WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

What Does a Low-Lying Placenta Imply?

Childbirth
Stages of labor
What Does a Low-Lying Placenta Imply?
During your pregnancy, you may have heard the term "low-lying placenta" mentioned by your healthcare provider.
It's important to understand what this condition entails and how it can potentially impact your pregnancy.
Let's dive into the details and shed light on the implications of a low-lying placenta:
What is a Low-Lying Placenta?
A placenta plays a crucial role in nourishing and supporting the growing fetus in the womb.
Normally, the placenta attaches itself to the upper part of the uterus, away from the cervix.
However, in some cases, the placenta attaches near or covering the cervix, resulting in a condition known as a low-lying placenta or placenta previa. Here are some key points to understand about this condition:
  • The placenta covers a portion or the entire opening of the cervix, which can pose risks during pregnancy and delivery.
  • A low-lying placenta is typically detected during a routine ultrasound examination, usually performed between 18 to 20 weeks of pregnancy.
  • It's important to note that most low-lying placentas resolve on their own as the uterus expands during the later stages of pregnancy.
Implications and Potential Risks
While a low-lying placenta is a common occurrence, it's essential to be aware of the potential implications and risks associated with this condition.
Your healthcare provider will closely monitor the situation and take appropriate measures to ensure the well-being of both you and your baby.
Here are some important points to consider:
  • Increased risk of bleeding: The proximity of the placenta to the cervix can lead to vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester. It's important to promptly report any bleeding to your healthcare provider.
  • Restricted fetal growth: In some cases, a low-lying placenta may result in restricted fetal growth due to inadequate blood supply and nutrient exchange. Regular monitoring of the baby's growth through ultrasound scans will help detect any potential issues.
  • Placenta previa: In rare cases, the placenta may remain low-lying as the pregnancy progresses, resulting in a condition called placenta previa. This condition requires careful management and may affect the mode of delivery.
Management and Monitoring
If you're diagnosed with a low-lying placenta, your healthcare provider will develop an appropriate plan of care to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy.
Regular monitoring and follow-ups will be scheduled to track the position of the placenta and assess any potential complications. Here are some common management strategies:
  • Bed rest: Your healthcare provider may advise you to take rest and limit physical activity to reduce the risk of bleeding and other complications.
  • Avoiding sexual intercourse: To minimize the risk of bleeding, your healthcare provider may recommend abstaining from sexual intercourse until the placenta migrates away from the cervix.
  • Additional ultrasounds: Your healthcare provider will conduct regular ultrasounds to monitor the placental position and assess the well-being of the baby.
All you need to know
From Birth to Art: Placenta Possibilities
3 min read
L
Lorraine
7 Feb 2024

Hello all, Anyone dealing with a low lying placenta? I saw a specialist and they said my placenta is 2cm away from the uterus😒 It sure has been a tough few weeks, but seems to be getting better. Just curious if anyone dealt with this and any advice how to deal with the stress of it 😏#Stressedmama

Childbirth Stages of labor
5 comments
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Nik
I'm stressing. Mine is 1.73 cm from the cervix. I'm hoping my next scan it moves
27 Mar 2024

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Haven
I had placenta previa where the placenta was covering the cervix. But now it’s grown out of the way but it’s still really close which this is called a marginal previa. The more the uterus grows, the more the placenta will move out of the way!
27 Mar 2024

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Mariah
25 Aug 2023

I was told I have a low lying placenta at my 21week appointment. This is my 3rd time being pregnant. I have never been told this and have had all vaginal births. Does anyone know more about this? I’m scared it means c-section but my doctor never mentioned that. She would like to monitor it and see if my placenta will move up/away from my cervix in 4wks.

Childbirth Stages of labor
2 comments
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Mariah
Praying it moves up 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 I’m so scared to get a csection :(
27 Mar 2024

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S
24 Aug 2023

Doctor told me a few months ago that I had a low lying placenta And my baby was bridge but now today she’s head down. Would that mean my placenta went normal to where it’s supposed to be at? Cuz I’m so confused if I will be a c section or normal

Childbirth Stages of labor
2 comments
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Allison
I almost had to have an emergency c section with Mt second born... the placenta corrected its self at 30 weeks but when my water broke it moved back and his heart almost stopped in labor
27 Mar 2024

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Ashley
23 Aug 2023

The doctor told me today that I have a low lying placenta. I looked it up and that can be very dangerous to me and baby. Has anyone else had this before? This is a 4th pregnancy and I've never heard of it.

Childbirth Stages of labor
3 comments
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Heather
Yes this is my 8th pregnancy and mine is low it has moved up a little.
27 Mar 2024

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Ashley
thank you for responding. I shouldn't have googled it at all. I know it's just informing me but it was saying I could bleed to death and loose my baby or I could be in danger. I just hope it moves up. 😥
27 Mar 2024

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Ariana
13 May 2023

What does it mean when they say you have a low lying placenta should it be something to worry about ?

Childbirth Stages of labor
7 comments
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Colleen
No I don't think so. I think that's what I'm dealing with as well. I am 20 weeks and I hardly feel him moving..just little tiny flutters every once ina. While which is so not normal to me when I've been pregnant 6 times and all my other kids all was active by now I could feel. So I believe this is why I'm not feeling him much
27 Mar 2024

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Kayla
I have the same thing it's nothing really to worry about it just means you're placenta's a little lower than it should be I guess it doesn't create any problems unless it gets lower and by the time your baby is ready to be born it's blocking their way out that is the only time that it will be considered worrisome
27 Mar 2024

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Nira
11 Feb 2023

At my second ultrasound the Dr noticed my placenta to be low lying. Any one else heard of this before? I was 15 weeks when the Dr noticed. Also he says no sex for a month and let's see if placenta moves.

Childbirth Stages of labor
1 comments
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Kimberly
15 Sep 2022

What’s it mean if your placenta is low lying??? Just curious! It’s my third pregnancy and I’m 14 weeks today but never been told that before!

Childbirth Stages of labor
2 comments
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Neisha
I was told that at my ultrasound Tuesday but she didn’t elaborate it’s been bothering me since.
27 Mar 2024

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Kimberly
I was told that Wednesday and it’s been bothering me as well!
27 Mar 2024

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Megan
1 Sep 2022

Little boy is looking perfect. Only concern is a low lying placenta which we are hoping fixes itself.

Childbirth Stages of labor
1 comments
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Marisela
Prayers your way that it gets better
27 Mar 2024

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Delta
10 May 2022

My doctor said that I have a low lying #circumvallate placenta, any ladies have this too? #praying

Childbirth Stages of labor
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Larissa
I do too they said not to worry about it until 32 weeks cause it can move up
27 Mar 2024

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Bridget
I did with my daughter. It's not anything to stress about. Mine moved up by 32 weeks.
27 Mar 2024

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Laiyah
3 Feb 2022

I am in the early stages of a low lying placenta and I just need reassurance that my placenta will more than likely shift to its proper position as my pregnancy progresses . 😔 Im A FTM so I’m a little on edge about this whole thing . Any advice ?

Childbirth Stages of labor
5 comments
C
Chloé
Nan désolé mais parlez-en avec votre sage-femme
27 Mar 2024

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Laiyah
May you translate to English for me please ? 💙
27 Mar 2024

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