ask for more information (the nurse line can probably help you with this.)
I the mean time do a google search, or go on mayoclinic or webmd for more information.

Your doctor is the one who should be telling you "what it means" because it may not mean much at all. I'm not sure "shocked" should even be the appropriate response, but if you felt that way why didn't you just say something when you were in the office as soon as you saw what was written? I would have pressed for his impressions and when he reasonably expected to get answers from the tests he ordered.